For creationists and non-creationists the facts are the same. The differences between the two lie in the interpretation of the facts. Christians must be discerning when it comes to scientific facts versus someone’s scientific interpretation.

The discovery of an expanding universe points to a beginning or point of origin for the universe which favors the idea  of a creator. Instead interpreters of science peddle the “Big Bang” idea.

The “Big Bang” idea leaves open the question of where the materials, gases, etc. came from that were necessary for the “Big Bang”.  Because there is no satisfactory observable answer to this question, it becomes a matter of faith to hold this position.

The laws of physics confirm that particles released from an explosion all rotate in the same direction.  We would expect therefore that all heavenly bodies in our solar system rotate in the same direction.

Recent discoveries indicate that there are a couple of heavenly bodies in our solar system that are exceptions to this rule.  At least one of these exceptions rotates in the opposite direction of all the other heavenly bodies in our solar system.  

How should we interpret this finding?  Are the laws of physics incorrect?  Not likely, since repeatable observable phenomenon concerning explosions confirm these laws.  Perhaps we should just consider that our solar system and the universe did not start by the way of an explosion?

Those who would exclude God from the interpretation, look at the precise arrangement of Stonehenge and conclude that an amazing intelligent civilization built it.

The same people then look at our solar system with its precise timing, rotation and delicate balance to sustain life ( a finely crafted timepiece) and conclude that it is not the product of intelligent design?

Which is it?  You decide, but please do not condemn faith’s role in the equation.  An honest assessment should conclude that faith is a factor on both sides of this argument.  It is just that someone’s faith is misplaced.

It is hypocritical of those who believe science has all the answers, to belittle Creationists for “faith” when non-Creationists resort to faith in future discoveries of science when science cannot provide all the facts presently.

Christian faith is not a blind leap in the dark.  Christian faith is built upon the integrity of Scripture and the integrity of scripture is well established.

The Bible is unmatched in the fulfillment of prophecy and it’s accuracy on timing and predicting future events.   Biblical names and places have been affirmed over and over again by archaeology when the interpreters of science said they didn’t exist.

The Bible is not a product of human thought in that it does not cover up the failings and short comings of its main characters and people as a human author would.  This book tells all without bias and without cover up.  It is a divine book and it fully exposes the guilt of mankind in general and God’s people alike for rebellion and self will.  Those that are changed by it’s truth are never the same.  

The fact that the Bible is the most published and printed book in the history of mankind, should prompt even the most devout doubter to examine the Bible’s pages and consider it’s claims.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.  Hebrews 11:3 KJV

• For more information on similar topics go to: www.creationastronomy.com or www.answersingenesis.org
• Of particular interest at The Answers in Genesis website is the article entitled; The Ten Best Evidences from Science that Confirm a Young Earth.
• The Creation Astronomy website is written and produced by Spike Psarris, previously an engineer with the United States military space program.

Are we free from the power of sin or are we just free from righteousness?  

Salvation comes in a package.  The package consists of three saving elements.  At salvation we are saved from the penalty of sin.  In the present we are being saved from the power of sin.  In the future, we will be saved from the very presence of sin.

Most believers are very aware of having been saved from the penalty of sin,  and most Christians are aware of a heavenly destination, but in between many fail to overcome sin’s power in the daily spiritual battle.  Every genuine believer has the power to overcome sin.  Making it a reality is an act of faith based on what Christ has already done.

In the Disney movie “Down Under” the poacher captured a small multitude of rare and unusual creatures to sell illegally.  He kept the menagerie locked in individual cages until he could realize their sale.  

The creatures, in their desperate situation, worked the cages feverishly when the poacher left in an attempt to free themselves. Among the small creatures was an unusual lizard named Frank. Frank would try to pick the lock to his cage with his tail over and over, all the while mindlessly mumbling to himself in a worrisome way.  

During one of these escape attempts, one of the captured menagerie looked over at Frank and was startled to see that Frank’s cage door was open and Frank was standing outside the cage (free), but still mindlessly working the lock with his tail.  Frank was as startled as the rest of them when he realized that he was free indeed.  

Is being free from the power of sin a reality in our lives as believers?  Do we live it?  The just shall live by faith.  Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction based on hearing the Word of God.  Do we reckon it to be so, that we are being saved from the power of sin?   Do we consider it to be so and live accordingly?  Is power over sin a reality from day to day?

When we hear that believers are being saved from the power of sin, does that startle us?  When we hear of spiritual victory, are we skeptical?  Do we tolerate known sin in our life because its just normal?  Is acceptance by the world more important to us than overcoming sin?  Are we just mindlessly going through the motions without any realization of spiritual power? 

The opening question above should be answered honestly.  Are we free from the power of sin, or are we just free from righteousness?

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine (the gospel) where unto ye were delivered.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

                                                                                           Romans 6:16-20

Ephesians 1:13b  ….in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

The Greek word for seal is sphragis which means signet (W.E. Vine). A signet was used to imprint softened wax on a letter or document. The impression made by such a seal identifies the owner of the signet.

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions.  Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.  And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.  Daniel 6:16&17

MacArthur’s study notes on Ephesians 1:13&14 say that a seal represents authenticity, authority, ownership and security. Other study helps usually mention at least two of these four representations.

If something is authentic, it is true and genuine.  Not just anyone can issue a law, declaration or edict.  In ancient times a document or letter that carried the imprint of the king or governor’s signet was understood to be true, genuine, and binding.  

II Timothy 2:19 states; the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. The Lord Jesus Himself says; My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.  Followers of Christ, as evidenced by their love and obedience to His written word, are authentic (true and genuine) Christians.

The king or governor’s edicts were backed by the authority given him by either a greater sovereign or by the power of military force. When the slaughter of the Innocents was ordered by the paranoid King Herod, there was not much that could be done about it.  King Herod’s authority was backed by the power of Rome.  Had an uprising occurred, King Herod most likely would have ordered the slaughter of all who opposed him.

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts (II Corinthians 1:22&23).  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).  

Believers are sealed in Christ.  C.I. Scofield mentions in his notes that the Holy Spirit Himself is the believer’s seal.  The sealing of believers is accomplished in, through and by the highest authority, that of God Himself.

Concerning ownership; What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (I Corinthians 6:19)

The verb form to seal also carries the ideas of preservation, safe keeping and safe delivery (W.E. Vine).  When something is secure, it is surrounded by strength.  

Now the next day, that followed the day of preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said , while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.  Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.  So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch (Matthew 27:62-66).  

In this passage the word translated as sure in the KJV is translated as secure in the NKJV.  The securing of Messiah’s tomb was accomplished by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

In this case the security was only temporary, in the case of the believer the security is eternal.  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).  

To be secure is to be surrounded by strength.  To be surrounded by strength is to be without a care.  Are you sealed and secure in Christ?  

Note: If the Holy Spirit (who is God) is God’s signet then He is the believer’s seal.  The impression made by such a seal identifies the owner of the signet.  Whose image is it that we bear?