Origin of Life: Cause or Coincidence

The origins of life are often presented as a choice between two faith-based systems. On one hand, evolution teaches a materialistic worldview where "nothing plus no one equals everything." It suggests that we are the result of impersonal forces, time, and chance—essentially "slime plus time." On the other hand, the biblical worldview asserts that the universe is a deliberate effect requiring an infinite, intelligent Cause. As we look at the complexity of the world, we must ask: is it merely a coincidence, or is there a purposeful design?

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” (1 Corinthians 3:19)

The Conflict of Worldviews

The debate between creation and evolution is not just a scientific disagreement; it is a "civil war of values." Evolution provides a foundation for a worldview that excludes God, leading to a rejection of divine revelation in favor of human autonomy. When man rejects the Creator, he often rejects the moral and spiritual boundaries set forth in the Word of God. This struggle is at the root of many societal shifts, as the world system pushes against the clear teachings of Scripture.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

General and Special Revelation

God reveals Himself to mankind in two primary ways. General Revelation is found in the creation itself—the heavens, the earth, and the intricate systems of life that "scream" of a Designer. However, creation alone is not enough to bring a soul to salvation. For that, we need Special Revelation, which is the written Word of God. The Bible identifies the Creator by name: the Lord Jesus Christ. True science should lead us to wonder at His handiwork, which in turn should lead us to the Savior.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

The Impossibility of "Theistic Evolution"

Many attempt to bridge the gap by combining evolution and the Bible, a view known as theistic evolution. However, the two accounts are fundamentally incompatible. The Bible describes an order of creation that contradicts evolutionary theory at every turn: birds before reptiles, land plants before sea life, and a world that started covered in water rather than a dry, molten mass. Furthermore, the biblical account leaves no room for millions of years of death and disease before the fall of man. If "very good" included a fossil record of agony, then the character of God is called into question.

Contrast of Origins: Bible vs. Evolution

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31)

Irrefutable Design in Nature

Nature is filled with examples of "irreducible complexity" that defy evolutionary explanations. Consider the Lamp sillus muscle, a small clam that uses a piece of its own tissue to mimic a minnow. This "lure" is so realistic that it attracts specific fish, such as bass, only to spray its larvae into the fish's mouth at the perfect moment. Or consider the Orchid that mimics a female wasp in both look and scent to fool male wasps into pollinating it. These systems require every part to be functional and perfectly timed from the very beginning. They are not the products of random mutations, but the artistic and skillful work of a Mind.

“O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” (Psalm 104:24)

The Foundation of Truth

Ultimately, if we cannot trust what the Bible says about "earthly things"—like the six-day creation or the global flood—how can we trust what it says about "heavenly things" like salvation and the resurrection? The Lord Jesus Christ is both the Creator and the Redeemer. Only the One who had the power to call the universe into existence has the authority to redeem His fallen creatures.

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3)

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

The evidence for design is all around us, censored only by those who wish to avoid the accountability that comes with a Creator. For those who seek the truth, the fingerprints of God are visible in every cell and every star, inviting us to know the One who made us.

*Summary based on Dr. Jobe Martin's “Evolution of a Creationist: Part III: Cause or Coincidence" drafted with help of Google Gemini