Creation Spotlight
The Wonder of God's Ways
Following is an excerpt from the book on the seventh day, a collection
of essays from 40 scientists who tell why they believe in the truth of
the Bible and Creation. This section is by Dr. Arie van Nieuw
Amerongen. He holds a masters degree and Ph.D. in biochemistry from
Vrije University. He is the author of 170 research papers, three
textbooks and holds five patents in the area of dentistry.
I was convinced that I could make the right decisions and the right
choices in the world using my natural understanding and insight.
Therefore, I thought that it could be possible to combine both service
of the Lord and participation in the pleasures and entertainment of the
world. On Sundays I attended church for worship and the rest of the
week I spent in my own pursuits of studying, visiting movies and
theaters, and student festivities.
One Sunday the sermon was on the history of the prophet Elijah, King
Ahab, and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where Elijah said to
the children of Israel, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the
Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21).
This scriptural Word showed me clearly that I had been holding onto two
opinions up to that point: serving in part both the Lord and the devil
and his world. In that worship service the radical choice was made to
follow only the Lord and to leave the world.
For the first time I was aware that “all that is in the world, the lust
of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not
of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).
I came to understand more clearly that the Lord’s ways are always
higher than our ways, as the heavens are higher than the earth, and His
Word will not return to Him void but will accomplish what He pleases
(Isa. 55:9-11).
As a biochemist I have learned to analyze biological processes on a
molecular level. From the very beginning of my study I was impressed by
the regulation of complex physiological processes. During my doctoral
research I studied specific brain proteins and neuronal regulation of
many physiological processes in our body.
Even a body fluid as simple-looking as saliva is so complex and
variable that each type of stimulus results in saliva with appropriate
characteristics. Stressful situations also are immediately reflected in
variation of the composition and properties of saliva. After many years
of study we were able to mimic this fluid only partially because its
functions are so wide and complex. A whole team of researchers could
spend their lifetimes in studying a simple body fluid like saliva and
still not understand it completely.
From my scientific work I am deeply impressed by the wisdom and
knowledge of the almighty God as Creator and supporter of His creation.
The most clever researcher understands only a small part of the Lord’s
creation. I believe the creation points to the Creator, so that “they
[people] are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). It has been a great privilege
for me to have the Lord call me back from the world of the flesh and to
open my eyes both to his creation and to His Holy Scriptures. I am
deeply impressed that the Lord “has quickened me, who was dead in
trespasses and sins; Wherein in times past I walked . . . For by grace
I have been saved through faith; and that not of myself: it is a gift
of God” (Eph. 2:1-8, adapted).
The book on the seventh day is available from the Creation Store for $14.00.
