Monday, October 6, 2008

The Whirlpool Galaxy...A "Grand Design"


The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) is one of the most beautiful objects in the heavens. It is located in the constellation Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs), about 31-million light years from Earth. The bright, yellow center of the galaxy is estimated to be 38-thousand light years across. The Whirlpool Galaxy is classified by astronomers as a "Grand Design" galaxy because of its well-defined spiral structure.

Unfortunately, many people look at a beautifully designed object like the Whirlpool Galaxy and deny the existence of the Designer. Would you look at a building and deny the existence of a builder? Would you look at a painting and deny the existence of a painter? Of course not. Neither should you look at something as amazing as a the Whirlpool Galaxy and deny the existence of the Designer--the Creator--God. "He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the humble; He cast the wicked to the ground" (Psalm 147:4-6).

One day you will die and stand before the Grand Designer, God Almighty, and give an account of your life. How will you do on that day? Measure yourself by the standard of God’s Law. Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever taken God’s name in vain? Have you ever murdered in your heart by hating another person or by being angry without cause? Then, according to God’s perfect and holy standard, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemous, murderer at heart. The Bible says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31)—the God who spoke the Universe into existence.

If God finds you guilty of breaking His Law, then He must punish you. And the punishment for sinning against God is eternity in hell (Revelation 21:8). But there is good news!

God the Father sent His sinless Son, Jesus Christ (God in the flesh), to take upon Himself the punishment you rightly deserve for your sins against God when He shed His innocent blood and died on the cross. Three days later He forever defeated death when He rose from the grave. To receive the free gift of eternal life, Jesus said you must be born again (John 3:3, 7). If God causes you to be born again, you will recognize that you cannot save yourself. You will repent (turn away from your sins) and put your trust and faith in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation. You will pass from death into life and receive the free gift of eternal life.

The God who created you; the God who created the Whirlpool Galaxy is the only One who can save you. Please consider these things carefully. Repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read the Bible every day and obey what it says.