It seems that many news reports that I encounter emphasize and glorify the scientific discoveries of man. You don’t have to work very hard to find this kind of reporting. Some recent examples that I came across included reporting on scientific findings about genetic patterns in homosexual men, linking specific chromosomes to sexual preference, and the genetic engineering of viruses to thwart the growth of brain cancer tumors. These weren’t part of a scientific report in some obscure journal either. These reports were part of standard daily reporting by the BBC. If journalism can be used as a barometer for popular opinion, it is safe to say that societal trust in conclusions made in scientific research is the norm.
The scientific apologist will be quick to say that proper science provides insight into observed facts, has no agenda, no bias, and therefore must be trusted. Even with these high standards of rigor that are so important to scientific research, conclusions once thought to be immutable have flip-flopped in the past, and will do so in the future. Scientific research and conclusions are limited by the finite capacities of man, which explains why theories do change as more information becomes available. Even so, you will struggle to find many people in modern society who will trust in the truly immutable promises of God over contrary conclusions made in scientific research. It is a sad commentary to say that science has become a god of this age.
However, we know that God does not lie (Hebrews 6:18) and God does not change (Malachi 3:6). What can be trusted more than that which does not change? This plain truth, God’s Word as it is presented in the Bible, is more trustworthy than anything concluded by the limited intellect of man. What a blessing it is to have enough insight to believe it.
Once we learn about the truth of God – the one that is worth believing – it boggles the mind that anyone could trust in anything different. Why is it that so many refuse to trust in God? Why is it that so many trust in the limited knowledge of man instead? Certainly, the influence of Satan causes many to reject or turn away from God and favor the pride of man. But it also takes a certain state of mind and a specific state of being to completely have faith in God. Spiritual conversion is necessary in order to obtain the Spirit of God, and thereby gain spiritual understanding (1 Corinthians 2:11). Unfortunately, this is not a popular path to follow for man – at least not yet.
In this present age we can expect that trust in the pride of mankind will increase, and that faith in God’s truth will be rejected or wane throughout most of the world. Of this we have been warned: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD’” (Jeremiah 17:5). However, we also have this encouragement to guide us: “‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD’” (Jeremiah 17:7). In whom will you choose to trust?
