Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution seemingly has become one of the most universally accepted ideas of our time. Debates on the subject have highlighted the alleged conflict between science and faith, although capable men and women have shown the two disciplines to be compatible. Unfortunately, evolution’s influence permeates everything today from textbooks to television to children’s toys. As a result, this theory can have a dangerous affect on the way people think about important spiritual matters. Evolution andthe Purpose of Life The Bible reveals God’s purpose for man, both in creation through Adam, and recreation through Christ. God’s power is displayed by man’s weakness (Exodus 9:16), while man’s potential is realized in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). By contrast, evolution essentially teaches that the purpose of life is simply to exist. The weak die; the strong adapt and survive. In effect, this way of thinking is the ultimate form of materialism. However, a man’s life consists neither in the abundance of his possessions, nor the superiority of his genes. Long life, good health and a large family may all be desirable, but they do not commend men to God. In fact, the absence of these things may well teach men to depend on God for their strength (2 Corinthians 12:10). “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Evolution andthe Value of Life Long before Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created

The word “mystery” occurs twenty-two times in the New Testament, most often in the writings of Paul. The apostle used the word ten times in Ephesians and Colossians alone. Our English word is translated from the Greek, musterion, which has an interesting history. According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, the term means “primarily that which is known to the mustes, ‘the initiated’’’ (424). Ancient religious cults often held ceremonies that were open only to those who had been initiated into the secret teaching of the group. These enlightened ones then gained special status and privileges not available to outsiders. Words, however, are ultimately defined by their use, and the New Testament context suggests a different sense of meaning. In the NT it denotes, not the mysterious, but that which, being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those only who are illumined by His Spirit. In the ordinary sense a “mystery” implies knowledge withheld; its Scriptural significance is truth revealed. (424) Notice this pattern in the letter to the Ephesians. Paul explained his knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which consisted of the following: “that Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6). This mystery was unknown to the men of other ages (3:5) but was part of God’s eternal purpose (3:11). When the time was right (1:10), God brought

Unity is desirable, and yet, it is often an elusive quality. Disagreements concerning the means to unity can ultimately render the end impossible to achieve. Unfortunately, doctrine itself has become a casualty, caught in the crossfire of increasingly polarized opponents. In the postmodern world, doctrine is often considered a secondary matter and an obstacle to religious unity. The apostle Paul addressed the connection between doctrine and unity in the epistle to the Ephesians. The Book of Ephesians may be divided into two sections. Chapters 1-3 are focused on what Christ has done for the church, while chapters 4-6 are focused on what the church, in return, should do for Christ. In this context, Ephesians 4:1-6 is a sort of transitional passage linking the two sections. In Christ, men are called into the unity of the Spirit, a perfect fellowship fully realized in God’s eternal plan of redemption. Christians are charged to walk worthy of this calling, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). As indicated by this passage, true unity is the product of God, not man. In one sense, unity might be described as the proper response to God’s grace, which both requires and results from walking in a manner worthy of a Christian. Such a walk involves two elements, the disposition of a servant and the doctrine of the Master. First, Paul listed a series of Christ-like qualities that must be cultivated in the life of every disciple. These are

Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution has become one of the most universally accepted ideas of our time. Debates on the subject have highlighted the alleged conflict between science and faith, although capable men and women have shown the two disciplines to be compatible. Unfortunately, evolution’s influence permeates everything today from textbooks to television to children’s toys. As a result, this theory can have a dangerous effect on the way people think about important spiritual matters. Evolution and the Purpose of Life The Bible reveals God’s purpose for man, both in creation through Adam, and re-creation through Christ. God’s power is displayed by man’s weakness (Exodus 9:16), while man’s potential is realized in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). By contrast, evolution essentially teaches that the purpose of life is simply to exist. The weak die; the strong adapt and survive. In effect, this way of thinking is the ultimate form of materialism. However, a man’s life consists neither in the abundance of his possessions, nor in the superiority of his genes. Long life, good health and a large family may all be desirable, but they do not commend men to God. In fact, the absence of these things may well teach men to depend on God for their strength (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:10). “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Evolution and the Value of Life Long before Thomas Jefferson wrote that all