The doctrine of the sustaining of the universe

1. The continuation of the universe and all its creatures depends upon the omnipotence and immutability of Jesus Christ, Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3.

2. So-called scientific laws simply do not exist. These are divine laws rather than scientific. Science has no way of enforcing them, cannot guarantee that they will continue tomorrow.

3. These so-called scientific laws are based upon the statistical assumption that the universe which operates according to a fixed norm will continue to do so. While science can observe these laws science cannot guarantee these laws.

4. The universe with its matter, energy, and operating laws of God will not always exist as it does at the present time, 2 Peter 3:10-12; Revelation 20:11.

5. Known scientific laws and phenomena depend entirely upon the faithfulness of God, which is omnipotence plus immutability plus veracity. Every text and every discovery of the pattern of the universe is a treatise on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 13:8.

6. By the word of His power Jesus Christ holds the universe together — Hebrews 1:3.

7. The reason for doing so is to resolve the angelic conflict. This resolves the angelic conflict in history and brings many sons into glory, Hebrews 2:10.

8. Summary: To allow grace to run its full course Jesus Christ is holding the universe together. Christ is holding the universe together right now, tomorrow, the next day, the next. The laws of sustaining the universe belong to God. They demonstrate His faithfulness, His perfect character. These laws can be changed or overruled by the sovereignty of God as illustrated in 2 Peter 3:10-12. However, the promises and doctrines of the Bible are unchangeable. The universe will change but the Bible will not. You have more stability in the Bible than you have in the universe. While God has promised to maintain the universe under its present state for history it will change. In contrast, the believer will remain forever, even surviving the destruction of the present universe, Hebrews 12:26-28. 9. Conclusion: Therefore scientific laws are simply the faithfulness of Jesus Christ holding the universe together, and at the same time holding back eternity so that the human race will have the opportunity to appropriate the grace of God through Jesus Christ.