Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

JOURNEY TO THE EPICENTER: THE PROBLEM

Over a century ago, a science fiction novel appeared entitled “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” It captured imaginations of the impossible. Accordingly, its popularity led to movies, television series, etc. Of course, the center of the earth consists of molten magma which would allow the existence of life as we know it no more than the sun would. Still, it is a reminder that a lot of folks prefer their imagination over reality. But there are other matters into which the core may be delved, examined, and which produces unshakable information of immense value. Such is the core of “The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints.” This is systematized theology set forth from the extraterrestrial dimension to eternally benefit mankind.

The epicenter of this core is the universal condition of the human species. Simply put it is the perpetual presence of sin through “Hereditary Depravity of the Total Man.” The journey to this core is not restricted to a few with special equipment, but one every member of the species makes by extraterrestrial outreach, and may only be denied by willfully closing the mind to reality. Here at the core, the playing field is completely level. It is indisputably found that “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:12, and several Psalms) It is the message of foundational truth from which any progress must be made possible.

Since mankind was created to dominate the earth and all therein, whatever happens to him is of his own doing. The Creator will not override man’s free moral agency, nor will He allow any other force natural or supernatural to do so. While this seems a very good thing, it also puts the species in eternal jeopardy. Simply put, if all are condemned by a sinful nature, then how shall man’s destiny be changed? A sinful nature cannot offer sinlessness, but the destiny of destruction was entered freely by the first humans, and this means that a change in destiny must also be effected by a human. It is here at this core, that the marvel of all times appears. It is the eternal creator pushing Himself out into a human expression, and as a human in which the life force of God lived, doing for mankind what he otherwise could never do for himself. Paul argues in I Corinthians 15, that the power of salvation is on the basis of a decision being lawfully and extraordinarily provided by Jesus. But it may only be claimed or exercised from the core truth that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Let all then return to the core, and find reversal of destiny in the one God-man who could, and did, provide it.

FOR THOUGHT: How often do you journey to the epicenter of your life?

How often do you turn away from what you see there? God knows each one is a sinful creature deserving the flames of hell, but Jesus made the

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