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Who Created Whom? Part 2

Who Created Whom? Part 2

by Dominic Rusu

Sin “Creates” Law and Order

We typically think of the state of sin as being destructive—breaking down every perfect thing created by God. (When I use the term “sin” or “state of sin,” I’m referring to the condition of sin, not individual acts of sin.) The idea I want you to consider is that while sin is deviation from God’s design (His law), it has its own “creative” power at work in our world due to the sin state. This creative force did, in fact, lead humanity to create the false god of law and order.

Satan envies God’s creative power. What better strategy for Satan but to tempt humanity to move out of alignment with God’s design for life? The resulting infection of sin changed life on the earth at the deepest astrophysical, climatic, and genetic levels. Chaos and hardship took the place of harmony and happiness. Cycles of birth, survival, reproduction, and death ensued.

This creative force of sin is made of two parts:

  • First, the pressure and stress from the chaos
  • Second, the adaptations that occur because of the will to survive that is in every living being

We study the leopard, its beauty and its abilities, not even able to imagine what it was like pre-sin. We can see that every aspect of a leopard’s physiology, instincts, and behaviors today are adapted to the harsh conditions that exist in a sin-state world. Its skeletal and muscular structures, metabolic pathways, dynamic senses, two-inch canines and retractable claws—all perfectly adapted for one purpose: to kill other animals. In that sense, the sin condition “created” this carnivore and its lethal powers, adaptations that enable the leopard to survive as a species even as its individual members perish. This sin-driven creation is the antithesis of divine creation.

While it is relatively easy for us to objectively consider the impact of the sin-state on the leopard and how sin shaped its adaptations, it is much more difficult for us to apply that same objective thought to the human condition.

As with the leopard, the sin-state has shaped human existence via adaptions in our physiology, instincts, drives, and behaviors. But many don’t see the impact that this sin-state has had on our view of God. And just as adaptation has shaped collective behavior in the animal kingdom, the state of sin has shaped the collective behavior, values, and beliefs of human societies.

Satan’s strategy was to set the stage for the replacement of God with the fall of man and the entry of sin into the world. After Adam sinned, everything began to change—climate, genetics, relationships, and even our perception of time, which now had a finish line, an end, and death loomed large. The sin-state of chaos and the deep fear of non-existence in human society can be characterized as a constant, unrelenting pressure-cooker, which directly produced the survival drives and instincts that became part of the human thought and behavior.

This resulted in a negative reinforcing loop in which fear and selfishness (the survival drive) generates (creates) various sinful inclinations, such as lust, greed, rage, aggression, domination, gluttony, and pride, which motivates human survival behaviors for both individuals and societies which only causes greater fear and selfishness triggering more sinful behaviors to protect and advance self. However, individual selfish (sin-based) behavior, if unchecked, leads to chaos that weakens the group, reducing the likelihood of the survival of all but the very strongest.

I believe Satan planned that, once the pressure-cooker was created, the scarcity and competition for resources to sustain life would drive a tournament pitting human against human. That tournament would lead to adaptation, experimentation, and trial and error around various forms of human governance. And the game changer in this competition between human societies was the idea of the rule of law.

Just as biological and instinctual adaptions to the sin-state have ensured that animal life goes on, the rule of law has also contributed to human survival and progress. But this human rule-of-law approach to governance is every bit a “creation” of sin as are the leopard’s canines and retractable claws.

Humans quickly discovered they had better odds of survival by working together in groups than alone. Tribalism was born, in which authority combined with the rule of law became useful and even necessary. Tribal rule of law evolved into city rule of law, city-state rule of law, and eventually national rule of law. The pressure cooker of the sin-state created early forms of morality—the rule of law, which focused on deeds—and was followed quickly by the idea of law and order.

When someone is born into or joins a society, the implied social contract between the individual and the governing structure is this: I give up some measure of independence and freedom in exchange for increasing my odds of survival and wellbeing. People born into such societies learn to either agree to abide by the rule of law and limit the ways in which they satisfy their selfish inclinations, or they suffer the consequences of inflicted punishment—isolation, banishment, or even execution. Survival is enhanced by both obeying the rule of law and forcing others to obey also.

Behavior that breaks the law is punished according to the law. And most of us instinctively believe that this is right(eous) and just(ified)—otherwise the system would break down; chaos would ensue; and our lives, our family’s lives, and future generations would be less secure.

Looking back in time, we see that societies with stronger rule of law have tended to thrive and develop more effectively than cultures with weaker rule of law. The benefit of the rule of law is clear, whether attributed to a deity, a king, or a secular modern republic.

The correlation between rule-of-law status and gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of economic creation, per capita is not just linear, it is exponential. This means that in modern societies, a unit improvement (e.g., stronger property rights, less corruption) in the rule of law produces much more than a unit increase in GDP per capita, and that relationship accelerates at a higher and higher rate as the rule of law improves.

For instance, moving from the Wild West with gunslingers doing as they please (the strongest individuals surviving), to U.S. Marshals, circuit judges, and then to community sheriffs and local judges with consistent enforcement of the rule of law, resulted in societal gains—improved economy, health care, education, infrastructure, housing, personal wealth, and, thus, not mere survival but an improved standard of living.

Societies vary over time in terms of the strength of the rule of law. We see this play out in the tension between individual rights (freedom) and what those in power believe is for the good of everyone (rule of law). If externally imposed laws become too restrictive on human autonomy and liberty, then society also begins to suffer; consider, for example, the overly restricted rule of law in communist countries. So there is a tension between our desire for individual liberty and our drive to survive. Total individual freedom—the “law of the jungle”—reduces individual survival as does too much rule. Going too far either way weakens a society, both socially and economically.

The tension, disgust, and fear we feel as we watch the chaos of riots today validate the existence of this useful and powerful human instinct. The rule of law not only protects us, it strengthens us as a group. Without it, we are weakened and become vulnerable to the chaos of the sin-state world. But too much law restricts liberty and stifles growth. Consider, for instance, the impact on the economy through governmental restrictions on business and personal liberty during COVID.

Even in a society as meek and altruistic as a church organization, we see the utility of the rule of law. Members abide by the code of behavior and testify to the official beliefs. We see a hierarchy of power that deals with deviations by individuals and struggles with societal forces that exert pressure on its traditional norms and beliefs. This rule-of-law governance system of the church exists for the survival of the group, not for the ultimate wellbeing of the individual. Ironically, through evangelistic outreach, the message is one of individual eternal wellbeing. But even underneath this outreach is a strategy for survival of the group.

Back in the 1970’s, I attended a private Christian academy where it was “against the law” to go to the movie theater. Faculty would cruise theater parking lots to enforce “law and order.” We students were confused. The reason for enforced codes of conduct were murky. Were our teachers so concerned about our characters that they would spend their evenings on a dragnet? Were the norms really about morality and character? Or was something else going on?

If our principal had just been truthful and explained the real reason for group norms, a lot of grief could have been avoided and a certain level of respect established: “Students. We have rules against certain behaviors—theater attendance is one of them. I don’t really care personally if you go to the movies or not. However, the wealthy people who support this organization have certain expectations of me. Our academy has an image that is important to our survival. If I and the administration are viewed a permissive, that brand is compromised and we will lose revenue. So, your choice. Abide by the rules or leave; I don’t care what you choose. I do care about this organization and my job though.”

My point with this example is that the confusion of real morality and the condition of the individual character with the rule of law, which protects groups, organizations, and societies, and is not actually ever concerned with the individual, is rampant. And such confusion feeds this idea of a god of law and order presiding over the ultimate court scene in heaven.

Hammurabi of Babylon is credited with the first extensive and codified rule of law, circa 1754 BC. There were codes of law previously in this region of the world and elsewhere (e.g., China), but his code was a significant step forward in the development in the rule of law. It even included some aspects of the presumption of innocence. The code included laws addressing slander, fraud, slavery, labor, theft, trade, liability, divorce, adultery, and perjury. Later codes include the Hittite, Assyrian, and Mosaic variants.

The people of the Fertile Crescent tended to view their kings as divine. As such, Hammurabi was thought of as a god-king on earth, and he is still honored to this day even in secular governments. A marble relief portrait of his depiction as the lawgiver is displayed over the gallery doors of the House Chamber in the U.S. Capitol Building. The rule of law has always been connected to the governing role and power of authority—whether democratically elected, or by birth as in a monarchy, or by violence as in the case of despots.

Uniting the rule of law with the belief in God (whether the true God or a pagan god) meant better group cohesion and odds of survival. Think of the progression. Authority used the rule of law to protect, bring justice, strengthen cooperation, and create stability—and such authority is equated with divinity. A god-king’s reign was most effective when it compelled right behavior through the execution of force, power, and coercion. Citizens complied because of the visceral fear of non-existence caused by the sinful state.

Not only does the rule of law offer adaptive advantages to groups, it gives the individual a sense of control and power, reducing their own sense of fear and helplessness. Rule-keeping makes individuals feel safe and even righteous, which offsets the fear of punishment that sin instills. Thus, the rule of law appeals to the selfish heart as a means of protecting self through personal obedience and performance. It even provides a sense of control over the lawgiver, who is restrained from using power against a citizen who keeps the law. It is no wonder this rule of law construct has entered into every religion of the world.

 

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Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA