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Viruses: What Are They and Where Did They Come From?

Viruses: What Are They and Where Did They Come From?

Given the current COVID-19 pandemic I thought it might be helpful to have a blog on viruses, what are they and where did they come from?

Viruses are coded information that infect other systems and co-opt original function to replicate themselves.

In living organisms, viruses are made out of coded DNA or RNA that hijack the machinery of living cells to construct more of themselves, typically until either the cells or organisms die or the defense mechanisms of the organism eliminates them. Viruses are sometimes called “replicators” because they take the resources of the living cell and replicate more of the virus until the cell dies, explodes, and then infects other cells to do the same thing. If this process isn’t stopped by the body’s immune response, it results in the death of the host, along with the virus.

In computers, viruses are made of coded information written in the language of the program it is targeted to infect. These viruses will take over various operations of the original program and redirect the function of the computer to either replicate more virus code to infect more systems or carry out new directives contrary to the original programming.

One commonly asked question about viruses is: Are viruses that infect living organisms alive? In other words, are viruses themselves living organisms? In the scientific world, this is often debated without a final conclusion, and viruses are often described as “being on the edge of life.” This is because the evolutionary worldview has no working explanations as to the origins of viruses and, thus, can’t decide whether they are truly alive.

But, in the biblical worldview, God created life on earth without disease, defect, or death. Life requires three elements to exist—physical matter, energy, and coded information found in the genetic material of all living organisms. God would not only have created the physical matter, such as the atoms He built together into proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA; He would not only have provided the life-giving energy (breath of life); but God would also have written the code—organizing the DNA and RNA letters into the complex coded information that is contained in our chromosomes and is necessary for life.

The life that God created in Eden was flawless, sinless, and without any “bad code” or defects of any kind. When Microsoft and Apple coders write the code necessary for their computers to operate, it is written without viruses. So too, God wrote the code that governs the operations of our physical bodies into our genes—and that code was written without defect and without viruses.

When Microsoft and Apple release their operating systems, viruses do not spontaneously generate from those systems. Likewise, when God created life on earth, it was virus-free and viruses did not spontaneously generate from His creation.

But malicious people can examine the computer operating systems and then choose to hack it, purposely writing new code designed to infect and alter the software’s original function. Satan does not have the power to create life, but being malevolent and intelligent, he is capable of corrupting God’s creation and, thus, after Adam sinned, Satan infected creation with physical viruses—code that was designed to corrupt the physical health of all living organisms on earth.

Jesus said,

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?” “An enemy did this,” he replied (Matthew 13:24–28 NIV84).

The apostle Paul said,

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 8:20–23 NIV84).

The Bible teaches that after Adam sinned, Satan had access to this world. He could now “hack” the genetic code, taking pieces of DNA and RNA, and manipulate it to construct viruses intended to damage and corrupt God’s creation, causing disease, defects, and death. One Bible commentary explains it this way:

Not one noxious plant was placed in the Lord’s great garden, but after Adam and Eve sinned, poisonous herbs sprang up. In the parable of the sower the question was asked the Master, “Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? how then hath it tares?” The Master answered, “An enemy hath done this.” All tares are sown by the evil one. Every noxious herb is of his sowing, and by his ingenious methods of amalgamation he has corrupted the earth with tares (Manuscript 65, 1899 [published in F. D. Nichol, Ellen G. White and Her Critics], Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol. 1, p. 1086.2).

Viruses were not part of God’s original creation; this is why our immune systems fight to eliminate them. Our immune systems operate like computer antivirus software, constantly monitoring for any infection and seeking to eliminate any virus when identified in order to restore us to health—to our original operations.

Viruses are also an apt metaphor for sin itself. Sin is an infection of the mind—a thought virus—bad code that takes over the original design of our minds and co-opts the system from love and trust to fear and selfishness, which it self-propagates. If not stopped, sin is fatal in 100% of cases.

God sent His Son in order to fix this sin-sick condition. Jesus, as a human, was tempted in every way just like we are but was without sin (Hebrews 2:14). Each one of us “is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed” (James 1:14 NIV84). But in the humanity of Jesus, God’s original design for life, truth, love, and freedom overcame the viral infection of lies, fear, and selfishness. God’s original programming was carried out by the choices of Jesus, who purged the sin-virus from the humanity He assumed. Thus, Jesus destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light (2 Timothy 1:10).

When we trust Jesus and open our hearts to Him, the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and writes God’s law (His original operating system) on our hearts and minds:

This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts (Hebrews 8:10 NIV84).

God’s original code for life, for the operation of our hearts and minds, His design law of love, is restored in us as we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Our characters are transformed, and we are restored in heart and mind to be at-one with God. Then, for all who have experienced this restoration of godly character from Christ, we will receive physical transformation when He returns. At the second coming of Christ, all the damage to the DNA and RNA code will be removed and we mortals will put on immortality, this corruption will put on incorruptions! (1 Corinthians 15:42).

So as the world struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t be discouraged; we can be sure that, because of Jesus, God will heal and restore from every defect and disease all who trust Him.


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Testimony 27

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

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

 

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 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

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 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

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 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 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA