DEFENDING THE FAITH #262
THE DNA SIGNATURE IN THE CELL
by Bill Nugent
Bill Gates has said that “DNA is like a computer program, but far, far more advanced than any software ever created.” As the science of genetics advances, the more it shows that the genome (DNA) is like God's signature in the cell. DNA, like a software program, contains reams of information. It even has its own four letter alphabet composed of four hydrogen bases: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. Computer binary code, by contrast, uses only a two letter alphabet.
Stephen C. Meyer, Ph. D. (1958- ) has written a seminal book titled Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design published by HarperOne in June 2009. In it, Meyer makes a compelling case that the encoded information in the DNA and the interdependant retrieval system that extracts the information and uses it to synthesize proteins is clear evidence of intelligent design. He shows that the claim that such a complex system could arise by chance is of vanishingly small probability.
Meyer's initial training was in physics and earth science in which he holds a degree from Whitworth College, Spokane, Washington. After working for several years as a geophysicist, he pursued further study at Cambridge University in the U.K. and earned his Ph. D. in the history and philosophy of science.
Meyer became active in the Intelligent Design movement beginning in the early 1990s. Other notable scientific minds in that movement include William Demski, Paul Nelson and Jonathan Wells. Meyer was a cofounder of the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture based in Seattle, Washington. The CSC is an Intelligent Design think tank. The CSC website features a list of hundreds of scientists who have publicly dissented from Darwinism. The list is called "A Scientific Dissent from Darwinism."
The detailed information in the DNA of a "simple" single celled organism, gives the blueprints for the manufacture of the 250 proteins necessary for the function of the cell. A typical protein molecule contains over 400 amino acids that have to be arranged in precise, orderly sequence. Human DNA contains over a billion nucleotide base pairs, over 30,000 genes and more information than the Encyclopedia Britannica. Human DNA is a single molecule yet if you unrolled it, it would be about six feet long! The nucleus of a typical cell regulates over two trillion chemical reactions per second.
Meyer shows that information, whether expressed in written words or spoken language or computer software always comes from an intelligent mind. Information never arises randomly from nature or from any nonintelligent entity.
Prominent evolutionist, Richard Dawkins, when asked during a debate to give an example of any instance in which information was generated by random processes, could not give even one example. Dawkins was stumped on camera.
In essence, Meyer makes the case for the Intelligent Designer (a. k. a. God) using the teleological method of proving the existence of God. "Teleological" is derived from the Greek word "telios" which means "goal" or "purpose."
You're familiar with the illustration that you're walking along a beach and see an old pocket watch washed up on the shore and you examine it and see that it's too complex to have been formed by random action of wind and waves. You conclude that it must have been designed and built by an intelligent being. Meyer's approach, using DNA, is an extremely sophisticated, scientific, and I would say, unassailable, teleological argument for the existence of the Creator God. Meyer's book caused a storm of controversy and vehement, futile opposition by atheists.
God has put His signature in the nucleus of every cell. This is one of the ways God reveals Himself to us through nature. Plants and animals reveal God's handiwork and glorify Him as Creator.
God has also put His signature on the Christian faith in the form of miracles that occur in answer to Christian prayer. I'll never forget meeting Ralph Anderson who told us about a powerful miracle he received as a young man. Ralph was horribly crippled with cerebral palsy until he was instantly, miraculously healed during a service conducted by healing evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman. Ralph showed us the old body brace that he used to wear.
The Bible says that Jesus proved who He was by the miracles He performed. In Acts 2:22 it is written:
"Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs." Jesus miraculously healed the sick and He even raised the dead. In His suffering and death, Jesus took upon Himself the penalty that we deserved because of our sins.
God has three books: the Bible, nature and the conscience. That third "book", the conscience, is in the heart of each person. God speaks to the consciences of people and draws each person to Himself. Many people try to drown out God's voice in the conscience. God's voice is still there, faithfully urging the person to repent and to receive forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ..
Steps to salvation:
Jesus said "Ye must be born again." (John 3:7)
1) Believe that God created you and loves you and sent the Messiah (Messiah is Hebrew for Christ) to redeem you.
2) Believe that Jesus the Messiah came in fulfillment of over 300 Bible prophecies to die for you and take upon Himself the penalty of your sins. (Isaiah 53:5-6, John 6:29, Romans 4:5, First Peter 3:18)
3) Turn from sin and call on the name of Jesus to receive forgiveness. (Romans 10:13)
4) Receive Jesus as Savior and experience the new birth. (John 1:12, Acts 2:38)
5) Follow Him as Lord. (John 14:21)
Prayer to receive salvation:
"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13)
To receive the salvation that Jesus purchased for you at the terrible cost of His suffering and death on your behalf I invite you to pray this simple prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus, the promised Messiah, to die for my sins. I admit that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and I ask for your forgiveness on the basis of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit to empower me to serve you under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Amen."
If you prayed that prayer in the humble sincerity of your heart then you have received everlasting life, which includes power to live right in this life and entrance into heaven in the afterlife!
Bill Nugent, Overcomer Ministries of West Harrison, New York, USA
New Christian book, Lawful or Legalistic by Bill Nugent available in paperback!
Info and ordering link available on his website: www.gracelawandsonship.com
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