Some people say they believe God created the universe, but he’s not involved in our lives. This is deism. Did God create us so we could do whatever we want? This is essentially what deism means. Instead of being accountable to an all-knowing God, we want to live our own way.
Deism is the belief in the existence of a supreme being that doesn’t intervene in the universe. The theory began in the 17th and 18th centuries during the time period called the age of enlightenment. People seemed to know that the earth and universe are very complex. Complex creations point to a creator. Intricate details don’t just appear. People reasoned that there must be a creator, but that is as far as they wanted to take it. The opposite of deism is theism. Theism is a belief in the existence of one God as creator of the universe that intervenes and sustains personal relationships with his creatures. Theism is what the bible talks about.
Actually, it could be said that deism didn’t begin in the 17th and 18th centuries. It actually began with Satan and Adam and Eve in the garden. Satan believed in God. He asked Eve, did God really say…? However, he wanted Eve to think that even though God exists, she could do whatever she wanted to do.
The ideas of deism continue today. An agnostic person sees things with their brains but then can’t seem to reconcile everything, so they throw up their hands and simply say I don’t know. A form of deism also lives on in Unitarian churches where the bible is not taught as the inspired Word of God. It is simply one of many books of possible wisdom.
The bible is more than just a book of wisdom, although it is full of good wisdom. Jesus is more than just a good teacher. In fact, when Jesus walked the earth, he said things that could be considered crazy or downright lies if he was not who he claimed to be. He forgave sins, performed miracles, and even said that he existed before Abraham.
Jesus came to earth to first and foremost save us from our sins. He came to be a holy sacrifice by taking the sins of the world on Himself. He suffered and died so everyone’s sins could be atoned for. Then He rose again to prove that there is hope beyond sin for anyone who believes in Him.
So, you see, the God of the bible is very active in our lives. God so loved us that He took the wrath that we deserved on Himself. What love is this? A great love! Since He didn’t spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else (Romans 8:32)?
The main plot in the bible is God’s love for His creation. And throughout the bible, God points out how much He cares for us.
Matthew 10:29-31 says, What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Philippians 4:19 points out that this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 tells us to give all our worries and cares to God, because he cares for us. And Luke 12:32 goes further to say, don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. God calls Himself a Shepherd, and His people are His flock of sheep that follow His voice. Sheep desperately need a shepherd, and the shepherd tends to them 24/7. This is how God feels about us. Jeremiah 32:41 tells us that He finds joy in doing good for his people and will faithfully and wholeheartedly guide them and plant them in their land.
Even more insight into God’s care for us can be found in Psalm 139. He examines our hearts and knows everything about us. He knows what we do and even what we think. God knows what we are going to say even before we say it. He goes before me to clear my path, and yet He still has my back. When we accept His Spirit into our hearts, we can never get away from it. When I do good deeds, He is there to encourage me. And when I sin, He is there urging me to repent and step back into His light. His loving hand guides me, and His strength supports me. My body is delicate and complex, and He designed every inch. How precious are God’s thoughts about me? I lose track of the number of times He has helped me. He loves me and will stay with me forever.
You may not actually be a deist. You may believe in God wholeheartedly. But deism can seep into our lives in little ways. Your practical living may lapse into deism if you’re not careful.
Do you ever wonder if this problem you’re having is too small for God to worry about?
Do you ever think, who am I to hear from God?
Do you ever say, I’ve got to solve this problem on my own?
Step away from these thoughts as soon as you realize you’re having them. Read about God’s love for you in your bible. The whole book is a portrait of God’s love for his people, including you. You are not left to your own devices.
When people realize that a Creator must exist, the next logical thought is to realize that same Creator loves and cares for you, or He wouldn’t have made and designed you. Then a third thought should come to your mind. If a loving Creator made me, then it is reasonable for me to be accountable to Him with how I live my life.
Saying I believe God created the universe but stopping there, is a way for me to recognize facts and yet still be the lord of my own life. If God is far off and doesn’t get involved with my life, then I get to do whatever I want. Psalm 10:11 says it this way: people think God isn’t watching us. He has closed His eyes and won’t even see what we do. But God is watching me. Not from a distance. But up close and personal. It is hopeless to believe in the theory of deism.
God knew when He created us that we would do whatever we wanted to do, but He longed for us to come back to Him and thank Him for our very lives. He wants us to choose to glorify Him with our lives. This is how we have joy. Or, as the Westminster Confession of Faith says, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
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