“In the beginning God created” (Genesis 1:1). His purpose was not withheld from Him (cf. Job 42:2). His abilities transcend the impossible (cf. Matthew 19:26). With His power and through His Word creation ensued (cf. John 1:3). From nothing came something. He announced, “’Let there be light’; and there was light…’Let there be a firmament…let it divide the waters…’ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters. ‘Let the earth bring forth grass…’ And the earth brought forth grass… ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures…’ So God created great sea creatures… ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature…’ And God made the beast of the earth…” His creation boasted much, yet the pinnacle did not yet exist. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’” “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). The sixth day God created man. Peculiar from the other facets of creation, man was given two natures. God gave man physical form “of the dust of the ground.” This side of man was meant as a tent – temporary and perishable. Then, God gave man spiritual life of His own breath. The Psalmist reflected, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5).

By the same Word with which He created, the creation was sustained, and continues to be (cf. Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:17). Contrary to human wisdom, God did not create and let alone. He did not set in motion evolutionary processes. He wished not for chaos, but order. With created nature comes created law. Such laws are governed by the Divine Who is immutable, thus His laws are likewise immutable. When the foolish or ignorant attempt to oppose or change an immutable law they sign up for failure. God has revealed this truth by word, and through example. As His creation it would be prudent to conform to these laws lest we perish.

The “dust of the ground” nature of man is subject to the immutable natural law. So long as man conforms to this law he thrives. When the law is defied there is defeat. No man can challenge the law of gravity without losing. From a simple fall to our bed, to a daring plunge from the sky, gravity prevails. These laws directly relate to the nature they govern. The multifaceted laws of nature can be seen, touched, tasted, heard, and smelled. With these senses we learn our limits, and live accordingly. No revelation is needed in addition to the evidence of creation for it can all be discovered by man.

The “breath of life” nature is that which animates the “dust of the ground” nature. When the two are separated the product is death (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:6-7). Yet the death is that of the temporary. The soul continues to exist. Its eternal whereabouts are determined by the deeds done while occupying, and therefore animating the “dust of the ground” nature (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Eternal life is the outcome of a life lived in submission to the immutable spiritual laws given by God to govern the spiritual man. Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish are given to the one who acts in defiance (cf. Romans 2:6-11). One must understand that immutable laws are impartial, and therefore apply to the whole. Anyone who jumps from a plane will fall to the earth. Anyone who disobeys God’s spiritual law has transgressed and therefore dies in separation from God (cf. 1 John 3:4; Romans 6:23). Thanks be to God who has revealed His immutable spiritual laws to all men that we can live for righteousness unto salvation (cf. Titus 2:11-14)!

It is sad that the majority use sound logic when dealing with natural laws, yet not with the spiritual. We grow hungry for apples, so we sow the apple seed, not the tomato seed. We desire a fluffy companion, so we go to the animal shelter, not the aquarium. We know if we consume poisons we will get sick, and perhaps die. The list goes on. Sound logic is useful. Let us remember that when considering God’s spiritual laws – “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).