The expanding universe

When Albert Einstein published his general theory of relativity in 1916, he changed the world of science forever. One of the most groundbreaking discoveries he formulated concerns the continuous expansion of the universe. This astonishing fact reminds us not only of the vastness of the universe but also of a statement by the Psalmist: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love. He will not always contend or remain angry forever; he has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps 103,8-11).

Yes, so incredibly real is God's grace because of the sacrifice of His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The formulation of the psalmist: "As far as the east is from the west" deliberately explodes our imagination of a magnitude that even surpasses the perceptible universe. The James Webb telescope delivers the first images. NASA presented the sharpest and deepest infrared image of the universe to date, opening up new perspectives on the history of our universe.

Consequently, no one can imagine the extent of our salvation in Christ, especially when you consider what it all entails. Our sins separate us from God. But Christ's death on the cross changed everything. The gulf between God and us is closed. In Christ, God reconciled the world to himself. We are invited into His fellowship as family, into perfect relationship with the Triune God for all eternity. He sends us the Holy Spirit to help us draw near to Him and place our lives under His care so that we may become like Christ.

Next time you look at the night sky, remember that God's grace surpasses all dimensions of the universe and that even the longest distances we know are small compared to the extent of his love for us.

by Joseph Tkach