‘Solid’ objects are just nuclear forces arrayed in space

The bible teaches that all things were created in God the Son and that they hold together in Him (Colossians 1:15-17).  That should alert us to look for realities beyond the way material things appear.  A huge building, for example, is just atomic ‘particles’ vibrating in space.  Its particles are positively or negatively charged or neutral, convertible to energy and infinitesimally small.  If they could be packed together with no space between them, the building could not be seen under a microscope.  The building is solid to touch because the forces in its atomic structure repel similar forces in my hand.

In other words, the whole material universe is little more than nuclear forces arrayed in space.  That discovery is a step on the road to understanding how all things could exist and hold together in God the Son, Whom the bible calls “the power of God.”  Perhaps, for example, the entire universe is a grand thought in the mind of God.

Whatever the case, Jesus’ Lordship of creation is a key theme of the New Testament, for example:

“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature, upholding the universe by his word of power.”  Heb 1:1-3, RSV

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  …  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”  John 1:1-4, 14, RSV

In the past, rationalists might have felt justified in ridiculing the idea that all things were created, and are held together, in Christ.  Today it seems that the Owner of the universe inspired those verses of the bible knowing that we would eventually understand nuclear physics.

All things – including our ability to do science – were created in Christ.  Those who first accessed the ability to do science believed Christ and His Word and blessed mankind with astonishing scientific achievements.  No wonder the bible calls Jesus and those who believe what He says “the light of the world.”[1]