The stability of matter is a continuing puzzle to physicists. They point out that when you consider all the physical forces at work in matter, even in something as simple as a glass of water, it’s sort of miraculous that everything doesn’t just collapse and then, releasing huge amounts of energy, blow up. Consider that water, H2O, is simply eight electrons orbiting in “space” around eight tightly packed protons and neutrons (oxygen), with, at a further distance, two electrons each orbiting around independent protons (2 hydrogen atoms). This 99% +  configuration of space with a few tiny particles, incredibly has bulk and substance. And also incredibly, it has stability under the repelling force of positive proton charges packed together in the nucleus, and the stresses of gravity, atmospheric pressure, and magnetic field.

If matter was not somehow so stable, we’d be at risk of setting off nuclear explosions every time we stirred a cup of coffee or a glass of tea!

Why are the molecules and atoms of life, and all matter as we know them, so incredibly stable? Why are all the physical constants of “nature” so well balanced? Christians have the answer. The Bible says, speaking of Christ, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Col 1:16,17).

Ultimately Christ controls the stability and spatial density of things. He used this control to demonstrate His divinity to us. Possibly by using the space inherent in matter to cram more water molecules together, He was able to densify water under his feet so that it could support His weight (John 6:16-21). And even though proving to the disciple Thomas that He was flesh (matter), the risen Christ walked through walls (John 20:19-29). No big deal for Him who created matter in the first place, since matter is mostly all space anyway.

The Bible also says that there will come a day (“the day of the Lord”) when things will no longer hold together as they are. In fact, it says that the root structure of matter will collapse with release of incredible energy. “The elements (basic building blocks) will melt (melt down, dissolve, collapse) with intense heat!” (2 Peter 3:10,12). Here we have an incredibly accurate picture of the power within the atom, of the energy released in atomic fission, written long before there were any nuclear scientists. He who being one with the Father and the Spirit was before all things. He who came to earth in love for us. He it is who stabilizes things in the present, and will de-stabilize them one day in the future, to re-stabilize them in “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:21).

- Mark Cadwallader, Board Chairman of Creation Moments

Image: Atom, Envato.

Permission is granted to reprint this material on the condition that it is not modified in any way and that it is attributed to Creation Moments, Inc.

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About The Author

Mark W. Cadwallader

Mark W. Cadwallader is Board Chairman of Creation Moments and has served on the Board since 1996. He holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and has worked as an applied materials scientist and engineer in plastics, oil additives, and pollution control for 20 years. He operates his own consulting firm, providing product development and expert failure analysis among other services. Mark has been a supporter of Creation Moments since 1983 and credits the ministry for opening his faith to the unerring credibility of the Bible in all areas including science, and thus helping to transform his life. Mark has published over 100 articles and conference papers in his scientific field of expertise as well as in Creation Science and apologetics. He is a conference and seminar speaker in his field of geosynthetics and pollution control, and in Creation/Intelligent Design. He has given expert testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Hazardous Materials. Mark and his wife Susan homeschool their six children in Conroe, Texas.



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