In 1905, Albert Einstein formulated the Theory of Relativity. In this theory he hypothesized that “all motion must be defined relative to a frame of reference, and that space and time are relative, rather than absolute concepts.” According to this theory, the faster an object travels and approaches the speed of light, the more its mass will increase. Another thing that happens as things travel faster and faster is that time slows down. His theory of relativity made it possible for astrophysicists to better understand the nature of light, matter, time and gravity.
Einstein was a genius, one of the most brilliant minds of all time, and if you don’t understand his theory, don’t sweat it. You are not alone. Most of us, myself included, can only scratch its surface. But I would like to compare it to another principle that is much easier to understand and also more important to your well-being and happiness. This is the principle not of relativity but of relationship.
Relationship
This is the principle that souls need to come into a new relationship with God — a relationship of love and abiding friendship with their Creator. In order to do this, they need to pass from a state of sin and alienation from God to a new state of grace, love and favor. To make this passage from death to life, people need to renounce their sin, turn to God in faith, have their sins forgiven, and experience the grace of God at work.
You could also call this the doctrine of grace, and if the doctrine of grace sounds intimidating to you, you can just call it “grace.” It comes to souls as a free gift from God. It also comes at a great cost, for the Son of God came down to this earth from heaven and gave His life on the cross so that sinners might receive it.
If you are living in your sins, doing things that God hates, He doesn’t want you to continue in such a state. He wants, by His grace, to make you one of His sons and daughters for all eternity. You may do this by coming by faith to the Son of God. “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)).
It is absolutely necessary to come into a new relationship with God because sin has destroyed any hope of getting into heaven without it. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)). Sin has closed the door forever of man obtaining salvation through his own efforts.
Relative Morals Don’t Work
Einstein’s theory of relativity may work well in the physical universe, and scientists may have confirmed it by observation, but when it comes to morals, relativity doesn’t work. God is infinitely good and absolutely unchanging when it comes to His eternal laws. Sin will always be sin in His sight, and righteousness will always be righteous. God provides absolute standards when it comes to human behaviors. There is not a person alive that has not broken those standards, and because of this, there is not a person alive that doesn’t need forgiveness. People may receive the forgiveness of sins when they come by faith to the Savior of sinners. “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)).
God not only has absolute standards of right and wrong, but He also has absolute love to souls. It was this love that brought Him to send His Son to die for lost sinners. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son ... ” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)). And it is this love that is seeking out sinners in this world today so that they in turn might seek after Him.
Don’t turn this One who loves you away. Bow your heart before Him, and tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Receive His forgiveness for you and He will make you one of His children through faith in Christ. Then live to love Him, for in loving Him, you return, in a small measure, the immense love He has for you.
Right and wrong behavior is not relative, that is, we don’t get to decide for ourselves about right and wrong. God is the One who has the final word — all of us have fallen short of His absolute standards. Because of this falling short, each one of us is headed to a lost eternity. But the good news is that God has provided a Savior through whom we can enter a new relationship with God. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:88For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)).
Mr. Einstein may have had an enormous intellect, way above most of us, but compared to the God who created the universe his intellect is less than a drop in the ocean. Surely each one of us should find it in their heart to love and trust the all-wise, all-knowing God.
Will you repent, believe in Christ and enter into the relationship that will bring you eternal life?
Not receiving the eternal life that God gives has consequences that don’t last for just a weekend. Find out more in “So They Tell Us!”