Jesus' mere presence on Earth affirms the value that God had already placed upon our planet. "Because Christ took on flesh, we believe matter matters."
-Jonathan Merritt
The Christian idea of the natural order as God's place of action and dwelling is intensified by the doctrine of incarnation, perhaps one of the most remarkable Christians ideas. In essence, the doctrine holds that God did not choose to remain in heaven, but entered into human history in the form of a human being. Rather than demanding that we ascend to God in order to be saved, God chose to enter into our world, to met us there, and to bring us home.... if God valued this world enough to enter into it, and dignify it with divine presence, then Christians ought to hold that place of habitation with appropriate respect.
-Alister McGrath
Matter matters.
Scripture teaches us with crystal clarity God loves this whole planet. He loves it so much, He assigned value to it. He loves it so much that He paused and took time to call it "good". He loves it so much that He has entered into a holy covenant with it. He loves it so much that He reveals parts of Himself through it. He loves it so much that He asked us to take good care of it until He returns to redeem it.
-Jonathan Merritt
The future does not provide an excuse for the present. Wars will continue until the Prince of Peace comes, but we must still pursue harmony now. Hunger and poverty will remain until the Bread of Life returns, but we must still care for those in need now. Sin will permeate this earth until the Spotless Lamb arrives, but we must preach forgiveness now. Our actions today should be driven by our knowledge of what is to come.
-Jonathan Merritt
The rest of the world grows clearer, not dimmer, in the light of Christ. God created matter; in Jesus, God joined it.
-Philip Yancey
