“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed” (Psalm 102:25,26).

One of the most important of all scientific principles is called the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Although decay and death have always been common to human experience, it was not realized until modern times that this was a universal law of science.

This fact was revealed in the Bible, however, at least 3000 years ago. As indicated in our text, the universe is growing old, destined finally to perish. There are other references to the same effect: “For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner” (Isaiah 51:6). “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22).

The reason for this depressing law cannot be discerned by science. The reason is theological, not scientific. “Unto Adam He said, . . . Cursed is the ground for thy sake” (Genesis 3:17). Decay and death pervade the world because sin pervades the world.

There are important exceptions, however. Although the heavens perish, God endures. The One who imposed the law is Himself above the law, for “in Him is no sin” (I John 3:5). “Heaven and earth shall pass away,” said the Lord Jesus, “but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

One day “there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3). When Christ “make(s) all things new” in that great day (Revelation 21:5), the groaning creation “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:21). HMM