Oxygen - No Longer ‘Lost in Space’

Scientists have been searching for it in outer space for some 230 years. And now they feel confident that they have finally found the elusive commodity. The rare, and highly sought out element, is none other than simple oxygen.

Individual atoms called ‘atomic oxygen’ are common in space and often seen around the larger stars. But ‘molecular oxygen’, which is formed by two bonded oxygen atoms and makes up about 20 percent of the air we breathe on planet Earth, is not.

A team of researchers has discovered the first oxygen molecules in deep space using the Herschel space telescope near the star-forming regions in the Orion nebula. The element was detected in an area roughly 1,500 light-years from Earth by the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory using infrared detectors.

"Oxygen is the third most common element in the universe and its molecular form must be abundant in space," said Bill Danchi, Herschel program scientist at the NASA Headquarters in Washington. Paul Goldsmith, a project scientist at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said, "This explains where some of the oxygen might be hiding but we didn't find large amounts of it. We still don't understand what is so special about the spots where we do find it. The universe still holds many secrets."

The scientific world has exploded in just the last few decades and in many realms. Obviously, a great number of their discoveries have enhanced and improved the quality of life for millions around the globe. But these new, and sometimes stunning, discoveries come at a price. Multiple millions are spent and countless companies, labs, and individuals devote their time, training and talent to find and these so-called ‘secrets of the universe’.

But the thing that always puzzles me is how many of those who delve so deeply into the complex intimacies of their own planet, and beyond, typically don’t think more about the existence and involvement of an all-knowing Creator. If they do, most certainly hide that aspect of their findings and beliefs in this sphere. It seem incredible, again to me, that the things discovered, along with those areas where they can’t even scratch the surface, would lead some to at least ponder the possibility that someone beyond our comprehension intentionally designed it all.

If any group of people should think through the existence of the obvious intelligent design demonstrated by the universe, it should be the ones who study its miraculous details the most. Romans 1:20 certainly confirms this concept. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

But even for those with no scientific training or knowledge, the very first verse of the Bible reveals the source of all things – understood or not. Genesis 1:1 begins, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Later in that foundational chapter, there is another great reality declared. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

The Bible continues to relate God’s incomprehensible power and His constant involvement in the planet we live on and everything in the universe that surrounds it. One good example of this is seen in Psalm 147:4-5. “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” Then in the New Testament, this same subject is addressed. It again declares God’s as the designer and maintainer of all things – and this time through His Son Jesus Christ who is likewise full deity and Almighty God.

Colossians chapter one speaks of Christ in verse 15 as follows. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” The word ‘consist’ means to literally ‘hold together’. Christ is the supernatural ‘glue’ that bonds the universe He created together.

The answers for all questions are wrapped up in the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paul, speaking of the God-head writes in Colossians 2:3, “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” And no matter how far man proceeds, scientifically speaking, there will always be far more questions and theories than answers to the amazing and miraculous creation about them.

But when it comes to having a personal relationship with the great Creator-God, and having one’s sins fully forgiven in Christ, there is no question or theory. There can be 100% certainty. (1John 5:13). The answer to salvation takes no advanced degree, superior I.Q., or vast sums for research. This greatest of all discoveries is easily found and clearly stated in God’s word. Passages on the subject abound. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 16:31, Romans 6:23, 10:13, 1John 5:11-12)

But the verse that says it best, and is perhaps the second most well-known in Scripture behind that first creation verse in Genesis chapter one, is John 3:16. All the ingredients to research the source, motives, and means of redemption appear there for all to fully discover and accept.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Bill Breckenridge