The Fingerprints of Intelligence: How Information Reveals Its Source
Among the many pieces of evidence for God’s existence, one stands out profoundly: the presence of information woven into the very fabric of our being. Wherever there is information, there must be an intelligence source for that information.
Patterns vs. Information: Understanding the Difference
Imagine walking along the beach on a quiet morning. The tide has left intricate ripples in the sand, a testament to the power of the waves. These patterns, though beautiful, are impersonal and random. Now imagine you stumble across a message written in the sand: “John loves Mary.” Instinctively, you know that the waves didn’t create this. Why? Because the message conveys information, which points unmistakably to an intelligent source.
The difference between natural patterns and information lies in meaning. Patterns, like ripples or windblown dunes, are the result of physical processes. Information, on the other hand, involves specificity and purpose. A message in the sand is not the product of chance; it is a deliberate act of communication.
The Source of Information: An Intelligent Creator
This principle holds true across all areas of life. Whenever we encounter information, we can confidently conclude there is an intelligent origin. This is evident in our everyday experiences—books are written by authors, software is programmed by engineers, and paintings are crafted by artists. Yet, as profound as these human examples are, they pale in comparison to the evidence of information found in creation itself.
The Bible speaks to this in Psalm 19:1-2:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”
Creation is saturated with information that points directly to God. From the fine-tuned constants of the universe to the complex design of DNA, the message is clear: this did not happen by chance.
DNA: The Ultimate Evidence of Divine Intelligence
One of the most striking examples of information in creation is DNA. This microscopic molecule is often referred to as the “blueprint of life” because it contains the instructions for building and maintaining living organisms. The sheer complexity of DNA boggles the mind. Each human cell contains roughly 3 billion base pairs of genetic code, intricately organized to carry out specific tasks.
Renowned scientist Francis Collins once described DNA as “a language with 3 billion letters, written in a precise way to produce a human being.” Its structure is so sophisticated that even the most advanced computer systems cannot replicate its precision or efficiency.
Yet, this language was not devised by human minds. It is God’s handiwork, crafted with purpose. As John Calvin remarked in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, the natural world serves as a “theater of God’s glory,” and the intricate design of life is among the clearest testimonies of His existence.
Scripture and the Word as Information
The idea that information necessitates intelligence is deeply rooted in Scripture. Consider the opening verse of the Gospel of John:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, ESV).
Here, “the Word” (Greek: Logos) conveys not just speech but divine wisdom and purpose. Christ, the Word made flesh, is the ultimate revelation of God’s character and will. The gospel itself is the most significant message ever delivered—a declaration of salvation and grace through Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, Isaiah 55:11 reassures us of the power of God’s Word:
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.”
God’s communication is always intentional, effective, and transformative. This underscores the truth that behind every meaningful message—whether written in the pages of Scripture or encoded in the fabric of our DNA—there is an intelligent, sovereign source.