How the Bible describes the idea of Computer Programming.

The process of creating and putting into action different sets of instructions to let a computer carry out a specific task is known as computer programming. Interestingly, God, not a computer, created this from the very beginning of time.

In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and the earth and described how He spoke the uncreated elements into existence. Furthermore, it is said in Colossians 1:16 that “for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:"

Everything was created through and for him, both the things we can see and cannot. Who is he, exactly? It’s Jesus.

I believe God wrote the instructions, Jesus Christ implemented (or deployed) the instructions, and that is what gave rise to all the beautiful things we see around us today, most importantly our own creation. Jesus did not find it difficult to complete the mission since he inherits the person (class) of God and had free access to the authority and means necessary to carry out the directives. Colossians 1:15: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature”. Additionally, according to Colossians 2:9, “All the fullness of God dwells in Christ…”

I’m happy to inform you that Christ has also granted us access to these boundless powers and resources. In 1 Corinthians 3:23 “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”

This is the chain at this point: We extend Christ’s person (Class), and Christ extends God’s person (Class). Simple, huh?

I gained knowledge of a variety of computer languages and how to write computer programs in them. The same three fundamentals kept coming up despite the wording changes and syntax.

Yes, there were arrays, functions, and other concepts as well, but every program was essentially composed of three different processes working together.

• Program structure — where the program would run each command in the sequence they were written.
• Conditionals — Where a decision had to be made based on a set of parameters.
• Iteration — where the program ran a set of instructions in a loop.

It occurred to me that these also occur in the Bible.

Computers have been programmed to carry out certain jobs. However, as computers lack consciousness, they are unable to adjust their jobs in any way other than what is specified in the programs they are now performing.

On the other hand, humans are conscious beings. They now have the power to decide things like whether to follow Christ or not, what is good and what is bad, and so on.

The Bible provides a vast amount of information, notably in the area of “conditionals” in the programming concepts, but let’s first take a look at “program structure” and “iteration.”

program structure and iteration.

There are parallels to “program structure” and “iteration” from computer programming in the Bible.

Look at the words Peter wrote, which are a clear example of “program structure.”

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.” (2 peter 1:5–7)

He doesn’t jump from faith to love (charity), but love is built through a sequence of intervening stages.

There are elements of “iteration” in the words of the writer of Hebrews.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”( Hebrews 10:24–25).

We are encouraged to stir others up for good and to meet together continuously, which is what iteration is all about.

It never ceases to amaze me how much the Bible has relevance to our daily lives, and in this computer programming concept, we see just one more example.

Conditionals.

I happened to be reading these verses at the time,

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31–32).

The two words that struck me in relation to this matter were, “If you.” I did a quick lookup in my bible and found that the word “if ” appears 124 times.

Think about this. “If ” represents a choice or condition. It says, “if you do X then this will happen,” or else “if you do Y something else will happen.” In computer programming that is an If-Else statement.

And in Christ, it shows that the decision is in our hands to select one path or another.

No pressure to choose

Christ does not compel anybody to take the correct road, though He does advise us to do so. We are always in control of our choice.

Even the Holy Spirit who works with us and dwells within us does not force His will on anyone.

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

There is no pressure on anyone to do the will of God. It is a choice that has to be made, and we are the ones given the power and authority to make that choice. We can choose good or evil, and reap the outcomes of whatever we choose.

So whether we are predestined to one thing or another or not, it is clear we have to make some significant choices. We are not forced into any position, but I say, “Choose Christ!” What will you choose?

Thank you for reading up till this point, don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments and clap if you saw computer programming from the perspective of the Bible.