Creation And The Scriptures

I tend to not pay too much attention to TV preachers. That’s not to say I discount or don’t take seriously what they say, I simply don’t have that much time and many of them have proven to be charlatans – in my opinion.

 In Pat Robertson’s case, I just am not that interested in the mix of politics and Christianity.

There are things I disagree with Pat Robertson on, but let me also say, I agree with him on many other points. When it comes the topics of religion or politics there is room for much disagreement. When the topics are combined, the level of agreement is narrowed exponentially.

I do agree with him (Robertson) that the denial of fossils and pre-historic archeology makes Christians look silly. I believe that if we are truly going to take the Gospel to the world as in Mark 15, then we should present palpable, accurate information from Scripture. 

If we use archeology to help defend the Bible, how can we be intellectually honest and deny such an overwhelming amount of evidence?

I believe every Christians must study to know God and renew his or her mind so that we can think more like Him and to serve Him.  I, as a man, believe that if I want to know Him I must learn everything I can about Him. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.  

But unless we are talking about a point of doctrine that compromises the tenants of faith in God, His Word, Jesus as Lord and God, salvation through the acceptance of Jesus’ atonement and bodily resurrection, I figure I will find out anyway, and I am ok with being wrong. The fact remains, though, we still need to esteem God and His Word above all else, study and be very careful our doctrine is based on scripture. This is the only way we can serve Him.

We will only serve that which we love. We can only love that which we know.  We must learn all we can in order to know Him, only then is it possible to love Him.  After all, you did not love your husband or wife until you knew them, if we are made in HIS Image, how can it be any different with God?

I believe there are two beginnings. I also believe strongly, that this position can, and is backed up by scripture.    

The account in Genesis 1 – the Hebrew word “bara” is used which in this case alludes to a re-creation. This is the second beginning or re-creation organized for man, (Satan was banished to the void and without form earth)  – remember, Gen. 1&2  (NIV) tells us:  1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Then John 1:1 & 2 tells us there is a first beginning in eternity past; 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

In the New Testament Jesus talks about seeing Satan falling as "lightning from heaven    (Lk10:18).

Lucifer tried to be equal to God, was cast out of Heaven (Jude 1:6)  and given the earth and the air between to inhabit (Eph 2:2). 

God, in His desire for someone to have a relationship with, created Adam and gave him the earth. This worried Satan. That is why he tried to get Adam to disobey God. When Adam disobeyed, Satan thought he had defeated God. The fact that the world was recreated (Pslms136:6&7) is why science and The Bible do not conflict.

Fossils of dinosaurs and plant life dating back millions of years are undeniable in their authenticity. The earth was without form and void (Gen 1:2), the book of Genesis is not the beginning of history, just the beginning of man.

I feel that is a very plausible explanation, backed up by scripture. There are also those who think the earth is much younger than I and hold to what they believe is the “literal” view of The Creation.

As I said before, I may not be right or wrong, but that view, right or not, is, in itself not going to send anyone to Heaven or Hell. But again, what we think is important. What we believe about one thing shapes the context of what we believe about other things and overall. That is why we must study and seek understanding (Proverbs 1:2)

Do you really think that He would leave something like His creation in question? Would He give clear answers in scripture? My tip for understanding Genesis – The account of Creation, is to take it literally and in context of The Word.

Yes there are things that our finite minds cannot grasp. There are things that the believer accepts in faith. I have to point out here that non-believers in Christ accepts much in faith also. Examples are ; not knowing exactly how an airplane works, but flies in it anyway. He has faith that Amazon.com will ship his or her order. Etc. etc….The list includes everything you or I can think of.   

As I was saying, there are plenty of things in The Bible the believer accepts in faith. There are also many more that are not a mystery. Examples are history, archeology, and narrative of everyday events. The point is that FAITH IS BASED ON CONCRETE FACTS. God communicates perfectly and clearly - only our understanding is imperfect  - that is why we must rely on a perfect source in context with the assistance of The Holy Spirit, who teaches all things (John 14:26, 1 John 16:14).

Romans 1:20 NIV tells us:  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

In most of The Bible, God is showing us what He is like - His nature, but in Genesis 1:1, Romans 1:20 He shows His existence (God, The Creator) to us. He lets us know His Creation proves Him as God.

God communicates to us for a few reasons – so we know What He is like, so we know who He is and most importantly, because He loves us. He communicates perfectly and with clarity. Our understanding is not perfect. That is the reason We MUST take the Word literally when it presents itself in a literal and historical context.

He communicated this account with clarity to prove to us so we understand that there is no conflict between science and His Word. We need to understand in context and revere the whole counsel of God. Only then can we take the Gospel into all the world Mark 15:16 and always be ready in season and out of season with an answer. Only then can we be of service and be of any value to anyone.

Unless our message is plausible and in context it will not be received. Make no mistake, it is not OUR message that is to go to the world, or that wins souls for Christ. THAT is The Holy Spirit’s ministry.  The Holy Spirit does not need my or your account of creation, right or wrong, to win souls. He does, however, expect us to be as accurate as we can and have understanding to be.