Is the Creation account in Genesis Literal?

[Solo]

Just stating that the Genesis revelation of creation is literal and true. All who believe otherwise have swallowed a lie and walk in the deception created by the one and only devil himself.

 

[researcher]

There are at least a few parables in Genesis chapter 2.

Gen 2:9 And out of the ground made Jehovah God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Mat 3:10 And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees:
every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

The trees in this case wouldn't be literal trees, but, the type Jesus was talking about.

 

[John]

Just stating that the Genesis revelation of creation is literal and true. All who believe otherwise have swallowed a lie and walk in the deception created by the one and only devil himself.

AMEN

 

[Silver Bullet]

Just stating that the Genesis revelation of creation is literal and true. All who believe otherwise have swallowed a lie and walk in the deception created by the one and only devil himself.

AMEN

In light of the recent publication of Jerry Coyne's book, "Why Evolution is True", I thought it might be reasonable to bring attention to this thread again.

This book is a great compilation of the scientific evidence from many disciplines indicating that all life on this planet, including humans, did evolve from common ancestors over billions of years. If you want to assess the evidence for yourself, this is the place to start.

If you want to call it the work of the devil, and close your mind to all the progress leading to the 21st century state of human understanding (in the way that the church closed its mind to the work of Galileo, for instance), then don't. (Just recognize that this way of thinking would have us still believing that the Sun and all celestial bodies orbit the Earth).

I should point out that many Christians find the theory of evolution to be compatible with their faith, especially since the theory of evolution does not explain how life started in the first place.

Best,
SB

 

[Imagican]

I believe that account IS literal. It's just the INTERPRETATION that is askew. EVERYTHING that exist does FIT with what is offered IN THE WORD. The problem lies in the interpretation, or LACK there of of PROPER interpretation.

Blessings,

MEC

 

[Solo]

Just stating that the Genesis revelation of creation is literal and true. All who believe otherwise have swallowed a lie and walk in the deception created by the one and only devil himself.

AMEN

In light of the recent publication of Jerry Coyne's book, "Why Evolution is True", I thought it might be reasonable to bring attention to this thread again.

This book is a great compilation of the scientific evidence from many disciplines indicating that all life on this planet, including humans, did evolve from common ancestors over billions of years. If you want to assess the evidence for yourself, this is the place to start.

If you want to call it the work of the devil, and close your mind to all the progress leading to the 21st century state of human understanding (in the way that the church closed its mind to the work of Galileo, for instance), then don't. (Just recognize that this way of thinking would have us still believing that the Sun and all celestial bodies orbit the Earth).

I should point out that many Christians find the theory of evolution to be compatible with their faith, especially since the theory of evolution does not explain how life started in the first place.

Best,
SB

SB,

I don't have to have my mind open to all of the lies and deceptions of the enemy, for I have the mind of Christ, and in that, I have closed it to all lies and deceptions of the devil. Evolution has absolutely no scientific proofs that any species come from a single source of life! Absolutely none.

Solo

PS. I would examine your standing in Christ to insure that you are really born again or not, and if in fact you are not, then you mighty want to fast and pray for the spirit of deception to be cast out and God's truth to replace it.

 

[Joe67]

When you speak to your child of age 3-6 years, how would you tell them the story?

Even if you are a hundred years of age humanly, you must begin with the story of God as a little child. Out of this childish literalism the spirit of God later begins to unfold the spiritual significance of the story in Jesus Christ.

Seeing Jesus Christ as revealed in Genesis chapter 1 is the essential thing. If the childish literalism is denied then the symbolism cannot be revealed to the one who denies.

When God speaks the 7 thunders to us and reveals the symbolism in Christ Jesus, God tells us to not write that down. The childish literalism is what is written and it must not be denied through vain deceit and philosophy.

Let us beware of the work of perdition that leads us to sell our Lord Jesus for our thirty pieces of silver. Better in the pit with Peter's promises to go with Jesus to prison and death, than with Judas' betrayal of his master with a kiss for the praise of man and a little earthly reward.

Jesus Christ, the resurrected, who of two is made one new man, thereby making peace, is the fulfillment of Genesis 1-2:3. It is a prophecy of God's purpose in his grace in Jesus Christ. But it is first revealed to us as a historical event, and we are given to believe through a good but necessary childish foolishness. When God brings us into the maturity, then he shews us his Wisdom. Every one is given their first faith through childish imaginations. Let us not be ashamed of God's foolishness(1Cor 1:21). It is wiser than the wisdom of man. God's weakness is stronger than man's strength. The Father brings us to Jesus as little children in our thoughts and feelings.

Let us not stumble through man's strength. Let us not draw back unto perdition through man's wisdom. Let us believe unto the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:39. Judas drew back from Jesus of Nazareth for thirty pieces of silver, while kissing him and calling him master. Vain deceit and philosophy are powerful deceptions. Colossians 2. Grace is greater than human science. Rom 5.
Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.

Joe

 

[Silver Bullet]

SB,

I don't have to have my mind open to all of the lies and deceptions of the enemy, for I have the mind of Christ, and in that, I have closed it to all lies and deceptions of the devil. Evolution has absolutely no scientific proofs that any species come from a single source of life! Absolutely none.

Solo

You beg the question of how you could know anything about the evidence supporting the theory of evolution if your mind has been closed to it. How could you possibly be in any position to comment?

PS. I would examine your standing in Christ to insure that you are really born again or not, and if in fact you are not, then you mighty want to fast and pray for the spirit of deception to be cast out and God's truth to replace it.

Thank-you for the advice Solo.

Best,
SB

 

[Solo]

SB,

I don't have to have my mind open to all of the lies and deceptions of the enemy, for I have the mind of Christ, and in that, I have closed it to all lies and deceptions of the devil. Evolution has absolutely no scientific proofs that any species come from a single source of life! Absolutely none.

Solo

You beg the question of how you could know anything about the evidence supporting the theory of evolution if your mind has been closed to it. How could you possibly be in any position to comment?

First of all, I have studied all that the evolutionists have crammed down our throats for decades. All of the "evidences" that the antichristian marxist darwinists have shoved down our throats for years have been shown to be hoaxes, lies, and deceptions. Any lies, hoaxes, and deceptions are not from God Almighty; therefore, they are satanic and a ploy to deceive the masses keeping them from the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are absolutely NO CREDIBLE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCES of MACROEVOLUTION whatsoever! NONE!

Where is your OPEN-MINDEDNESS to the TRUTH?

PS. I would examine your standing in Christ to insure that you are really born again or not, and if in fact you are not, then you mighty want to fast and pray for the spirit of deception to be cast out and God's truth to replace it.

Thank-you for the advice Solo.

Best,
SB

You are most welcome!

May God bless you with His Wisdom and Understanding all the days of your life.

 

[Silver Bullet]

Solo,

Thank-you. That clarifies a lot.

All I am doing by mentioning Jerry Coyne's book, "Why Evolution is True", is allowing those who would like to assess the evidence for themselves - just as you have done - a terrific and up-to-date place to start. They could then make up their own minds - just as you have done. In my experience, people usually really appreciate the opportunity to make up their own minds.

I love your forum name: it reminds me of my favorite character, Captain Solo, from the Star Wars movies.

I hope that you will be always blessed with wisdom and understanding also.

Best wishes,
SB

 

[einstein]

Actually, it is possible to reconcile six 24 hour days and a 15 billion year old universe. I am not saying the theory is perfect but it certainly is intriguing and uses well established principles of relativity theory and time dilatation to reach this conclusion. It's all in one's perspective.

 

[wavy]

Actually, it is possible to reconcile six 24 hour days and a 15 billion year old universe. I am not saying the theory is perfect but it certainly is intriguing and uses well established principles of relativity theory and time dilatation to reach this conclusion. It's all in one's perspective.

Except the current consensus is that the universe is about 13 billion years old, not 15.


Thanks,
Eric

 

[einstein]

Owing to our present limitations in estimating cosmological phenomena, there are variations in the estimates of the age of the universe. For example a paper by Cowan et al (1999 ApJ, 521,194) gives an age of 15.6+/- 4.7.

The point is there are ways of reconciling what on the surface appears to be significant contradiction between what is in the Bible and what science tells us. In other words, according to this theory the answer to the question of whether the creation took place in 6 "days" or 13-15 billion years is "yes".

 

[Silver Bullet]

In other words, according to this theory the answer to the question of whether the creation took place in 6 "days" or 13-15 billion years is "yes".

And the answer to the question of whether to respect or ignore the plain meaning of words is also a resounding "YES!" when it comes to reconciling the absurd with the reasonable.

SB

 

[Solo]

• 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthans 1:18-31

 

[Joe67]

• 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthans 1:18-31

Do we count our bodies as foolish, weak, base, despised? Jacob was chosen. Jacob was foolish, weak, base, and despised. Finally, God changed Jacob's name to Israel.

As we count our bodies dead to God because of sin, the Spirit gives us to count what God has made unto us in Jesus as ours because of His righteousness. Romans 8:10.

Matt 22:14
14 For many are called, but few are chosen. KJV

Joe

 

[einstein]

And the answer to the question of whether to respect or ignore the plain meaning of words is also a resounding "YES!" when it comes to reconciling the absurd with the reasonable.

SB

It is because the Bible can be interpreted beyond the "plain meaning of words" that some reconciliation is possible.

 

[Silver Bullet]

And the answer to the question of whether to respect or ignore the plain meaning of words is also a resounding "YES!" when it comes to reconciling the absurd with the reasonable.

SB

It is because the Bible can be interpreted beyond the "plain meaning of words" that some reconciliation is possible.

I agree, but this sort of exegesis also lends credence to the common notion that scripture and faith are so elastic as to be compatible with just about anything, which actually ends up making them meaningless . . .

SB

 

[Solo]

• 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthans 1:18-31

Do we count our bodies as foolish, weak, base, despised? Jacob was chosen. Jacob was foolish, weak, base, and despised. Finally, God changed Jacob's name to Israel.

As we count our bodies dead to God because of sin, the Spirit gives us to count what God has made unto us in Jesus as ours because of His righteousness. Romans 8:10.

Matt 22:14
14 For many are called, but few are chosen. KJV

Joe

Apart from being born of God and walking in the Spirit, mankind's wisdom and understanding is foolishness against the backdrop of truth. Those who are born of God and are walking in the Spirit have the mind of Christ.

 

[Imagican]

While mankinds knowledge may well serve little purpose in the 'big picture', that doesn't alter the FACT that much of it IS knowledge. The electricity that we use to power the computer that is presently able to convey our messages is a PRIME example of this VERY knowledge.

The cell phone that used SATELITES to send signals, the microwave oven used to heat our leftovers, the Television that we watch, and the cars that we drive, the airconditioner that keeps us cool and the refridgerator that we use to preserve our food, all these are the PRODUCTS of man's KNOWLEDGE. The THINGS that we HAVE learned. And, of couse, the LIST is ENDLESS.

So, before we start expounding upon how USELESS man's KNOWLEDGE IS, let us FIRST consider WHERE we would BE without it.

We were GIVEN intellect in ORDER to LEARN. That we have learned EVIL as well as GOOD does not mean that ALL learning is EVIL. That was simply our CURSE upon Adam's disobedience that evil BE a part of our understanding.

But, back to the topic:

What exactly does literal MEAN? That creation took place in SIX literal DAYS? I believe that it takes a pretty simply mentality to believe in such LITERALNESS. Much PROOF exists that it did NOT take place in a mere SIX literal DAYS. That the term DAYS was USED to convey 'time periods' was NOT meant to be taken LITERAL once we were CAPABLE of understanding MORE.

Moses would certainly not have understood terms such a MILLIONS or BILLIONS so to USE such terms would have been UNACCEPTABLE. So, it only stands to reason that terms that COULD be accepted and understood were USED in order to convey 'events and time'.

Blessings,

MEC