Posted by
ValiantForTruth on Monday, January 03, 2011 2:20:26 PM
Genesis 1 lays the framework for a biblical cosmology, but as with much of the Bible there is considerable disagreement over the purpose of Genesis 1. In a biblical view of the Bible, Genesis 1 does not stand alone. The Prophets, the Psalms and the New Testament are given to shed light on its meaning. Whatever view we have must be consistent with the whole council of God.
We desire a view of Scripture that is consistent with Christ and His Apostles…
“Sanctify them by Thy truth. Thy word is truth” [John 17:17].
And again,
‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work’ [2 Timothy 3:16-17].
The Scriptures offer a framework of science, meaning that when the Bible speaks regarding history and origins it speaks truth. God is accommodating to His image bearers in expressing these things in simple and understandable terms which are descriptive of His creative genius and power.
By way of example consider the use of the word “kind” in Genesis 1…
“Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself…” [Genesis 1:11].
‘God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind’ [Genesis 1:21].
“Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind” [Genesis 1:24].
All life forms whether plant or animal are self-replicating and with the discovery of the DNA/RNA genetic system inside the living cell, we now have a better understanding of the language God used to convey this truth in simple terms. The details of the bio-chemical mechanisms were not given, but the intended function of His design was revealed to us. The details were left for man’s discovery.
There is similar information about the cosmos for us to consider in this light…
The deep of Genesis 1:2 is the initial created mass from which everything else in the universe originates. The firmament in the midst of the waters that separate the waters from the waters in Genesis 1:6 is the original crust that divided the subterranean waters from the surface waters. The firmament of the heavens in Genesis 1:14 in which exist the Sun, Moon and stars is what we call interstellar space. The face of the firmament in Genesis 1:20 is the atmosphere in which the birds fly.
Let us look at these things in light of the rest of Scripture and some of the latest scientific discoveries unpolluted by big bang cosmology.