Must We Reconcile The Bible With Science?

When I was in college, there was a great debate on just "how" God created the earth. Some maintained that the days described in the chapter could have been ages long each, and thus account for the apparent age of the earth observed scientifically these days.

Others suggested that there had been a creation and that this first creation was ruined by the sin and subsequent casting from heaven of Satan. They postulate a "gap" between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2. Still other theorize that we basically evolved from the state God created us in to the state we are in now. A variation on this is the idea that God oversaw the evolution process and "helped" man over the different "thresh-holds" that would prevent his further development.

Of course, there are other theories that I have not mentioned here. I simply wish to point out that there are many approaches to the concept of "God created the heavens and the earth".

I am no learned man of science. I don't have the in-depth knowledge necessary to properly evaluate the "scientific-ness" of these theories. I can only comment on what I do know about. None of those creation theories satisfies the plain sense of the chapter! The Scripture was written to be understood. It is clear and it speaks plainly to the reader.

The Reformers called this the "Perspicuity" of the Bible. The normal and plain sense of a passage is probably the correct one. This is not to say that there aren't figures and/or difficult to understand things in the Bible, there certainly are! But, on the whole, I believe the Bible is clear and plain in what it tells us. What chapter one tells us is that God created the world in six days. It mentions morning and evening for each day. It appears that these six days were concurrent and to proclaim them not to be is to bring a presupposition to the text that is not there naturally.

It is always safest to allow the passage to say what it says and to work on our adjusting our understanding accordingly! It can be disastrous to do the reverse! One might think this all a minor, unimportant detail, but I would disagree. The moment we begin to view the Scripture through any lens but the lens of the teaching of God's Spirit we stand in danger of repeating mistakes made by those who have abandoned God's Word and its standards.

Certainly, there are many well-meaning scholars, pastors and other students of the Bible who are caught up in this ... accommodation; but it is a mistake, one that will lead to grave consequences as time wears on. Why is it significant that we believe that God created the world in 6 literal, concurrent days? Because our minds are to be subject to the plain sense of Scripture! Why "couldn't it be this way or that way?". Because that denies that the Scripture is not sufficient to teach truth concerning all that it touches.

If the content of the Bible is not enough for us to understand the acts of God as revealed to us in its pages, then we are at a loss to know if we understand it at all? What other parts may need the enlightening presence of science? How can I trust what it says anywhere if I need more than what is written to understand any of it?

Some will say that I am overstating my case. I think not. The sufficiency of the Scripture is a key doctrine, essential if we are to confidently call men and women to repentance and redemption by the blood of Christ.

This is especially true of the doctrine of creation, wherein there is much confusion and false teaching among unbelievers. If the matter is clouded yet more by we who profess to know the truth, then that makes the road to Christianity needlessly hindered and places barriers unnecessary and even damaging.

Let's keep in mind the sufficiency of Scriptural Revelation and the significance of these "small" issues in the larger picture!

The God Who Cannot Be Seen

Genesis 1:1

   Of course, we would be considered remiss if we did not pause and consider the obvious truth that the Scripture begins and ends with the presence of God, doing and accomplishing His purpose.

   The existence of God is an assumed matter in the Scripture. Nowhere does the Scripture undertake to categorically "prove" the existence of the True and Living God. Quite a large number of philosophers and theologians have undertaken the task over the centuries and have succeeded, to a point, in demonstrating the probability (though not the absolute certainty) that God is Who the Bible claims He is.

   They use a number of logical, philosophical, and theological arguments to accomplish this. They argue many very valid points and, in my view, those arguments establish the existence of a personal God far beyond any reasonable doubt.

   However, we must realize that the aim of the Scriptures is to call men to believe what they cannot see. The familiar words of Hebrews 11:6 remind us: "... without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." I believe that God could have given more than adequate proof of His existence. He could have designed us and the world in such a fashion as to prove categorically His existence to the most skeptical of observers. Yet we are left with the truth that He did not so do.

   This is not to say that there is not abundant "evidence" that God does, indeed, exist that is available to the unredeemed. Romans 1:19-20 declares "... that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse". These "proofs" are both clearly seen and understood Paul says, by the combination of exposure to the presence of Creation and the "showing" of them by God Himself to each person. When coupled with true faith, this evidence is sufficient, more than sufficient really, to convince the heart of God's existence. Apart from true faith, the evidence of God's existence is, to the unredeemed, not convincing at all! In fact, Romans goes on to say that they universally reject that knowledge and persist in their sin, "holding the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18).

   No one can convince and unbeliever of the existence of God. Evidences can be shown and they are useful for removing barriers that would obscure the truth of the Gospel, but only up to a point. Ultimately, as with the Scriptures assumption here in Genesis One, the existence of God must be embraced by faith, despite the lack of empirical and categorical evidence. Again we note that this is non-rational, but rather is the way God intended it to be. those who would please Him must believe that He is!

Worshipping God As Creator - Along With Isaiah (Part 2)

“I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things.’ (Is 45:5-7).

O Lord - what glorious words - they are high and lifted up - how can we even begin to appreciate them? Surely Lord you do those things that we cannot and would not do ourselves! You made the earth, You created man on it. You—Your hands—stretched out the heavens, and all their host You have commanded. (Isaiah 45:12) It is You Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited.

You have proclaimed time and again: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I have not spoken in secret, In a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain’. 

I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right (Isaiah 45:18-19). Indeed Lord, Your hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and Your right hand has stretched out the heavens. When You call to those heavens, they stand up together. (Isaiah 48:13)

Time and again we heard the preacher say those words from Isaiah’s mouth: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.” Truly we understand the what was said to David; “Where is the house that you will build Me? Where is the place of My rest?” We remember that Stephen cited this passage before the Sanhedrin in reminding them that You do not in stone and Golden palaces. “For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” You say O Lord. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. O Lord it is our desire to be that people! Give us a that poor and contrite heart and let us tremble, truly tremble and the sound of Your voice this morning! For Lord, we know that that is where godliness lay…

Meet with us and let us know that we have met with You…

Worshipping God As Creator - Along With Isaiah

We stand alone Lord. We stand as Your people among the peoples of the earth. You have placed us as Your beacon among nations and asked us to shine among them. Hear, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see. (Isaiah 37:16-17a) For they raise their voices and their fists against you. Hear all the words of the unredeemed, which have raised up a reproach the living God. (Isaiah 37:b).

How can they stand against You O Lord? Who of them has measured the waters in the hollow of Your hand or measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Which of them has weighed the mountains in scales or the hills in a balance?

Their pride drives their mouths to striking blasphemies Father, but yet, Who has directed the You, or as You counselor has taught You? With which of them did You ask opinion in any matter, and who instructed You and taught You in the path of what is just? Who has knowledge of anything that You do not already have and can show You the way of understanding?

Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales. You lift up the very islands as a very little thing! The entire forests of Lebanon are not sufficient to burn, nor are its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. Lord, all nations before You are as nothing. In truth, they are counted as less than nothing and worthless compared to Your worth. (Isaiah 40:12-17).

Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number. Lord, You call them all by name, by the greatness of Your might and the strength of His power, not one of the called are missing. (Isaiah 40:26)

We hear what Isaiah says and we wonder at its’ beauty Lord!

Scriptural Prayer Of Praise for God as Creator (Part 5)

Oh Lord, You are great and greatly to be praised; You are to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the You made the heavens. They are for nothing but dishonor while honor and majesty are before You and strength and beauty are in His sanctuary (Ps 96:4-6). And so I will bless the Lord, and all His works, in all places of His dominion. I will say with David: Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Ps 103:22).

Indeed! Bless the Lord, O my soul! For You are very great O Lord my God! You are clothed with honor and majesty and cover Yourself with light as with a garment; stretching out the heavens like a curtain. You lay the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, You make the clouds His chariot, You walk on the wings of the wind, You make Your angels spirits and Your ministers a flame of fire. (Ps 104:1-4).

O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions—This great and wide sea, in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great. There the ships sail about; and there is that Leviathan; which You have made to play there. Lord, these all wait for You in Your greatness and majesty; that You may give them their food in due season. What You give them they gather in. You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled. You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created. May Your great glory endure forever. May You rejoice in Your works. (Ps 104:24-32).

Oh Lord help me to see that Your Word and Your creation stand together. For forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven and Your faithfulness endures to all generations. And You established the earth, and it abides. They both continue this day according to Your ordinances, according to the faithfulness, the trustworthiness and power of Your Word; for all are Your servants. (Ps 119:89-91).

Lord, David proclaimed that all we know of our trust in You rests in that You made heaven and earth; even the truth that our help comes from the Lord. He said "I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?" And he knew, and we know as well, that that help comes from You for He who made the hills can certainly help ones such as we! (Ps 121:1-2). Our help is in the name of the Lord, The One Who made heaven and earth. (Ps 124:8).

You condescend to us in mercy and that mercy endures for ever Lord! To You Lord give abundant thanks! For You are good! You are the God of gods!; The Lord of lords! You, by wisdom made the heavens; You laid out the earth above the waters, You made great lights, the sun to rule by day, the moon and stars to rule by night. (Ps 136:5-9). Truly Lord - You are worthy of our Thanks and of our Praise!

Well and truly David said: "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever…" (Ps 146:5-6).

Ah Lord - We shout with Your Word:

1   Praise the Lord!
     Praise the Lord from the heavens;
     Praise Him in the heights!
2   Praise Him, all His angels;
     Praise Him, all His hosts!
3   Praise Him, sun and moon;
     Praise Him, all you stars of light!
4   Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
     And you waters above the heavens!
5   Let them praise the name of the Lord,
     For He commanded and they were created.
6   He also established them forever and ever;
     He made a decree which shall not pass away. (Ps 148:1-6).

Scriptural Prayer Of Praise for God as Creator (Part 4)

Ah Lord God, You have been my dwelling place, and not mine alone, You have been our dwelling place, the dwelling place of Your people for all generations. There is no doubt that You are God and that You are sovereign for before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, as David proclaimed, You are God. (Ps 90:2). In Your hand are the deep places of the earth; places I've never seen or even thought of. The heights of the hills are Yours also. Likewise the sea is Yours, for You made it; and Your hands formed the dry land. How can I help but fall down and worship, but bow down and worship a God such as this. How can I not kneel before the Lord my Maker? For He is My God, and I am, we are the people of His pasture. Moreover, we are sheep cared for and protected by His own good, right hand (Ps 95:4-7).

Lord, I long to see the face of He Who, of old, laid the foundations of the earth. It is my heart's desire to come and to dwell with Him whose work is the heavens above. I know I will come to You, all of Your children will. The heavens and the earth will perish, but You will endure; they will all grow old like a garment and like a cloak You will change them and behold!; they will be changed. Ah! But You are the same, and Your years will have no end. The children of Your servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before You.” (Ps 102:26-28). Lord, I long for that day - the longer I live the great that longing becomes!

Scriptural Prayer Of Praise for God as Creator (Part 3)

Lord, You are greater even that the greatest strength in Your world! "You established the mountains by Your strength, Being clothed with power; You who still the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, And the tumult of the peoples."(Ps 65:6-7). Oh Lord, to make such majesty and such great strength You must be all the more strong and majestic. Greatness can only come from that is the more great!

Lord, even the great concepts and guiding precepts of our creations are Yours, you put them in place! They didn't just happen - they were your idea! They didn't just evolve! "The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter." (Ps 74:16-17). It is God who set the boundaries of the world in place and the rotations and the orbits of the planets in their cycles. They didn't just happen or evolve over millions of years. Oh Lord, they are the product of your design!

Lord, you designed the skies, the heavens to declare Your glory and to draw our attention to You and focus our hearts on Your glory! "And He built His sanctuary like the heights, Like the earth which He has established forever." (Ps 78:69). Lord, let it do so! Help me to see the skies and the heavens and worship and to praise You! Let me not walk under that canopy and do so without thinking of Your power and Your glory! Teach me more…There is never a time when I know all there is to know about the God of Creation Lord. Show me what a great God you and impress on me more of Who You are by showing me more of Your Creation!

You know them and can reveal them to me for... "The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them. The north and the south, You have created them...(Ps 89:11-12a). Tell me of them Lord, show them to me, teach me of You as you show them to me.

Scriptural Prayer Of Praise for God as Creation (Part 2)

My God, I affirm with Nehemiah that You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, Lord - No being that is was not made but by Your hand! The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them is because of Your strong right arm and because Your great mind. You preserve them all. For this I and all of the host of heaven worships You. (Neh. 9:6).

As Job said, You alone spread out the heavens, and You alone have tread on the waves of the sea (Job 9:8). You made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades and You made the chambers of the south. You do great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number. (Job 9:8-10). I will ask the beasts, and they will teach me; and the birds of the air, and they will tell me Lord; I will speak to the earth, and it will teach me; and to the fish of the sea will explain to me. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?. (Job 12:7-9)

O Lord, You stretch out the north over empty space; You hang the earth on nothing, You bind up the water in His thick clouds, yet the clouds are not broken under it. You cover the face of Your throne, and spread your cloud over it. You drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness. The pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at Your rebuke. You stir up the sea with Your power and by Your understanding You break up the storm. Lord, by Your Spirit You adorned the heavens. These are only the mere edges of Your ways. And how small a whisper we hear of You! But the thunder of Your power who can understand?". (Job 26:7-14) Truly Father we understand what You allow us to understand but who can understand You in your greatness?

Oh Lord - I worship You as David worshipped you as Creator. David knew You as the Creator God and knew the implications of what that meant: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,  The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor." (Psalm 8:3-5) He understood, I do Lord, that You have created a wonderful world and stood us, stood me at the top of it. O Lord how wonderful are your works!

Everywhere I look, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork". (Ps 19:1). There can be no question but that there is a God and that You are powerful and that You are in charge of all things. My knee bows before you. "The earth is Yours and all that is in it, You do with it as You will. The earth is Yours, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For You have founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters" (Psalm 24:1-2).

"By Your Word the heavens were made oh Lord, and all the host of them by the breath of Your mouth! You gather the waters of the sea together as a heap; You lay up the deep in storehouses. Oh Lord, let all the earth fear the Lord, Let me fear You rightly!; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of You. For You spoke, and it was done; You commanded, and it stood fast". (Psalm 33:6-9) Lord, what other is there of Whom this can be said? Where else can we look to see a Being that controls all and holds all in the palm of His hand?