The need for this special issue is apparent to anyone who has followed closely the discussions in the realm of Biblical Evidences. In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of theories which deny a literal interpretation of the creation account as a simple narrative teaching that God created the heavens and earth and all things therein in six literal, consecutive days. Rather than duplicating the work of the various writers by detailing the various approaches taken in such theories, the reader will be left to examine the articles specifically dealing with those theories. Before proceeding to the rest of his special issue, please consider the following points about the nature of the issue under discussion and a few other matters.
The Issue Is Not
1. A defense of Ussher’s chronology. Dan King and Mark Mayberry have excellent articles relating to the issue of chronology. None of the writers are binding specific dates for creation, but all are united in affirming that some basic parameters in dating are given by the chronologies and other biblical teaching. The articles in this issue will affirm that the standard geologic column dates do not fall within those parameters.
2. A denial of any change in the earth or the living things therein since the creation. Clearly, 2 Peter 3 affirms that there was a difference between the world prior to the flood and the world after the flood. Neither does this special issue suggest that every species of living creature exists unaltered from the first day it was created. Changes within the limits of creatures producing after their own “kind” are clearly evidenced and perfectly in harmony with the biblical record.
3. A call for quarantine of those teaching opposing theories. In fact, this special issue was arranged to provide avenues of open study between those of differing views. The following propositions have been suggested for a written discussion to be carried in Watchman Magazine in a serial form:
“The Scriptures teach that the creation account of Genesis is correctly interpreted as involving approximately 4.5 billion years of time to be fully accomplished.”
“The Scriptures teach that the creation account of Genesis is correctly interpreted as involving billions of years of time to be fully accomplished.”
“The Scriptures teach that the creation account of Genesis is correctly interpreted as involving millions or billions of years to be fully accomplished.”
Efforts to arrange such a discussion continue. The editors of Watchman Magazine have stated their full support for my efforts to arrange such an exchange and they have committed to publish such a discussion as soon as it can be arranged. I have been willing to state my own affirmation as follows:
“The Scriptures teach that the creation account of Genesis is correctly interpreted as involving six literal, consecutive days to be fully accomplished.”
4. To focus on the current scientific interpretation of data regarding the age of the earth. Though scientific data and its interpretation regarding the earth’s age is involved in this issue, it is not the focus nor will it be. The fundamental issue is the correct interpretation of the Bible record regarding creation. If the Bible must be understood by correct means of interpretation to affirm that the heavens and earth and all thing therein were created in six literal, consecutive days, that is the truth regardless of the present interpretation of scientific data according to current theory. “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4).
The Issue Is
Whether or not the correct interpretation of the creation account is to understand it as a simple, literal, narrative teaching that God created the heavens and earth and all things therein in six literal, consecutive days.
About The Authors & Articles:
Larry Ray Hafley and Elmer Moore have written basic articles dealing with general principles regarding the need for biblical revelation as the sole means of revealing God’s will and for proper methods of interpreting that revelation. You will learn from these seasoned students of the word as you examine their articles.
Dan King, Sr. wrote one article which I broke up into three parts in order to make it easier for the reader to find the specific information of interest. It is my opinion that Dan’s material is among the best I have seen on the issues which he covers. I am indebted to him for his considerable efforts in this regard. Though he would not like me to say so, he is a true scholar in Old Testament studies and languages. Yet, his writing is easily understood by all. You will gain a great deal from his work.
Mark Mayberry has three articles that are clear and specific to the issues under consideration. His efforts will aid each reader to study through some points of detail which are not easy to handle. However, when you examine the material, I think you will agree that Mark has made it both easy to understand and thought provoking as well – a task that is not easy. My thanks are extended to him for many long hours of work and for his helpful advice throughout the preparation of this special issue.
Chris Reeves, Steve Reeves and Wayne Wells had the hardest jobs of all in reviewing current teaching which I believe to be in error on the subject under consideration. Each has done a great job of boiling down the various theories to the essential points of conflict. All three men have had more personal experience than I have had with those teaching the various theories addressed. They have been valuable sources of information and counsel for me as I have tried to “get up to speed” on various aspects of the subject. Wayne has also written several articles which are not included in the initial uploading of this issue though, I have greatly benefitted from them. It is my hope that we can upload them at some point during the month as an aid to the study of others.
Last but not least, Jim Robson who writes a regular column on Evidences in this journal graciously consented to write two articles dealing with evidence for a young earth and the global flood in the time of Noah. Both articles are concise and very helpful to the overall study of this issue. I am grateful to him for his efforts in this month’s issue as well as his good articles each month in the journal.
My hope and prayer is that this special issue will help open doors for study and discussion. May God help us all to search the Scripture, examine our hearts in the light of God’s truth and conform our lives and teaching unto His will.
