The
title to this article exposes the tension that many Christians face when they
first become aware of the vast differences between
the Bible and that which is commonly taught in public schools, universities
and much of society. It’s like asking, ‘How can a Christian harmonize what the Bible
teaches with what is commonly taught outside of the Bible?’
It is at this point that I believe we as Christians need to
understand two things properly. First and foremost, we need to ask the question, ‘What does the creation evidence point to?’ As
we have seen over the past several months, the evidence supports the Biblical
record (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/search/label/Worldview).
Thus, the evidence excludes other possible views as irrelevant!
Second, it is impossible to harmonize the Bible’s teaching
with the world without compromising the uncompromising Word of God. Therefore,
the main idea of this article is to warn Christians of the dangers in seeking
to harmonize what is commonly taught with what the Bible teaches concerning
creation. There are at least two major problems: one is historical (which we
will consider in-depth next month) and second is the Scriptural implications on
salvation and God’s character.
The Bible teaches that when God finished creation it was “very good”
(Gen. 1:31). At that time, death, disease, corruption and decay did not exist
in any part of creation, for all animals and humans were originally vegetarian
(Gen. 1:29-30). “Therefore, just as
sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in
this way death came to all men…” (Rom. 5:12). According
to Scripture death, disease, decay, corruption, and even thorns and thistles
did not come about until after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden (Gen.
3:17-19; Rom. 8:18-22).
This creates a major problem for the Christian who wants to
believe that God used evolution over billions of years to create the universe
since death would have had to have existed prior to Adam and Eve’s sin in the
Garden. Evolution teaches that death is necessary and a good thing, while the Bible
teaches the opposite. To believe that God uses/desires death to take place
points to a god who is not very loving and not good.
On the other hand, God promises to one day destroy death
(Rev. 20:14). And, as Scripture
teaches, God is merciful, gracious and loving.
It also declares that God has made a way
for all to enjoy that promise. “For
the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater
is God’s wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it
will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:17 NLT).
Therefore my fellow Christians, I admonish you to consider
the teaching of Scripture and the evidence. God did not use evolution. That is
not Scriptural nor scientific. God does not desire the death of anyone. Yet the
enemy, Satan does desire people to hold to false teaching, subtly leading them
astray to eternal death. Thus, consider the source of such teaching, and
consider Him who has made the way to life!
In His service,
Matt
