Creation, A Matter of Time
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever” (Psalm 104:5). It’s that simple.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6). “For he spake, and it was done; he commanded and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:9). If you have ever wondered how this world came into being, the Bible simplifies matters so that everyone can understand. God is the Creator of this universe. It’s that simple.
Many people have a difficult time accepting the simple fact of God’s unlimited creative power and would rather accept the ideas of evolutionists. Is this because God’s method sounds too simplistic? Or is it that they mistakenly believe that only modern science can produce the real answer to the existence of the earth? In 2 Peter 3:3-6 the Bible informs us of a time when ideas contrary to that of God as Creator would become commonplace in our society. This text warns us that many will forget that it was God who created this earth and all that is in it, and would scoff at people who believe in God as the Creator. Therefore, we need not be surprised by the growth in evolutionary ideals. The Bible predicted it.
Many of our modern-day scientists propose evolutionist ideas that are viewed as definitive truth. Evolutionary theories require that a vast number of complex actions/activities miraculously all coincide at just the right time in order to produce life in its simplest form. This life eventually evolves into the innumerable intricate life forms we have today. These evolutionary-based scientists have claimed that the earth is millions of years old, and have developed theories, mathematical equations, and intricate equipment designed to measure the earth’s age.1 However, we as humans cannot fathom a million years because of our finite lives. The instruments used by scientists to measure time are, themselves, questionable at best.2 Only God can truly understand the concept of time. God created time so that our finite minds could maintain a framework in which to function. God does not need the framework of time. The Bible declares: “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8).
God created this spectacular planet called Earth, and all of its entities within six literal days, a timeframe that all of us can understand. In less than 150 hours, His work was done. Then, “on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made” (Genesis 2:2). He called that day the Sabbath, and He blessed that day and sanctified it because of all the work that He had done (Genesis 2:3).
A friend of mine described, with simplicity, the illusion of the earth’s maturity. He contends that when God created the earth, He created it as fully mature. The mountains did not develop over time; they were created that way from the beginning, just like the animals, plants, and even mankind. In other words, even if these scientists are right about the earth’s age, then it was God who chose to create the earth as millions of years old at Creation. Just like God created Adam as a mature human being who never experienced childhood, God created the earth as a mature fully functioning planet capable of sustaining the life that He created.
Some of you are still doubting God’s creative ability. You’re saying, “Well, what about the dinosaurs? Scientists believe that these creatures existed millions of years ago, but they have disappeared. Where did they go?” According to the Bible, they received a similar fate as that of the unbelieving humans in Noah’s days, and died in the Flood. However, the Bible also states that Noah gathered at least two of every kind of living beast, which may have included some form of the dinosaurs (Genesis 6:19).3 However, the significant geological and environmental changes brought about by the Flood decimated their habitat, causing these creatures to perish.4
But why do we continue to engage in the argument of evolution versus creation when the biblical answer is the most practical response? Perhaps for some it is that human craving to find answers to the mysteries that surround us in this universe. But our thirst for knowledge and explanations of why things exist will never be quenched in this world. There are simply too many facets of God’s creative ability for us to unearth. The good news is that God has a master plan. Part of His plan includes providing us with that opportunity to satisfy our desire to discover.
Have you ever tried looking through a dirty glass? Objects on the other side appear distorted and out of focus. The Bible states that “Now we see through a glass, darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). However, when Jesus comes and this earth is renewed we will have the opportunity to see things clearly. With our newly acquired immortal mind and body we will have the opportunity to reflect on God’s creative powers; all of the treasures of this world and the universe will be open for our exploration and we will not have a time limit since we will live in the unbounded time frame of eternity.
God’s creative ability is simply amazing. He created a system of life for us that is still perfect in an imperfect world. He created the air we breathe, the plants that provide us with oxygen, food, water, and an ecological recycling system that sustains life. As David stated, “When I consider the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man that thou art mindful of him. . .” (Psalm 8:3, 4). The creation of this earth and all that it entails is indeed a stunning component of God’s creative ability. However, His most amazing feat was His ability to create a system of redemption that is available to save His erring created beings—you and I. He not only created this system, but also became personally involved to ensure our future. God the Creator died for His created beings in order to save us from our sins.
God has never stopped the creation process. He is constantly seeking to create in us a clean heart and a right spirit (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 51:10), transforming us from a life of sin to one of hope and life. What a God we serve! He created a method to deliver us from sin—salvation! God’s creative plan ultimately involves a reunion with Him at His second coming, when He will again perform the miracle of creation by recreating the bodies of the saved from mortal to immortal. We will then live forever in the earth made new. It’s just a matter of time until this becomes a reality! This news alone makes life worth living. Halleluiah!
You can be a part of this new creation experience today by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior from sin, and submitting to His will. If you have not already done so, accept Him today and experience for yourself what it means to be recreated in Christ. It’s that simple!
GEORGE ASHLEY, Ph.D., currently serves as the chair of the Social Work Department at Oakwood University.
References
1Jacobsen, S. (2003). Science. How old is planet earth. Volume 300. (5625). pp. 51513-1514.
2DeYoung, D. (2003). Thousands . . . Not Billions. Green Forest, AZ: New Leaf Press.
3www.answersingenesis.org.
4Byassee, J. (2008). Pro Quest Religion. Dinosaurs in the Garden. Volume 125. (3). 22-27.
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