Lesson 2
THE DAYS OF CREATION Genesis 1:113 Memory Verse: Genesis 1:3
The book of Genesis is already outlined by the word “Generation.”
1. The Creation account. 1:1- 2:3 2. The Generation of the heavens and the earth. 2:4 – 4:26 3. The Generations of Adam. 5:1 – 6:8 4. The Generations of Noah. 6:9 – 9:29 5. The Generations of the sons of Noah. 10: – 11:9 6. The Generations of Shem. 11:10 – 26 7. The Generations of Terah. 11:27 – 25:11 8. The Generations of Ishmael. 25:12-18 9. The Generations of Isaac. 25:19 – 35:29 10. The Generations of Esau. 36:1-8 11. The Generations of Esau’s sons. 36:9-34 12. The Generations of Jacob. 37:1 – 50:26
I. THE GAP AND DAY-AGE THEORIES DISPROVED.
These two theories were adopted by Bible believers in order to reconcile the geological ages claimed by many scientists, to the creation account found in Genesis. These two theories are now losing ground with Bible believers. This is due in part to the efforts put forth by scientists who are truly Christian. There are now over 500 scientists with degrees in science, who believe and teach the Genesis account of creation. They are members of the Creation Research Society.
A. The Gap Theory Refuted.
1. The theory stated. This theory generally states that there is a long gap between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2. Some who believe this theory, believe that there was a prehistoric race of people and animals that perished in a catastrophic judgment, which came as a result of Satan’s fall. This leaves room for the long geological ages claimed by scientists. Some who hold some form of this view are: Gaebelein, Pink, and Neighbour. We do not mean to be critical of these men, but we do think that they were wrong. 2. The theory refuted. a. It contradicts Scripture. Ex. 20:11. This verse is very obviously referring to Gen. 1:1,2. b. Sin entered this world as a result of Adam’s sin. (See I Cor. 15:21; Rom. 8:20-22; 5:15). This contradicts the theory that the fossil remains predate Adam and his fall. c. If a “pre-Adamic” race lived and died, they died without a Saviour. d. No Scripture really teaches this theory, including Ezek. 28:16-17 and Isa. 45:18. e. The Hebrew words for “create” and for “make” are often used interchangeably in Scripture when referring to God’s work. Compare Gen. 1:21 and 1:25. Also compare 1:26 and 1:27. (See Studies in the Bible and Science by Henry M. Morris. Pages 31-33).
B. The Day-Age Theory Refuted.
1. The theory stated. A lesser number of evangelicals and many liberals believe that each day of creation represented long periods of time rather than 24 hour days. This would involve some form of theistic evolution. 2. The theory refuted.
a. This theory is disproved by Exodus 20:9-11. It is obvious that this Scripture speaks of literal days. The Hebrew word for “days” is “YAMIN” and for “day” it is “YOM.” “YAMIN” is used 700 times in the Old Testament and always means literal days. “YOM” sometimes refers to an indefinite time, but never when it is accompanied by a definite number.
b. God pronounced His work to be very good. Gen. 1:31. This certainly does not refer to millions of years of struggle upward through pain, suffering and death, as claimed through the fossil record.
c. God told Adam to have dominion over everything. Gen. 1:28. If the day-age theory is correct, then much that God had created would have already been extinct.
d. Adam lived to the age of 930 years. Gen. 5:5. If each day is an age, then Adam lived through the 6th day and the 7th day. Would he not have been thousands or millions of years old?
e. “Evening” and “morning” are used to describe each day. These words are not figurative and are never used that way in the Scriptures. How could these words be used to describe an age or a long period of time. (See Studies in the Bible and Science by Henry M. Morris, pages 33-38).
f. Those who adopt this theory usually end up denying that Adam was an historical person. This leads to a denial of the fall of man and the end result is, there is no need for a Saviour.
II. THE DAYS OF CREATION.
A. The First Day, Typical Of The Salvation Of A Soul. v. 2-5
1. The moving of the Spirit of God. v. 2; John 3:5-6 2. The word of God. v. 3. “And God said.” Rom. 1:16; I Pet. 1:23 3. The Son of God enters. “Let there be light.” v. 3. See John 1:1-10; 11 Cor. 4:3-6. 4. The entrance of the Light (Christ) brings division. Light and darkness divided. v. 4-5; See John 3:19; Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:11; I John 1:5; and 11 Cor. 6:14.
B. The Second Day, Continued Separation. v. 6-8
1. “Firmament” means an expanse or atmosphere. This is the first heaven where the birds fly, etc. 2. Waters under the firmament, refers to water on the earth. v. 7 3. Waters above the firmament, refers to water suspended in space. There must have been much more of this before the flood. This explains why it could rain for 40 days and nights. See Gen. 7:11. We have some water suspended in this manner in the clouds, but not the tremendous amount of vapor as before the flood. Remember that it did not rain until the flood.
C. The Third Day, Typical Of The Fruitful Life. v. 9-13
1. The seas formed. v. 9-10. The seas stood as barriers of separation for thousands of years. Ships and planes have narrowed this barrier of separation. 2. The dry land appears. v. 9-10. Think of the erosion, etc. that may have come about through this sudden division. 3. The fruitfulness of the earth, typical of resurrection. v. 11-13. Note that each thing was to bring forth after its kind. This refutes evolution.
NOTE: The following types should also be considered.
1st Day, typical of incarnation – Holy Spirit broods. 2nd Day, typical of crucifixion – Cross divides, separates. 3rd Day, typical of resurrection – Life came forth from dying world.
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. Briefly state and refute the gap theory in your own words. 2. Briefly state and refute the day-age theory in your own words. 3. Give the Hebrew word for day, and the word for days. 4. Describe the work of the Father, the Spirit, and the Son in Genesis 1:1-3. List each separately.