Q+A!: Genesis 1

Genesis 1: here

Genesis 1:5 / 1:16 - The sun was not made until day 4, what allowed evening and morning; what allowed days to happen?







Theory 1: Scientific Theory - A Different Perspective
Now a very interesting theory which was paraphrased on a website. The theory comes from Hugh Ross (c)1979 "Genesis 1: a Scientific Perspective". (Only 15 pages! here) Essentially the first point is that the account is simplified to convey to people 3500 years ago to now truths of creation, which makes a lot of sense. Why would Moses write about microbes and atoms and an expanding universe when there was no way to view it at the time? Secondly that in response to my question and much about the first 6 days the perspective of the account as described in verse 2, that the account is that of the earth already partially formed and God's Spirit hovering over the waters, is pointed out; it focuses primarily on the account of Earth's creation. It continues, and although it is written in 1979 it is consistent, as far as I can tell, with the continued development of science. It uses physics, math, molecular biology, cosmology, and more in its discussion. I enjoyed it. Basically the summary that I had read before in support of my question is the following:

• Day 0 -- Formless void
  As the Earth condensed out of the primordial disk, it appeared just as the Genesis writer says, "formless and void."
• Day 1 -- Light
  The atmosphere of the Earth thinned and changed to the point that light from the sun could penetrate, and be visible from the surface of the Earth--although the atmosphere was not yet thin enough (transparent) for the sun to be seen directly.
• Day 2 -- Separation of water
  As the atmosphere continued to condense, water gathered "above" (clouds) and "below" (sea), leaving a "vault" (of air) between them.
• Day 3 -- Dry land and first plant life.
  As the planet continued to take shape, masses of dry land began to appear as distinct from the oceans. At this point it finally becomes possible for basic plant life to exist, distinct land vegetation, as well as water vegetation
• Day 4 -- Sun, moon, stars
  Finally, as the atmosphere continued to develop and thin, heavenly bodies--the sun, moon and stars--became visible.

This summary mostly summarizes the thoughts on the atmosphere becoming more visible and everything. The book also talks of the moon being formed from earth (which is accepted: here), the formation of the ozone layer as the reducing atmosphere is changed by plants to an oxidizing one, and a bunch of other stuff focusing on the main miracles of creation. (I will not get into an evolution discussion here. I almost did, but fossil records from 1980 were not complete, the Tiktaalik was first discovered in 2004. Save that for later.)

Essentially the idea I am getting from this theory in relation to my question is that the sun and stars were actually made already (in verse 1) but not fully and from the earth we couldn't see it distinctly until day 4. Ross claims that the account in Genesis actually very well aligns with scientific discovery and takes the stance that a 'day' has multiple meanings and can mean many many years as a 'day' to a larger rotating body (a galaxy for example) would still fit on of the definitions and actually lines up well with the scientific dates related to each of the larger events.


I am largely satisfied with this answer, probably mostly because it agrees with the things I already think of science and my stance on a 'day' in Genesis 1. It's also highly biblical in the fact that the source of the position is from the second verse. However, this stance largely rides on the idea of simplification of message and scientific evidence.

Cited: http://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/1177/how-can-the-sun-be-created-after-day-and-night



Theory 2: Daily Creation - Literally 6 Days
The alternate view boils down to the discussion of Genesis 1 as poetry or as history, and the words being used literally or figuratively. And this is a huge discussion. I was going to save it for my next question, and will probably discuss it further at that point. For now I will highlight some arguments.


1. "day" yôm is used to denote 24 hours throughout the Bible. Especially when combined again and again with 'evening' and 'morning'. Psalm 90:4 (A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night) and 2Peter [both I use often in this scenario] are similes explaining how God is not constrained by time limits as we are. There are many other ways of saying a time longer than a day in Hebrew, and none are used.
2. Exodus 20:8-11. God speaks through Moses and says "six days" was how long creation took.
3. Jesus and Paul speak of creation accounts as fact and truth: as history.
4. Speaking directly to the above theory the word "made" used throughout isn't "appeared" or "revealed" as explained in the 'creation' of the stars and moon.
5. Would God have intentionally confused His people for thousands of years?




But more to the issue of how is there a day and no sun?
Typically the answer is 'you don't need a sun to have light'. And I agree. Whether this is 'God is light' (1John1:5) or just 'light' in general which was created on day 1 doesn't matter too much to me. And that God had chosen that 24 hours was a day and made it clear by establishing the sun and moon on day 4.

One conclusion is that the 'light' created on day 1 was temporary and fixed in relation to the earth and somewhat 'replaced' by the sun.

Another argument for literal days is 'how could the plants survive ages without sun?' which is explained in the first theory.

Cited:
http://www.icr.org/article/meaning-day-genesis/
http://creation.com/how-long-were-the-days-of-genesis-1
http://creation.com/how-could-the-days-of-genesis-1-be-literal-if-the-sun-wasnt-created-until-the-fourth-day
http://www.icr.org/article/sunlight-before-sun/
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/882-what-was-that-light-before-the-sun-genesis-1-3

Ok. I just read something that blew my mind, so I shall end here for the day. I still don't know what the official answer is. I tend to prefer the first, it seems more logical, however God's ways are above ours and Science can't prove history. Ultimately, whether with a vast amount of evidence or small it will rest on us trusting one theory or another, placing our faith in a theory, until the day we see Him face to face.

Hebrews 11:3: By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible

Ttyl.

D.Fa

Q+A Session!

I don't spend much time on here, mostly since my thoughts don't typically restrict themselves to Biblical material, but then tangent into real world applications and are then more relevant to my main blog. However, the way I am now attempting to better understand the Bible is to read through a book and ask questions and come back to them, so, understanding the Bible. xP

If there is Q+A in the Title, this will be a post about a question I had, followed by as much of an answer as I could find.

Enjoy! / Comment!

Rev 1-3

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." verses 3:19-20

The first chapter really sets the stage for both these chapters and the rest of the book of Apocalypse (aka the Revelation of John). Not only does it set up that this is a vision from God to John and the churches, but sets the imagery he saw of the one "like a son of man" who stands before the seven lampstands and holds the seven stars, which are explained to be the seven churches in Asia and the seven angels or messengers.

Chapters 2 and 3 are the seven letters to the churches. Each begins with an addressed church and a characteristic of the sender. The main portion of the letter varies from church to church, but begins with a statement of knowledge speaking of specific situations or actions or trials. At the end is the phrase "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." and then a promise to those who overcome.

Most often the thing He knows is their deeds: hard work and perseverance; love and faith, service and perseverance, doing more than at the beginning; kept my word, not denied my name. These are good, but other deeds are rebuked: "You have forsaken your first love", holding to false teachings, tolerating sin, "you are neither cold nor hot", "I have not found your deeds complete".

Their deeds were incomplete, but in each case He doesn't really tell them to do all that much but to hold on, persevere, be faithful, repent, wake up, endure patiently, open the door as we hear Him knock and allow Him to enter. Ultimately it isn't by our deeds that we "will walk with [Him] dressed in white". Only by going to Him are we made rich, pure, and can see clearly. Ultimately, only in Him can we overcome.Only He has overcome sin and death.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Each letter speaks to a different situation, to rebuke and correct that we may repent and be found in Him when the hour comes. But we are told to hear what the Spirit says to the churches, not just one.

The letter to the Church in Philadelphia is the one that has spoken to me the most (I won't go into it now), but they all to a degree speak to situations I am in now or in the past. And listening to the Spirit speak the idea to hold firm, pursue holiness, and endure to the end really speaks to me.

Tiens ferme. "Je viens bientôt; tiens ferme ce que tu as, afin que personne ne prenne ta couronne" v.3:11 (OST)

1 John 3-4

Some thoughts from the last time I read 1John3-4 in April

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

What does it mean to be a child of God? What is the significance of the word lavished? If that is what we are, how can this be seen practically in our lives?

What we will be has not yet been made known. So, I guess it doesn't really matter as much as the fact that we are His children. No matter what happens, you are always your father's child. This is how it is with God as well. When you are adopted by Him, He will never leave or forsake you.

But it says we shall be like Him. What does that mean? We will not be gods. That is sure. For God alone, the perfect three-in-one image of diversity and unity, is worthy of all our praise. We deserve none. But it says we shall see Him as He is. This being one of the characteristics of Christ. Seeing the Father for all that He is. That's gonna be amazing. If only based on the little bits and pieces we see of Him now, God is absolutely world shatteringly awesome and powerful, yet lavish in His eternally driven and passionate love for those He has created in His image.

All with this hope purify themselves. Do we purify ourselves? I mean, it does say it, but what does it /say/? Cuz it's pretty evident experientially that this is a losing battle. In chapter two it says to young men "you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." This strongly reflects Psa119:11 and Eph6:17. And more so, it is He who purifies, He who "take away our sins", and He shall make us holy as He is holy, to reflect more and more of His image (2Cor3:18).

They will not continue in sin because God's seed (the Word of God) is in them!

Whoa! Awesome. Exactly what the other passages were saying!

To destroy the devil's work. Does this include those who are being drawn to sin? I don't think so, but those who are of the devil (what does that mean?) I guess so. For you know we were all at one point objects of this wrath; we were deserving of punishment. We are deserving of this wrath.

I think this is where the lavishness of God's love comes in. Instead of wrath, He poured it out on Christ that we might be adopted into His family; given the right to become His children.

But now is when we are strengthened by Him, strengthened by His Word, and strengthened by His Spirit and the hope that will never fade. May we continue to reflect more of Him and truly be children of God, pure and blameless by His blood and that even, by being born of Him, we /Cannot/ go on sinning.

1 John 1-2

"因为黑暗正在消逝，真光已经在照耀"

This is a part of 1 John chapter 2 verse 8 in simplified Chinese characters. It says "because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining."

Both before and after this verse is a discussion of light and darkness.

God is light and in him is no darkness.

But we are not like this. We do not produce light, but sometimes we act like it. We put on this mask that shows the world we are perfect, that we are never sad, we are never upset. This applies to both Christians and non-Christians. We want ourselves to look good, no matter what is happening on the inside. Whether it is to get a girlfriend or boyfriend, to get a good job, to get the things we crave and desire above all else, we will present the best in ourselves. We boast in our accomplishments. We share bout our joys and great lives. We only present the best side of ourselves.

Facebook. You only see happy pictures, and if someone does start sharing about real doubts or negative thoughts people judge them and say things like "you're just trying to get attention." Presenting this idea that there is no room for this real struggle.

I think especially Christians end up like this sometimes. Where now that you are Christian you have to be perfect. Jesus never said "Believe in me and you will be perfect right now and never make another bad choice or mistake".

We show our best in the light and hide anything sub-par in the shadows.

But in God there is no darkness. As we walk with him there is a continual choice being made to take the next step forward or turn to the side, back to darkness.

If we claim to have fellowship wit him, but walk in the darkness we lie and do not live by the truth.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
The man who says "I know him", but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

This is a heavy burden on our own. But by the Spirit we are given strength and power. Ultimately, love is made complete in us. Trusting in Him for every need.

As we walk with him, our darkness will be removed and we will reflect His light more and more.

"For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world with its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." v 2:16-17

Darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. True Light. 真光。

This means so much to me since my name is "Sunshine" in Chinese. Each time I hear "真光" I am reminded how I am not the sunshine and nothing I can do would make it that way, but as I walk with Him, who is light, the darkness is removed and I can better shine His light into the darkness.

John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.""

Will you follow in the light, or hide in the dark?

2 Tim 2

Continuing from last time,

2 Tim 1 verses 8-10 "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

God has called us not to live as the world following the lusts and passions of the flesh, given over to immorality and every kind of deceit. He has called us to holy lives for His purposes and grace.

In this chapter verses 20-22 exemplify the meaning behind these words.

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Not to be rude, but we all have become articles tainted by ignoble purposes. Whether it be chasing money and success by trading in ethics and morals; chasing our own pleasure and desires leading to immorality with or without others directly involved; or even to make ourselves look better by cheating, making others look worse, or finding loop holes. By our flesh nature, we have become ignoble instruments.

This is why we needed to be saved.

For these things we would continue to be useless for the noble purposes we were made. A perfectly made exquisite vase will never hold beautiful flowers after it has been used as a spittoon.

But God saved us by Jesus, washed us in His blood, made us clean again. Now is the choice to go back to these things, or pursue holiness in Him.

If you ever wonder why you don't see people coming to Christ, why you don't have great conversations, why you feel God is far away, these things stem from a separation from God, a division caused by sin. When you pursue His kingdom and righteousness first all else will fall into place, when you abide in Him you will see fruit, fruit that will last.

If you want to see Amazing and Awesome things happen that only God can do, and to see God use you, gotta cleanse ourselves from these things on an ongoing basis and seek His Spirit to continue sanctifying us.

Does it make sense to pray for revival on campus when inside we ourselves are dying? We need revival and life in Him first.

2 Tim 1

Verses 8-10 "So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immmortality to light through the gospel."

These long sentences are an encouragement to suffer.

Not to suffer for just anything, but the greatest thing! The gospel, which is partially explained in this passage. God has saved us through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, having planned from the beginning the grace He has apportioned for each of us as He calls us to true life and holiness as part of His purposes for us.

Suffering for the gospel of life and salvation, not because of anything we have done, but what He has done for us.

Verse 11 of chapter 2. "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him;"

This death is not a death physically. This death is not dying in a war on unbelievers 'for the gospel'. This is not a cult-ish dying together now so we can be with God in life tomorrow.

This death is suffering. This death is choosing God over the things in the world that offer some breif pleasures. This death is a death to bring true life and satisfaction in God by forsaking the idols we love so much.

This death is following God wherever He calls us, at whatever time, in whatever place, at whatever personal cost, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for us that is greater than our own comfort in this moment.