A Gap In Time?

Biblegems #137

Question: Is there a significant gap in time between the creation of the heavens and earth in Genesis 1:1 and a re-creation of the universe in verse 2 following some kind of devastating judgment or cataclysmic event?

This question represents a view of creation known as the “Gap Theory.” This theory was made popular in the late 1800’s and on into the 20^th century by Rev. C.I. Scofield.

In commenting on Genesis 1:1, Scofield writes: “The first creative act refers to the dateless past, and gives scope for all the geologic ages.”[i] Then, in reference to Genesis 1:2, he says: “Jer. 4:23-26, Is. 24:1 and 45:18, clearly indicate that the earth had undergone a cataclysmic change as the result of a divine judgment.”[ii] He goes on to suggest that the fall of Lucifer from heaven (Ezek. 28;12-15; Is. 14:9-14) likely happened during this ‘Gap,’ accounting for the destruction of God’s original pristine creation.

The first question we need to ask is: does Genesis 1:1-2 teach a gap in time during which God’s original creation was destroyed and then re-created? In answering this question, use this fundamental principle of biblical interpretation: ‘The Scripture is clear when the interpreter follows basic grammatical rules.’ The answer, then, is “No,” Genesis 1:1-2 does not teach this gap in time. In fact, it is not even implied.

The clear interpretation of the passages Scofield refers to in Jeremiah 4 and Isaiah 24 speak prophetically of God’s future judgment on the nations at the return of the Lord, and give no indication of referring to some gap in time in Genesis. And Scofield’s reference in Isaiah 45:18 speaks to the purpose of creation, not to any supposed re-creation.

So then what is the clear teaching of Genesis 1:1-2?

Simply this: verse 1 tells us about God. He is the Creator. All that exists (“the heavens and the earth”) exists by His will.  

Verse 2 begins the account of creation with a description of the raw materials brought into existence at the moment of its conception. “The earth” (Heb. eretz, Lit., “land,” or “ground”) in this context does not refer to the globe we call earth because in verse 2 the “earth” has no shape. It is “formless.” Rather, earth in this context is equivalent to “matter,” the material stuff the universe is composed of. This earth, or matter, is also described as “empty,” (Heb. tohu)—a word that indicates “chaos.”  Also, at the very moment of creation there was no light whatsoever, and among the chaotic material floating in the darkness was a shapeless body of water (“the deep”).

That is the clear, straightforward meaning of the passage. But beyond its surface meaning there is another important, theological, consideration. If there had been a Gap in time that caused the fossil record (a record of death) of geological ages before Adam and Eve, then the statement in Romans 5:12 would be false:

         …sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—

But in fact:

         Rom. 5:21 … just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!

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[i] The Scofield Reference Bible, edited by Rev. C.I.Scofield, D.D., Oxford University Press, NY. 1945 edition. In loc.

[ii] Ibid.

Homosexuality—3: Who Am I To Judge?

Biblegems # 104

Question: I don't want to think that God would fault me for associating with people who are homosexual because God wants us to love everyone. Who am I to judge?

This is the third and final installment on this series dealing with homosexuality, focusing this time on how God would have His people interact with those who have adopted a homosexual lifestyle. The answer to this begins with the question, “who am I to judge?”

Usually, what we mean by that question is “who am I to condemn?” Listen to what Jesus taught about that:

         John 3:17-18 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

According to Jesus, then, the entire human race is already condemned. Humanity is contaminated by sin—we are born into it, like an AIDS baby is born into a deadly disease. The Bible puts it this way:

         Rom. 5:12 …sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—

The sins we choose to commit—lying, adultery, homosexuality, etc.—come from the sin nature we have inherited from our ancestors. We are all born into an environment of sin, of disobedience to God, and of a slavish desire to satisfy our animal desires and determine our own path through life. As Jesus said,

         John 3:19-20 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

But—you ask—why should we be condemned for a sin nature we inherited? It’s not fair!

You’re right, it’s not fair, any more than a baby condemned to die of AIDS because of a parent’s choice is fair. In fact it’s outrageous! And if you could do something to rescue that baby, to save that baby from the consequences of a parent’s sinful choice, would you not do it? Of course you would!

This is precisely what God has done in sending His Son Jesus to die in our place, taking the disease of our sin upon Himself and offering the transfusion of His life into ours for our salvation. You have heard the verse and seen the reference at baseball and football stadiums every year:

         John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

No, it is not our place to condemn those who choose a life of sin, whether homosexuality or stealing or whatever. Sin cuts us off from God, and God IS Life. Apart from life in Jesus, we are all condemned (John 14:6). But for us who have put their faith in Jesus and have been vaccinated against the effects of sin, who have been given the free gift of eternal life, our role is to get this Good News out to the rest of humanity.

One final thought: for those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, yet choose to maintain a lifestyle that belongs to the old sinful nature…

         Rom. 6:1-2 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?