S c i e n c e a n d the Bi b l e by Bolton Davidheiser, Ph.D.
THE GAP THEORY
A c c o r d in g to the gap theory, also called the ruin-reconstruction theory, a long period of time oc curred between the events of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Those who hold this view generally believe that there was a creation before the one described in Genesis and that the earlier crea tion was destroyed, resulting in a chaotic condition described as “waste and void.” This leads to the postula tion that pre-Adamic men without souls lived during the time of the gap and are represented among the fossils. Dr. John C. Whitcomb, Jr. of Grace Theological Seminary points out that as early as 1814 Dr. Thomas Chalmers of Edinburgh University was promoting the gap theory as a means of harmonizing the Genesis account of creation with the vast periods of time demanded by the uniformitarian geologists. We pre sent here in quotes typical state ments of proponents of the gap theory, together with a summary of Dr. Whitcomb’s replies. (1) “ The verb translated was in Genesis 1 :2 may be translated be came.” Six times in the Pentateuch this Hebrew verb is translated be came, but in each instance the text shows clearly that a change has oc curred. The verb is translated was 258 times in the Pentateuch. In Genesis 1 :2 there is no contextual support for translating it became, and no English version has it so translated. (2) “Darkness is nearly always a symbol of sin and judgment. God said the light was good, but did not say this of the darkness. Therefore it is assumed that the world was created in light and that darkness came as a judgment.” But darkness is not always presented in the Bible as due to judgment, and it is shown to have its useful purpose. Perhaps God did not mention the darkness as good because it is not something He brought forth during the time of creation but is merely the absence of the light He made. . (3) “ There is an important dis tinction between the words for cre
ate and made. Things were created in the beginning but brought forth during the geologic ages and after the destruction.” These words are used interchangeably. In Genesis 1: 26 man is said to have been made, while the very next verse says he was created. (4) “ The words translated without form and void in Genesis 1 :2 occur together elsewhere only in Isaiah 24:1 and Jeremiah 4:23. Both of these cases refer to judgment. This indicates judgment in Genesis 1:2 also.” However, the word for with out form or waste is used elsewhere without any connotation of evil or judgment. In Isaiah 45:18 this word is used in saying that God created the earth not in vain. This state ment is used by proponents of the gap theory to indicate that the earth was not created uninhabited but be came that way. In context, however, the thought here is about God’s pur pose — He did not create the earth in vain but to be inhabited. (5) “The first people mentioned were told to multiply and replenish the earth. This indicates that there were people on the earth previously.” The word translated replenish means fill and does not suggest repetition. It seems that none of these Bible references definitely teach what the gap theory maintains, though there may be room for a difference of opinion in some cases. But Dr. Whitcomb points out that the matter is settled by Exodus 20:11, where we are told that “ in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is.” Ac cording to the gap theory the heav ens, the earth, and the sea were cre ated before the six days of Genesis chapter 1, but in Exodus 20:11 we are told that God made everything in six days. Those who believe that evolution ary problems may be “ tossed into the gap and forgotten” will find themselves in a difficult position if they lose faith in the gap theory. It is better to found beliefs upon a more substantial foundation.
...insidemecovers ofthesenew Eerdmansboks!
JOHN WESLEY: The Burning Heart — A. Skevlngton Wood. Againsta background of moral disintegration, absence of religious fervor and the distrust of the ology, Wesley preached repentance and conversion. His ringing affirmation of the fundamental and supernatural realities of the gospel and the success of his efforts produces a fascinating biography of "the greatest force of the eighteenth century.” Cloth, 304 pages, $4.95 SPURGEON: Heir of the Puritans— Ernest W. Bacon. The first biography in thirty years of the great preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, pays particular atten tion to the Puritan tradition from which he came and in which he was steeped. Re plete with quotations from his sermons and writings and from the works of the Puritan divines who were his theological inspiration. Cloth, 180 pages, $3.95 THEY CALLED HIM MISTER MOODY - Richard K. Curtis. All about the colorful and unconventional man whose un questioned integrity, warm un de r standing, and native ability have given him a permanent place in the history of his time. Delightfully told and pleasingly priced. " . . . the best that has been done on him . . . ” — Billy Graham. 378 pages, Paper $2.45, Cloth $4.95 live W M . B. EERDMANS PUBLISH ING CO. Grand Rapids, Michigan At your bocittllfr s
r p r r verse by verse NOTES ON REVELATION Send today for current study on chapter two. Clip and mail today.
R A Y S OF R EV ELAT IO N Box K2, 604 No. Clark St. Chicago, Illinois 60610
Name ______ ....... ............................. Street ....... ........... ....... ....... ................ City .................. ............ ........................... ................. State ______.........___ ......... Zip .....__.........
36
THE KING'S BUSINESS.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker