GENESIS

Book of Beginnings

The Gap Theory• In Genesis 1:1 God created a

perfect and complete universe.

• Between 1:1 and 1:2 Satan’s rebellion marred this perfect universe.

• From 1:2 on, God remolds this sin-marred creation.

Made popular by:

• George H. Pember in 1876

• C. I. Scofield in 1917

Gap Theory Arguments • For: Words “Without

form and void” always indicate judgment. (See Isaiah 34:11; 45:18; Jeremiah 4:23)

• Against: Words can often

simply refer to lifelessness and empty space. (See Job 26:7; Deuteronomy 32:10)

• For:

Verb “Was” in 1:2 should be translated “became.”

• Against: Hebrew word

hayetha is almost always translated was;258 of 264 times in Pentateuch. (See Jonah 3:3)

• For:

There is a difference between created (Bara) and made (asah.)

• Against: Words are used

interchangeably.1. God created (bara)

the great sea monsters (1:21.)

2. God made (asah) the beast of the earth (1:15.)

3. “Let us make (asah) man” (1:26.)

4. “So God created (bara) man” (1:27.)

• For:

Word “darkness” indicates judgment (See 1:2.)

• Against: Darkness here is

simply the absence of light and is sometimes spoken of as being good. (See Psalms 104:20, 24.)

• For:

Word “replenish” in 1:28 indicates the world was once filled.

• Against: Hebrew word male

almost always means simply “to fill.” (See Exodus 40:34; I Kings 18:33; Psalm 107:9)

Creation

Are they literal 24 hour days?

• The numerical adjective used with the word “day” (Hebrew yom) indicates this.

• Moses believed it (Exodus 20:11;31:17)

• David believed it (Psalm 33:6-9)• Most Hebrew language scholars

believe it.• Hebrew structure itself teaches it.

The Correlation of these days

• First three days provide the backdrop for the creation drama.

Day 1 - LightDay 2 - Firmament and WaterDay 3 - Land and Vegetation

• Last three days provide the actual actors in the creation drama.

Day 4 - Sun, moon, starsDay 5 - fowls and fishDay 6 - beasts and man

Twofold Account of these Days

• The Floodlight Account- A general description of the

creation of the universe.- A chronological account.

• The Spotlight Account- A specific description of the

creation of man.- A topical account.

Physical Features of the Ancient World

• Universally warm with pleasant and mild climate.

• No deserts or ice caps.• More land surface than today.• Smaller and shallower ocean basins.• No rugged mountains or deep canyons.• Constant, gentle weather conditions.• Worldwide lush vegetation.• No rainfall; earth probably watered by

ground dews and artesian springs.

The Flood

When did the flood begin?

• It began in November. This month is lamented by many people around the world as the day of the dead.

• It lasted 371 days.

What may have triggered the flood?

• An earthquake may have released vast and pressured water reservoirs in the earth’s mantle (Genesis 7:11.)

• This may have blown immense amounts of dust skyward which would then initiate the condensation and precipitation of the watery canopy.

Was the flood worldwide?

A. Because of the need for the ark.B. Because of the wide distribution of

man before the flood (Genesis 4:16.)

C. Because of the comparison made in II Peter 3:3-7.

D. Because of the universal flood traditions.

E. Because of the marine fossils found on mountains.

F. Because of the many fossil fish beds.

G. Because of the worldwide animal fossil graveyards.

H. Because of the evidence of recent water bodies in present desert areas.

I. Because of the evidence of a recent drastic rise in the sea level.

J. Because of the evidence from the geologic column.

Geologic Column• Grand Canyon. The top layer,

which forms the North Rim, is the Kaibab Limestone. Below it, in order, you can see the Toroweap Formation, Coconino Sandstone, Hermit Shale, Supai Group, Redwall Limestone, Muav Limestone, and Bright Angel Shale. The Inner Gorge and the river are not visible in this photo.