When trying to decide what to write on for the book of Genesis, I debated on whether or not to tackle the topic of creation. In considering the arguments for and against making the heated topic the first post of this section, I came to a conclusion. If we cannot boldly face the issue of who created this earth, then attempting a journey through the Bible is useless. Genesis is our basis and without the foundational truth given in Genesis 1:1, we will crumble to pieces. For those that read this post, whether or not you agree with my argument is up to you. I will do my best to present you with basic, simplistic fact.
The truth for Genesis – Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”
Just about anyone in America today is familiar with Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution. Darwin’s theory has taken over modern science and is widely viewed as fact, instead of theory.
What are evolution’s answers for creation?
- What created the earth – ?????
- What was created – particles, molecules, “primordial soup”
- How was it created – the Big Bang
- When was it created – billions of years ago
- How long did it take – no one knows
First, let’s examine how the earth was created. According to Dictionary.com, “[The Big Bang is] a theory that deduces a cataclysmic birth of the universe (big bang) from the observed expansion of the universe, cosmic background radiation, abundance of the elements, and the laws of physics.”
In other words, “[The Big Bang] represents the instantaneous suspension of physical laws, the sudden abrupt flash of lawlessness that allowed something to come out of nothing. It represents a true miracle…” Paul Davies, The Edge of Infinity, 1995
No matter where you look or what you read, the basis of evolution is the expansion or growth of some particular substance or form. However, where that form or substance came from, even if it is only an atom, has yet to be explained. The basis then, for evolution appears to be unknown.
“The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.” Charles Darwin
“It is only fair to say that we still have a theory without a beginning.” Joseph Silk, The Big Bang, 2002, p. xv
What are the Bible’s answers for creation?
- Who created the earth – God
- What was created – all things
- How was it created – by His power
- When was it created – in the beginning
- How long did it take – 6 literal days
Exodus 20:11, “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”
Psalm 33:6&9,”By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”
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.”
Putting the views of evolution and creationism aside, what are the possibilities for Earth’s creation?
1. The universe created itself
- Can something create itself?
- Can nothing bring something?
- Ex Nihilo, Nihil Fit (Latin): Nothing comes from nothing
2. The universe has always existed
- 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
The Second Law of Thermodynamics is one of three Laws of Thermodynamics. The term “thermodynamics” comes from two root words: “thermo,” meaning heat, and “dynamic,” meaning power. Thus, the Laws of Thermodynamics are the Laws of “Heat Power.” As far as we can tell, these Laws are absolute. All things in the observable universe are affected by and obey the Laws of Thermodynamics.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics is commonly known as the Law of Increased Entropy. While quantity remains the same (First Law), the quality of matter/energy deteriorates gradually over time. How so? Usable energy is inevitably used for productivity, growth and repair. In the process, usable energy is converted into unusable energy. Thus, usable energy is irretrievably lost in the form of unusable energy.[i]
So what does this mean for the Earth? In order for the Earth to have always existed, it would have been much, much larger than it is now. Why is that a problem? “The higher temperatures on Earth, which are determined in part by its distance from the sun, allow water to stay in liquid form. If Earth were closer to the sun, however, the oceans would boil away. If it were farther away, the oceans would freeze.”[ii]
- Colossians 1:16, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.”
If we look past the unknown beginning of evolution and move on to the origin of life, where does that bring us?
Evolution’s definition – life evolved by natural processes. About 4.6 billion years ago the earth formed. Chemicals formed in the “primordial soup.” Chemicals bonded together to form molecules. Molecules bonded together to make a living cell. Sounds simple, right? There is one small problem. Some of you may be familiar with the Miller Experiment.
In the experiment, Miller was attempting to illustrate how life’s building blocks (amino acids) could have formed by natural processes.
Miller assumed that the early earth’s atmosphere was very different from today. He based his starting chemical mixture on the assumption that the early earth had a reducing atmosphere (an atmosphere that contains no free oxygen). Why did Miller and many other evolutionists assume there was no free oxygen in Earth’s early atmosphere? …it is well known that biological molecules (specifically amino acid bonds) are destroyed in the presence of oxygen, making it impossible for life to evolve.
Therefore, in order to avoid this problem, evolutionists propose that Earth’s first atmosphere did not contain any freestanding oxygen.
If we were to grant the evolutionists’ assumption of no oxygen in the original atmosphere, another fatal problem arises. Since the ozone is made of oxygen, it would not exist; and the ultraviolet rays from the sun would destroy any biological molecules.[iii]
To put it simply, In the presence of oxygen, life cannot start. However, oxygen has to be present to sustain life.
For more information regarding the origin of life, I encourage you to read the article at the following website: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/wow/can-natural-processes-explain#fnList_1_2
If evolution is unable to explain the origin of matter and energy through naturalistic means, then it is without a foundation. Why should we accept evolution when it cannot produce the evidence?
Going back to the quote by Paul Davies, “[The Big Bang] represent the instantaneous suspension of physical laws, the sudden abrupt flash of lawlessness that allowed something to come out of nothing. It represents a true miracle…” But you see, miracles require a supernatural force and evolution does not provide for a miracle maker. Evolution is a blind faith.
Romans 1:18-23, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.”
If you rule out the truth, you have to accept anything in its place. Do not be like the fools who thought so highly of themselves. We are born foolish people with foolish hearts. God gave us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us in the way of righteousness. Seek the God of truth, a God of wonders who created the galaxies.
Revelation 22:13, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
For Such a Time as This,
Krista
*Portions of this article were taken from Four Power Questions to ask Evolutionists by Mike Riddle, produced by Answers in Genesis.
For more information regarding creation, visit www.answersingenesis.org
[i] “Second Law of Thermodynamics.” allaboutscience.org. AllAboutScience. n.d. Web. 1 Oct. 2009.
[ii] “Earth Explained.” Howstuffworks.com. HowStuffWorks. n.d. Web. 1 Oct. 2009.
[iii] Riddle, Mike. “Can natural processes explain the origin of life.” Answersingensis.org. 17 May 2007. Web. 1 Oct. 2009.
