The necessity for holding to a literal view of strict creationism

 

1.  Its effect upon the words of Jesus Christ and all the writers of the New Testament

In the New Testament Jesus Christ quoted from the following chapters in the book of Genesis (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,17,18,19,28,31).  All New Testament writers quoted from the first five chapters of Genesis. Over half of the minimum of 200 OT quotes in the NT are from the first 11 eleven chapters of Genesis. Therefore if Genesis is not true literally, scientifically, historically, and spiritually then the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and the writers of the New Testament cannot be taken as being true. This also means that the New Testament cannot be treated as being literally true.

In addition although the Bible is not a textbook on science, yet when it speaks about science it is the most trustworthy book in the world for true science has now (or will in time) always prove it to be absolutely true (see back side of this paper). This viewpoint also adds credibility to the fact that the author of the Bible can also be trusted to speak truly whenever He speaks about heavenly and spiritual things (John 3:12).

2.  It is the foundational basis for belief in the major doctrines of scripture.

Everything that the church believes and teaches is founded on the doctrine of creation. The meaning of anything is bound up in its origin.  If you don’t understand how something began, you cannot fully understand it value and purpose. And if you cannot defend a doctrine’s foundation from the beginning, you will ultimately fail to defend it properly and consistently and it will degenerate into just your opinion.  For the church to speak with authority, it needs to build from its foundation.  Consider a few of the important Bible doctrines, subjects all considered vital topics for the church, which originate in Genesis:

  • Marriage and family: Genesis 2:24

  • Human sexuality: Genesis 1:27-28

  • False religion: Genesis 3:5

  • Sin and judgment: Genesis 3:6-19

  • Salvation: Genesis 3:15

  • Law and government: Genesis 9:6

  • Work and purpose in life: Genesis 2:15; 3:18-19, 23

  • Arts and sciences: Genesis 4:20-22

  • Eternal destiny: Genesis 3:24, 12:1-3

3. Failure to trust in the doctrine of creation results in individuals and a culture in trusting in political action to change cultural problems rather than first trusting in the word of God and prayer.

Thinking Christian theologian Rousas Rushdoony said the following:

            “Every doctrine of Scripture is undermined when strict creationism is undermined. Wherever strict creationism is set aside, the vital nerve of Christianity is cut, and the church begins to move in terms of humanistic and political power rather than the power of God.”

Have you noticed how many Christians today are looking for relief from a deteriorating culture to the government? Why? Re-read the previous quote again.