The Interpretations of Genesis Creation Account

Live from Salt Lake City, Utah, this is Heart of the Matter where we do all we can to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. I’m Shawn McCraney, your host.

Show 35 512
Creation – Part VI
August 30th 2016

Genesis 1:1 Describes Real Creation, Not Just a Summary

First of all, Genesis 1:1 describes the Actual Act of Creation Out of Nothing and Is Not a Title or a Summary. Genesis 1:1 tells us that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This is not a title or a summary of the narrative that follows. Rather, it is a background statement that describes how the universe came to be. In Genesis 1:1, “created” is in the perfect tense, and when a perfect verb is used at the beginning of a unit in Hebrew narrative, it usually functions to describe an event that precedes the main storyline (see Gen. 16:1, 22:1, 24:1 for comparison). Furthermore, the Hebrew conjunction at the beginning of Genesis 1:2 supports this reading.

If Genesis 1:1 is merely a title or a summary, then Genesis does not teach creation out of nothing. But I think Genesis 1:1 is describing the actual act of God creating “heaven and earth” (a merism for the universe, indicating totality—like “high and low,” “east and west,” “near and far,” “rising up and sitting down,” “seen and unseen”). Genesis 1:1 describes the creation of everything “visible and invisible” (Col. 1:16), with Genesis 1:2 focusing upon the “visible.” After the act of creation in Genesis 1:1, the main point of the narrative (in Gen. 1:3-2:3) seems to be the making and preparation of the earth for its inhabitants, with a highly patterned structure of forming and filling.

The Creation Before "The First Day"

2. The Earth, Darkness, and Water Are Created Before “The First Day.” In Genesis 1:1, God creates the “heavens and the earth.” (In Joel 3:15-16 we see that “heavens” encompasses the sun, the moon, and the stars.) Then in Genesis 1:2 we are told that this earth that was created is without form and void, that darkness covers the waters, and that the Spirit is hovering over it. If Genesis 1:1 is not the act of creation, then where do the earth, the darkness, and the waters come from that are referred to in Genesis 1:2 before God’s first fiat? Further, if the sun is created in day four (Gen. 1:16), why do we have light already appearing in Genesis 1:3?

It helps to remember that in Hebrew there are distinct words for create and make. When the Hebrew construction let there be is used in the phrase “Let your steadfast love… be upon us” (Ps. 33:22; cf. Ps. 90:17; Ps. 119:76), this obviously isn’t a request for God’s love to begin to exist, but rather to function in a certain way. Similarly, if the sun, moon, stars, and lights were created in Genesis 1:1, then they were made or appointed for a particular function in Genesis 1:13, 14, 16—namely, to mark the set time for worship on man’s calendar.

The Concept of "Day" in Creation

3. The Seventh “Day” Is Not 24 Hours Long. In Genesis 2:2-3 where we are told that “on the seventh day [yom] God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day [yom] from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day [yom] and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” The question we have to ask here is: was God’s creation “rest” limited to a 24-hour period? On the contrary, Psalm 95 and Hebrews 4 teach that God’s Sabbath rest “remains” and that we can enter into it or be prevented from entering it.

Miles Van Pelt observes: In Exod 20:11, the command for the people of God to remember the Sabbath day is grounded in God’s pattern of work and rest during the creation week. The people of God are to work for six solar days (Exod 20:9) and then rest on the seventh solar day (Exod 20:10). If, therefore, it can be maintained that God’s seventh day rest in Gen 2 extends beyond the scope of a single solar day, then the correspondence between the “day” of God’s rest and our “day” of observance would be analogical, not identical. In other words, if day seven is an unending day, still in progress, then our weekly recognition of that day is not temporally identical. As such, there is no reason to maintain that the same could not be true for the previous six days, especially if the internal, exegetical evidence from Genesis 1 and 2 supports this reality.

4. The “Day” of Genesis 2:4 Cannot Be 24 Hours.

The Debate Over the Meaning of "Day" in Genesis

After using “the seventh day” in an analogical way (i.e., similar to but not identical with a 24-hour day), we read in the very next verse, Genesis 2:4: “These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day [yom] that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.” The precise meaning of this is debated. But what seems clear, if we believe the Bible does not contradict itself, is that this (singular) “day”—in which the creation events (plural “generations”) occur—cannot refer to a single 24-hour period.

In fact, it does not seem to correspond to any one of the creation week days, but is either a reference to the act of creation itself (Gen. 1:1) or an umbrella reference to the lengthier process of forming and fitting the inhabitable earth (Gen. 2:2ff). In either case, this use of yom presents a puzzle for those who insist that “young-earth” exegesis is the only interpretation that takes the opening chapters of Genesis “literally.” Defenders of the 24-hour view acknowledge that yom can mean more than a single calendar day but often insist that “[numbered] yom“ (e.g., “first day”) always, without exception, refers to a 24-hour day in the Hebrew Bible. This is not true, however. Not only does the rest of the canon tell us that the ”seventh day” is not 24 hours, but Hosea 6:2 (“third day”) seems to be used in an analogical way that does not refer to a precise 24-hour time period.

Explanation of Genesis and the Role of Time

5. The Explanation of Genesis 2:5-7 Assumes More Than an Ordinary Calendar Day

In his article “Because It Had Rained” (part 1 and part 2), Mark Futato of Reformed Theological Seminary explains the logic of Genesis 2:5-7 and shows its role in OT covenantal theology. Futato sees in this passage a twofold problem, a twofold reason, and a twofold solution.

The twofold problem?
• No wild vegetation had appeared in the land.
• No cultivated grains had yet sprung up.

The twofold reason for this problem?
• The Lord God had not sent rain on the land.
• There was no man to cultivate the ground.

The twofold solution to this problem?
• God caused rain clouds to rise up from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground.
• The Lord God formed the man.

Note the reason why there were no shrubs or small plants in the Garden: because “it had not yet rained.” The explanation for this lack of vegetation which is attributed to ordinary providence. But if the sixth day is a 24-hour period, this explanation would make little sense. The very wording of the text presupposes seasons and rain cycles and a lengthier passage of time during this “day [yom]” that God formed man. This doesn’t mean that it refers to thousands of years, or hundreds of years. It just means that it’s very doubtful it means a 24-hour period.

Analogical Understanding of God's "Days"

So What Does God Mean by “Days” in Genesis 1?

Let’s go back to the “seventh day.” On the seventh day, according to Exodus 31:17, God “rested and was refreshed.” Why would an omnipotent and inexhaustible God need to be “refreshed”? It’s the same Hebrew word used for getting your breath back after running a long race (Ex. 23:2; 2 Sam. 16:14). The reason it is not improper to say that God was refreshed is the same reason it’s not improper to say that God breathes, hovers, is like a potter, gardens, searches, asks questions, comes down, etc.—all images of God used in Genesis. God’s revelation to us is analogical (neither entirely identical nor entirely dissimilar) and anthropomorphic (accommodated and communicated from our perspective in terms we can understand).

So when God refers to “days,” does he want us to mentally substitute the word “eons” or “ages”? No. Does he want us to think of precise units of time, marked by 24 exact hours as the earth makes a rotation on its axis? No. Does he want us to think of the Hebrew workday? Yes, in an analogical and anthropomorphic sense. Just as the “seventh day” makes us think of an ordinary calendar day (even though it isn’t technically a 24-hour period), so the other “six days” are meant to be read in the same way.

This is what the great Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck (1854-1921) believed: “The creation days are the workdays of God. By a labor, resumed and renewed six times, he prepared the whole earth.” This is also what the Presbyterian theologian W.G.T. Shedd (1820-1894) advocated: The seven days of the human week are copies of the seven days of the divine week. The “sun-divided days” are images of the “God-divided days.” This agrees with the biblical representation generally. The human is the copy of the divine, not the divine of the human.

Trinitarian Fatherhood and Human Rest

Human fatherhood and sonship are finite copies of the Trinitarian fatherhood and sonship. Human justice, benevolence, holiness, mercy, etc., are imitations of corresponding divine qualities. The reason given for man’s rest upon the seventh solar day is that God rested upon the seventh creative day (Ex. 20:11). But this does not prove that the divine rest was only twenty-four hours in duration any more than the fact that human sonship is a copy of the divine proves that the latter is sexual.

Augustine (the most influential theologian in the Western Church) believed something similar, as did Franz Delitzsch (perhaps the great Christian Hebraist). It was the most common view among the late 19th century and early 20th century conservative Dutch theologians. God is portrayed as a workman going through his workweek, working during the day and resting for the night. Then on his Sabbath, he enjoys a full and refreshing rest. Our days are like God’s workdays, but not identical to them. How long were God’s workdays? The Bible doesn’t say. But I see no reason to insist that they were only 24 hours long.

Theological Resources

For more on this interpretation, see C. John Collins, Genesis 1-4: A Linguistic, Literary, and Theological Commentary (P&R) and Vern Poythress, Redeeming Science: A God-centered Approach (Crossway). For short and helpful resources on this, see Vern Poythress’s booklets, Christian Interpretations of Genesis 1 and Did Adam Exist? Also, it looks like the new book by Kenneth Keathley and Mark Rooker may now be the best introduction to the issues of creation and evolution in a concise and accessible yet thorough manner: 40 Questions About Creation and Evolution (Kregel, 2014).

Reformed Believers and Creation

Update: For a couple of good models of Reformed believers discussing these issues charity and care (instead of with rancor), I’d recommend Keith Matthison’s free ebook, A Reformed Approach to Science and Scripture (originally a blog series) and the PCA’s Report of the Creation Study Committee.

From: Mark R.
Subject: A Similar Situation I Need Your Opinion
Message Body:
Hello,
I've been watching your show for a while now and I could use your advise. I have seen you deal with dogma and churches that seem to promote a pastor as a gateway to god mentality. I would appreciate your thoughts on a particular church. It's not LDS but I suspect the circumstances could be similar from the critiques I've read. I have a friend that attends and she invited me to which I accepted. It's called Elevation Church. Are you familiar with them? They are technically non-denominational and based out of Charlotte, NC. I can give you more details. but I've read some things that have made me have second thoughts about joining them and I'm wondering if I should make my friend aware of these things. If so, how would I go about it? Any input on this would be helpful. Admittedly, the phone would be easier if you have time. You can call me on my cell at 540-353-8088. I'm on EST. Like I said, I know that former LDS is what you help with but this from what I've experienced and the impression I got is a similar situation. Thank you for your help and God Bless You sir. Regards, Mark

What are your thoughts on the apostles not mentioning the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 ad in the new testament being due to the fact that they may have been raptured in the event?

From: Dallas Fraser
Subject: Being indifferent
Message Body:
Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not; and let him which eateth not, judge him that eateth. For God hath received him. To me this describes your ministry Shawn. I thank God for your indifference, it has been a guiding light to break old beliefs and practices and brings me to a greater love and appreciation of who and what God is. I can close the door to Mormanism and open it up to truths in Christ that heal and make whole. I may not agree with all your interpretations but I honestly don't know all I would like to know and understand. I do believe that you are on the right track and I love you for your teaching and support! Thanks Brother,

From: Gareth Ashford
Subject: Thank you
Message Body:
I have seen your ministry, for that what it is, on YouTube, all I can say is I've gone through rough times over the last couple of years and turned my back on the Church, (I'm not lds by the way) however listening to you has reminded me of the sacrifice Christ Jesus has made for me! God has blessed us with you thank you Shawn much love in Jesus

Personal Testimonies on Faith and Belief

From: Richard Rawlings
Subject: Pejorative terms
Message Body:
GAWD forgive me, but I cannot let this go unanswered. You don't like Liberals? You dismiss Liberals? We Liberals do most of the giving, helping, and blessing that gets done. The "Right", as some hasten to call themselves, do most of the lying, the stealing and the cursing. As well as a lot of the tawdrier sins imaginable. Just recently, a pastor called for Hillarys' death. And was later found to be covering up HIS OWN sexual abuse of children in his parish. A shame to all when that happens.

So, when I find some buffoon stomping in my rose bushes, I can't let the go unchallenged. I don't mock your Mormon traditions – although I had a daughter marry one – it did not end well. And I have solid grounds to criticize. Your faith is your business. Bless ya.

But you're beset and busy, so FWIW here's my works. Since 2009, I've used KIVA.org to lend over $50,000.00 to some of the poorest people on the planet. That money started as a seed. It has been lent and repaid by over a thousand people in the course of seven years. In that time I formed a lending group called "Tipping Point" Under that team, and in my own name, we stand at over $52,000.00 in investments to people no Western (NOT Cowboy, Western/European) banks would ever lend to. Come, join – it will cost you nothing – and see for yourself.

Still, God Bless Richard Rawlings

A Journey of Faith and Discovery

From: Kathryn Clifford
Subject: Thank you
Message Body:
Dear Shawn,
I was a devout Mormon convert for more than 25 years. I was a Relief Society teacher, a Gospel Doctrine teacher, a Primary teacher, faithful visiting teacher, and High Counselman’s wife. I raised my 6 children in the church. My eldest son discovered the truth about 5 years ago and he and his family left the church. In an effort to bring them back into the fold, my eldest daughter and I also discovered the truth and left. My two middle sons were never really active so they were fine with our decision to leave. However, my husband, my youngest daughter, and second son and their families remain LDS, and of course, they believe we’ve lost our minds.

It has been a tumultuous journey. They’ve refused to consider that there are legitimate reasons for leaving the church and have never really let me explain what I now believe or why. Frustration with this led me to write a book, “Shadows of Truth” which I just recently self-published (Available at Amazon.com). I’ve since stumbled across Heart of the Matter on YouTube and have been binge-watching for weeks! I’m so delighted to hear and see nearly everything I’ve written in my book being confirmed on your show! It’s such a comfort to know that I’m not off base and it is further confirmation to me that God will show us the truth if we’re humbly seeking it and are willing to accept it. Thank, thank you, thank you for what you’re doing!

It’s hard now to imagine how I could have believed that I needed anything but Jesus. I’m so ashamed of having led my children into a church that teaches so much garbage as truth. The use of mind control is so clear to me now. If only I could have seen it 25 years ago… maybe my children wouldn’t be caught in its steel trap. Getting them in was relatively easy … I believe it will take a miracle to get them out. My husband is a lifelong member of 65 years and his mind is so closed! It’s heartbreaking. We try to celebrate the beliefs we have in common, but I so miss the complete connection we once had.

My husband is currently in the process of reading my book. I realize that I can only plant seeds … God has to be the one to prepare the ground … which right now seems saturated with fertilizer! Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Finding Faith

From Mike

Shawn,
I wanted to say thank you. I am 30 years old and have had a “feeling” since I was a child that I needed to find Faith. My family is apparently Protestant, in the laziest of terms, and I know this sounds bad on my behalf but it has bothered me for a long time. They never talked about God or went to church to give any kind of foundational understanding of Jesus. I was so jealous of friends of mine that were involved in church because I just wasn’t…. Growing up I have been extremely critical to Christians because of this reason. Teasing friends of mine or mocking stories of Jesus

A Journey of Faith and Understanding

I know that I did this forever because I didn’t feel like I should believe just to believe and go with the crowd. There have been many times during growing up, high school, college, and as a parent…that I would have been embarrassed to admit that through studying Scripture, reading historical data, and praying that I found God and understand who Jesus Christ is. I know who He is and I can no longer try and justify whether or not it is “True”. It is. And I’m certain.

My wife and I have been together as a couple since we were 15 years old. We have 2 children and both her and I have had struggles with our parents. Quite recently we have come to an understanding that the way we grew up wasn’t necessarily normal. We both still have, and grew up with, narcissistic parents. This is a separate issue but I’ll explain why I’m writing this.

Faith and Exploration

I travel extensively for work. And believe it or not, 100% of my travel is to the Western states to include Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona, etc… (I live in Nebraska). During my travels, I find out within minutes that the man I work/travel with is a VERY Mormon individual. We talk about Faith while we travel and spend hours in cars/planes. My understanding of God…hate to say it…was firmly deepened to me (as I was educated on the Mormon Faith) and was increasingly justified. HOWEVER! When I studied the Book of Mormon and the LDS Church (let alone the other “correct versions of Christianity” Catholics, Orthodox, etc….) I felt again disconnected to being close to Jesus and understanding God. I hated the arguments and reasons why such and such are wrong blah, blah, blah.

Due to your work with teaching the Gospel, I feel at peace knowing that I don’t have to be part of ANY church or denomination. I wasn’t ever looking for anyone to tell me that I was OK studying by myself while trying to educate myself and study. I do have to say however, that you are a very well studied man…and with your background around the LDS Church, I’m so glad that I never joined the LDS Church just because I felt like it was correct. I truly believe having long conversations about God with my Mormon friend was for a purpose. It made me try as hard as possible, more than any time before, to study HARDER and learn MORE and ask as many questions as possible.

Understanding the Truth about Jesus

The only Golden Ticket I needed to get to Heaven and be at peace was through prayer and studying scripture. I know because I know. Lastly…I finally started having conversations with my wife on why “I know” the truth about Jesus. We’ve had a few times recently where I’m totally disconnected with taking care of the kids and family because I struggled with my Faith. She doesn’t necessarily agree with me about being a Christian. But I will say this.

This morning…after my wife and I talked, not even 24 hours after I told her I believe in God, did I find a video of yours called Knowing Truth. (You referenced how Christians use Fact/Reason and then prayer and feelings and tie it all together). I now know Jesus. It took me 30 years to figure it out, but I never had to join a church to be saved.

So here’s my thanks. You have helped me answer difficult questions with all of your videos/sermons. During my travels, I will continue to listen to your Sunday service whether it’s Monday or Tuesday or whatever. I won’t feel bad about missing a brick and mortar church visit on Sunday =) Hopefully my family will follow suit and I guess time will tell.

Thank you Shawn

Share this if you would like. I really don’t mind nor care if anyone gives a crap about my story, but had to get this off my chest.

12: The end of materialism religion – two questions.

Good day to you kind people. I just received – The end of materialism religion PDF via email. Page 5 The promised messiah (material). He was born of a woman (materially). Was it God, the Spirit or Joseph? I'm very confused (It's been a long term question I have asked).

I've always thought it was God, though in what I understand God the Spirit and Jesus are all working together as one… force as one river.

Page 7 – Is excellent It really is

My 2nd question: What people have no idea who or what Jesus is. Will/can/could/should they be saved if they die? I mean people who are alive today but literally have no connect with…

Perspectives on Free Agency and Predestination

western life. They are great people so lovely so nice, they get frustrated at things like we all do BUT if they die…. do they get another chance? My thought is that God will love them and accept them based on their actions – even without knowing of him.

Kind Regards David Blair

From: JayJay
Subject: Free agency or predestination
Message Body:

Hi Shawn!! Thank You so much for your ministry! I have learned so much and God continues to open my eyes. I finally caught up on the episodes I missed the past 2 months and I wanted to share something with you that made the free agency-predestined debate clear for me. I struggled for many years after leaving the church (sadly my family cut all ties and communications with me which is why I struggled with believing anything…why when if one day I can't I'll be abandoned and felt God had already done so.) One of my biggest struggles was the whole everything happens for a reason and the concept of is it really free will if God knows all things…how much free will do I have. If I am predestined for something, what happens if I don't, or is that even a possibility? So, I wanted to send a video to explain but I can't seen to figure out how to do it. Hopefully bye instructions you can understand what I believe about all that 😉

Understanding Life Paths

1.) Get a piece of paper (standard size) a pencil. lay out the paper so it is longer in width than height and right in the center draw a line from one side to the other. place a dot on each end birth and death labeled. under-neath the line put God's desired path for you. 2.) draw 4 lines parallel to the center line and to each other, not adding the dots on both ends for birth and death. 3) repeat step 2 but underneath the center line.

4. add a dot to each line close to the end of the line far enough away to write – middle line: (Gods desired) write believer. the other lines put believer and non believer in any order you wish 5) Scatter lives events on the lines…. graduation, marriage, kids, etc .. have lines that don't have that event..ex: skip marriage but have kids. in all the lines (except gods desired path) add some negative things like loss of a parent, spouse, kids…drug addiction, car accident, etc. you can even shorten the death dot to be earlier on a couple of lines.

5. So basically you drew out time lines of what paths we could all take. Starting at the Desired we follow the path of our lives and with each decision we make can land us on a totally different path…and sometimes right back on the one God desires for us. I believe God is always trying to guide us back to that path, but we mess up. So as (hopefully you can see, our choices, God does know because He knows all our endings..He know all the choices we will have and the many outcomes of what we choose. I know some argue then He doesn't know everything if He doesn't know our ending; however, He knows all the endings!

Interpretations of the Path

Which, for me, also tied up the straight and narrow and few find it..to me I see it as God's desired path..not all of us will find that path. I always struggled with if only a few find it and they are the only ones going to heaven what does that really mean. Anyways sorry for the long email. If you aren't able to get it (my instructions probably do an injustice) feel free to call me at 435-590-1805 Thanks, JayJay

Shawn, After reaching out to you, realizing you are very involved, I did my own research, wrote the letter submitted the resignation form and began the dance with the records dept. They did not respond quickly, and sent everything back down line to the ward Bishop, on and on…….Finally, in April I received the letter of confirmation that I was no longer a member and my name removed, however, if I should ever choose to return; well you know the routine. For several years now, I tune in to HOTM every Tues. evening, and have watched the majority of past offerings, which has motivated me to get off of the fence and look @ religion and the LDS church, with the idea of understanding the doctrine so I will know how to speak with my siblings and others. Studying with an open mind, not in the lackadaisical manner many members study the church and it's spoon fed doctrine & history, I am amazed that anyone could defend LDS beliefs/doctrine and hold a straight face. I honesty believe the general LDS church membership follows because it

The Journey of Leaving LDS Church

is comfortable to NOT challenge what they are told, after all "Once the brethren have spoken, the thinking has been done". Also, they are invested, much akin to Multi Level Marketing, you'll never make the goals they claim, yet you keep investing time and money into the fallacy. Enough said, God Bless. Happily Out. Lee

Shawn, After reaching out to you, realizing you are very involved, I did my own research, wrote the letter submitted the resignation form and began the dance with the records dept. They did not respond quickly, and sent everything back down line to the ward Bishop, on and on……. Finally, in April I received the letter of confirmation that I was no longer a member and my name removed, however, if I should ever choose to return; well you know the routine.

Seeking Understanding through Research

For several years now, I tune in to HOTM every Tues. evening, and have watched the majority of past offerings, which has motivated me to get off of the fence and look @ religion and the LDS church, with the idea of understanding the doctrine so I will know how to speak with my siblings and others. Studying with an open mind, not in the lackadaisical manner many members study the church and it's spoon fed doctrine & history, I am amazed that anyone could defend LDS beliefs/doctrine and hold a straight face. I honesty believe the general LDS church membership follows because it is comfortable to NOT challenge what they are told, after all "Once the brethren have spoken, the thinking has been done". Also, they are invested, much akin to Multi Level Marketing, you'll never make the goals they claim, yet you keep investing time and money into the fallacy. Enough said, God Bless. Happily Out. Lee

The Process of Leaving

Shawn, After reaching out to you, realizing you are very involved, I did my own research, wrote the letter submitted the resignation form and began the dance with the records dept. They did not respond quickly, and sent everything back down line to the ward Bishop, on and on……. Finally, in April I received the letter of confirmation that I was no longer a member and my name removed, however, if I should ever choose to return; well you know the routine.

For several years now, I tune in to HOTM every Tues. evening, and have watched the majority of past offerings, which has motivated me to get off of the fence and look @ religion and the LDS church, with the idea of understanding the doctrine so I will know how to speak with my siblings and others. Studying with an open mind, not in the lackadaisical manner many members study the church and it's spoon fed doctrine & history, I am amazed that anyone could defend LDS beliefs/doctrine and hold a straight face. I honesty believe the general LDS church membership follows because it is comfortable to NOT challenge what they are told, after all "Once the brethren have spoken, the thinking has been done". Also, they are invested, much akin to Multi Level Marketing, you'll never make the goals they claim, yet you keep investing time and money into the fallacy. Enough said, God Bless. Happily Out. Lee