(Continued-Eternity Or The Plan Of The Ages)

Should the scientists ever discover absolute and indisputable evidence of man's existence upon earth tens of thousands or millions of years ago, one would not have to surrender one's faith in the Scriptures as the infallibly inspired Word of God. Some scientists have claimed that they have found skeletal remains, dating in some instances tens of thousands and in other cases millions of years ago. I am perfectly aware of the guesses and wild speculations of many so-called scientific men. I am also thoroughly convinced of the fact that they are most liberal in their estimates of man's antiquity. My personal convictions are that they have never discovered any positive proof supporting their contention. My position is that, should they ever find the absolute, positive proof of man's great antiquity, there would be no contradiction between their discoveries and the biblical account; for the Bible gives us a history of the human family which sprang from Adam, who was created by a direct act of the Almighty. In round numbers Adam was created 4,000 years before the birth of our Lord. If there was a pre-Adamic race, there was no connection between it and the race which has descended from Adam. The Bible gives the record of the history of the Adamic race. It does not concern itself with the things which transpired before the catastrophe of Genesis 1:2.

THE advocates of the evolutionary hypothesis today admit that they cannot prove their theory from evidences of the present day, nor from that which comes from historic times. They insist, however, that there were long ages of development which extended back through the myriads of years into the dim, distant past. They look at the fossil remains found in the crust of the earth. There, they assert, is the proof, which, if not absolute, is practically certain. They conclude from what they see in the rocks and from what they observe in the world as we know it today that evolution is a scientific fact.

My reaction to the entire situation is that the evolutionary hypothesis as it is advocated today is founded entirely upon wishful thinking--reading into the data discovered the desired evidence to establish an unsupported theory. In my judgment no one would discover proof in support of the hypothesis who is not wedded to the theory, and who is not making a conscious effort to establish the same.

But, for the sake of argument, let us grant that the so-called principle of evolution was operative in the ages prior to the catastrophe of Genesis 1:2 (though no scientist has ever as yet brought forth one iota of evidence). This fact would have no bearing upon the biblical record--its accuracy and inspiration. For the sake of clarity, let us call, as indicated on the foregoing chart, the times eternal between the creation of the world and the calamity of Genesis 1:2 Prehistoric Times. These ages are indeed prehistoric. No histories, including the biblical record, lay claims to going farther back than the beginning of the present human race. What, therefore, occurred in those prehistoric times has no bearing at all upon what has transpired during historic times up to the present day. To illustrate the point, I need only call attention to the fact that, if anyone is interested in knowing about some event which has transpired during modern times, he would not seek for the information in some ancient history. In the same way one should not seek in the Scriptures for a record of events which transpired in prehistoric times.

If only the scientists--especially the geologists and those who look to that branch of study for information and data--would recognize the fact that the Bible speaks about things and events transpiring in historic times and that it is not attempting to give an account of things and conditions during prehistoric times, they would not attempt to find contradictions between the Bible and science. There is no contradiction between the Scriptures and real scientific knowledge. Only ignorance leads the scientist to assert that there is a lack of harmony between ascertained facts and the Scriptures.

The record of prehistoric times is found in the hieroglyphics of the fossil remains of the rocks. Let the scientist learn to read this writing accurately and stay within the range of his chosen field, refusing to babble about things concerning which he has no knowledge. Likewise let the theologian understand his realm and stay therein. The philosopher would do well to heed the same admonition.

ALTHOUGH the Bible does not discuss the times eternal (prehistoric times), there are found here and there hints which enable us in a very limited way to reconstruct a picture of those far-off ages. For instance, in Ezekiel 28 appears a message to the king of Tyre, who was an actual, literal king ruling in that ancient capital of Phoenicia. The specific message to this one blends in with one to him who was "the anointed cherub that covered," "who was in Eden, the garden of God," and who "in the day that thou wast created" was the very quintessence of wisdom and craftsmanship. This one lived in what might, humanly speaking, be called a crystal palace constructed of the most precious stones. To him it was said by the Lord, "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till unrighteousness was found in thee." This one was in the midst of the stones of fire and enjoyed unenumerated privileges and opportunities, exercised vast authority and power, and was, it seems, the ruler of the earth. His palatial home was in Eden, the Garden of God. This Eden must be clearly differentiated from that of which we read in Genesis 2 and 3.

In the New Testament Satan is spoken of as "the god of this world [age]" (II Cor. 4:4). The suggestion has been made, which probably is true, that the one concerning whom this statement is made was none other than "the anointed cherub" before rebellion entered his heart. He probably was given authority over this earth during those prehistoric times. When they were terminated by the catastrophe which was probably brought about by his own insurrection, he became antagonistic to God, having been deposed from his high position over the earth. He allowed revenge and jealousy to enter his heart and doubtless swore eternal vengeance against man, whom God created according to Genesis 1 and to whom the Almighty delegated rulership over the earth. This historical instance might explain, to a certain extent, his hostile attitude toward man.

THE EVIDENCE found here and there seems to support the theory that there was during earth's earliest ages a most luxuriant growth over the entire world. Many scientists are of the opinion that our coal beds were formed of vegetable matter during those long geological epochs. Many of them also conclude that the rich deposits of oil, which are becoming most essential to life, modern industry, and war, are likewise the result of the vegetable growth during those early prehistoric times. Various theories are advanced but not one has been put forth which adequately accounts for all the phenomena discovered by the scientific world. With our meager and limited knowledge it behooves us to hold ourselves in check by a modest reserve, waiting for further light.

THE SCIENTISTS have discovered the skeletal remains of the dinosaurs and other mammoth animals, which are now extinct. It is altogether possible that these creatures roamed the primeval forests during those far-off prehistoric times. Furthermore, it is quite likely that the animals, the fossil remains of which are being discovered at various times and in different places found their native habitat in that primeval earth.

During those prehistoric times there can be little doubt concerning the existence of ideal conditions throughout the entire earth. This supposition becomes immediately evident if one remembers that, when the earth was created (Gen. 1:1), it was not "waste and desolate" (Isa. 45:18), but was in a perfect condition (Deut. 32:4). This suggestion becomes the more abundantly evident when one recalls the fact that the Lord created the earth in order that it might be inhabited (Isa. 45:18). As suggested, there may have been a pre-Adamic race, though one dare not affirm such to have been the case in view of the small amount of evidence supporting such an hypothesis.

If, however, the scientists are correct in their interpretation regarding fossil remains which are found in the rocks, one may believe that there was abundant life, of both plant and animals during those early ages. For instance, far beneath the present surface of the earth there are found fossils of animals now extinct. These cannot possibly be the remains of species which were created on any of the six days of labor of the Lord, recorded in Genesis 1. This fact is recognized by Dr. C. I. Scofield in his notes on the first chapter of Genesis. Without a doubt he is correct on this subject.

Though we recognize that there was abundant life upon earth during those far-off times, we do not necessarily have to believe that there was a race of men here, as some affirm. But, as has been previously suggested, that supposition is not impossible. There may have been such a race.

Whatever ideal conditions may have existed in those primitive times have been destroyed by the catastrophe of which we read in Genesis 1:2. When God created the universe, "the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy." They were delighted with God's handiwork. When the earth was wrecked, we may assume, they wept for sorrow to see such wanton, ruthless destruction. Doubtless the passage found in Job 38:8-11 refers to this calamity.

BUT in view of the scarcity of our information regarding those prehistoric times, we must content ourselves with these little suggestions and wait the time when that which is perfect is come and we shall know fully even as we are fully known. Under no conditions can one afford to be dogmatic in these matters. The secret things belong unto Jehovah our God. Those things which He has revealed are given to us for our edification and enlightenment in order that we might understand more fully the world in which we live and our relationship to Him in whom we live and move and have our being and our eternal destiny.

THE WRECKING OF THE EARTH

But in Genesis 1:2 we are told that the earth was "waste and void." If it was not in this condition when it was created and yet was in this state, it is clear that it was reduced to this condition later. An examination of the word rendered was in the statement, "and the earth was waste and void," shows that its primary meaning is became. For example, this same word, in the proper form in the following sentence, is translated was, "And there was evening and there was morning, day one." The same is true of the six days mentioned in Genesis 1. But when this sentence is properly rendered, it reads, "And evening and morning became day one." The same thing is true of the sentences dealing with all the days mentioned here. Another excellent example of this usage is seen in Genesis 19:26. "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."

In view of these facts, we correctly render Genesis 1:1, 2a as follows: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But the earth became a waste and a desolation," etc. Following this statement is one which describes the wreckage that was caused by some mighty catastrophe. The Scriptures say little as to the cause of this great calamity. But from what we know of Satan, immediately the suspicion falls upon him. He is the great enemy of God and of the human family. He will do all in his power to thwart the Almighty's plans. He cannot, however, do this. It is true that he may and does delay, humanly speaking, the carrying out of the Lord's purposes. God never abandons any of His plans but always enlarges upon them and makes the wickedness of both Satan and evil men to praise Him.

More specific information must be gathered from statements found here and there in the Scriptures--especially in the Books of Job and Psalms, with a few allusions to this disaster in the prophets. According to Genesis 1:2 the earth became submerged in water and was enveloped in darkness--a darkness which the rays from the sun could not penetrate until the dawn of the fourth day (Gen. 1:14-19). It seems from such passages as Job 25 that not only the earth, but also the whole universe, was affected by the rebellion of Satan and those angels whom he influenced to revolt against God.

The geologists tell us that they find abundant evidence in the earth's crust that our continent has been submerged in water. As proof of this they frequently call attention to the fact that shells of sea animals are often found in the strata of the earth upon high mountains. Unquestionably this phenomenon does prove that the mountains where such shells and fossils of sea animals are found were submerged. In some places the scientists tell us there is evidence of more than one deluge. The Bible speaks of two--this primitive submerging of the earth in water and the one which occurred in the days of Noah. If, however, there were more than two, we may be certain that there has been none on this side of Noah's day; for God promised that He would never again destroy the civilization of man with water. It is most highly improbable--yes impossible--that there could have been a flood which submerged the entire earth during the time from Adam's day to the time of Noah, because such a universal catastrophe would have swept the human race from the face of the globe. If there is evidence in any given community of more than two great catastrophic deluges, we may be certain that those floods--more than the two mentioned above--were simply local in character.


NO EVOLUTION IN GENESIS ONE

Some commentators, following the usual translation of Genesis 1:2, "and the earth was waste and void," see in this translation evidence which supports the evolutionary hypothesis. They are quick to call our attention to the fact that, when God created the earth, it was "waste and void"--that is, in a state of chaos. This statement they interpret in harmony with the exploded theory of the nebula hypothesis, which formerly had great popularity as the true explanation of the beginning of the world.

As further proof that the Genesis account yields itself to this unproved hypothesis, they point to Genesis 1:20 as it appears in the Common Version: "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." According to this translation the waters produced the living creatures and the birds of the firmament. Our attention is called to the fact that the waters produced both marine life and the fowls of the heavens. As further proof of this theory, we are told that there are fish at the present time which come to the surface of the water and fly in the air for some distance. Those holding this view draw entirely upon their imagination and assert that here is proof that the fowls of the air, which we now see, once lived in the water but later finding that they could come forth out of it and fly in the air began to do so. After much exercise in their efforts to fly they developed their fins into wings. In moving along upon the earth they developed callous places which finally grew into feet; and the tails, which are necessary for navigation in water, sloughed off since they were no longer of use when flying in the air. Thus, according to these theorists, the birds developed from fishes. Those who hold this theory and at the same time believe in the Scriptures as the Word of God see in the translation of Genesis 1:20 absolute and positive proof for the evolutionary hypothesis.

I readily admit that the rendering found in the Common Version does yield itself to such an interpretation; but a glance at the Revised Version, which is true to the original and is most accurate, disproves this fallacy. Note the verse as properly rendered, "And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." Neither the Hebrew text, nor the Revised Version, can by the widest flight of the imagination be interpreted as supporting such false teaching. God simply said let there be two things: (1) "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures," and (2) "let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." There is not, therefore, the slightest evidence that the fowls developed from the fishes; nor is there any evidence that the earth was in a nebulous state, as the hypothesis demands, when it was created. On the contrary, it came forth from the heart and hand of God in a perfect condition--not a chaos.


THE SIX DAYS OF RECONSTRUCTION


IT IS all but universally believed that, according to the teaching of the Bible, the earth was created in six days. We hear, therefore, on every hand the assertion made that God created the heavens and the earth in that period of time. Some believe that these so-called days of creation are literal days of twenty-four hours each. On the other hand, there are those who, in an effort to harmonize the Bible with science, assert that these six days are not to be taken literally but are to be understood as long geological epochs corresponding to the various ages mentioned by the scientists.

Before we begin to try to explain the matter, let us ask ourselves seriously the question: Does the Bible affirm that the universe was created in six days? Many people believe that it does. I am bold to say that there is not one iota of evidence in the Scriptures to support this position. On the contrary, we read this statement: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This sentence is a clear declaration that God created the universe during what the writer describes as "In the beginning." Not one syllable is given that leads one to a definite conclusion as to the length of time employed for the creation of the universe. There are some, however, who call our attention to Exodus 20:9-11 and assert that this is proof of the position under consideration. "Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is a sabbath unto Jehovah thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Jehovah blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it" (Ex. 20:9-11).

Does this passage affirm that God was six days in creating the heavens and the earth, or does it assert that there were six days of reconstruction? The answer is to be found in an examination of the word translated created in Genesis 1:1 and made in Exodus 20:11. The verb rendered created when transliterated is bara and means to bring into existence that which had no prior form or substance. The one translated made is asah, which denotes working upon that which has already existed. It is this latter word that appears in the Decalogue. In concluding this phase of the investigation, let us understand thoroughly that there is not one iota of scriptural evidence to support the theory that the heavens and the earth were created in six days.

But what was done in the six days mentioned in Exodus 20:11? The earth that was created in the beginning was, as we have seen, wrecked and was reduced to a state of desolation and waste. After this catastrophe, God labored during six days in repairing and remodeling the earth in order that it might be a fit place in which man, whom he intended to create, should dwell. Thus, it is more nearly scriptural to affirm that the earth was reconstructed and repaired during the six days of Genesis 1.

ON THE first day of reconstruction God produced a miraculous light, which dispelled the darkness surrounding the earth. He said, Let there be light, and there was light. There was therefore "evening and morning, day one."

On the second day God divided the waters which were enveloping the earth, putting some of them above the firmament and leaving the rest to remain upon the earth. As to what method or means He employed in removing part of the waters from the earth's surface, no one knows. He is sufficiently wise and powerful that He could employ any means which He chose. The suggestion has been made that possibly He speeded up the earth on its axis and caused the uppermost waters to be thrown off from the earth by centrifugal force. Under these conditions it was flung in every direction and continued speeding from the earth until centripetal force overcame centrifugal power. Hence, when this water, which was thus removed from the earth, reached that point, it remained there. Since the upper regions of the air are frigid in temperature, this water naturally froze. If this was done, there was an ice envelope surrounding the earth. Under such conditions the heat that would leave the earth and that which would come through this ice envelope from the sun to the earth would make one great greenhouse out of the earth and would produce tropical conditions throughout the globe.

Some excellent Bible teachers are convinced that the evidence points to this conclusion. There is very much to say in favor of this explanation; but let us remember that it is simply a theory and not a proved fact. Many questions that baffle us are easily explained in accordance with such an hypothesis. Yet, there are many questions that cannot be solved even upon such an assumption.

On the third day, we are told that the water which was left upon the earth was gathered together into one place and that the dry land appeared. From this statement one would conclude that there was but one original continent and one sea which surrounded it. This thought seems to be confirmed by the statement of the Apostle in II Peter 3:5-7. If there was but one original continent and one sea, how is it that we have the five major continents, as well as Australia and the isles of the sea? This question is answered by a reference to Genesis 10:25. Here we learn that in the sixth generation after Noah the earth was divided. Many Bible interpreters are convinced that this passage indicates the splitting up of the one original continent into its present condition. There is much proof which support this hypothesis. (For a full discussion of this phase of investigation see my volume, Messiah: His First Coming Scheduled.)

After the waters receded from this one continent, the earth brought forth the vegetable kingdom. C. I. Scofield is probably correct in stating that the vegetable kingdom as we now have it was caused by the seeds of the plants which were upon the earth before the catastrophe of Genesis 1:2. By that primeval destruction, vegetation as it had existed before then was destroyed; but the seeds remained in the soil. When the water flowed off and the sun began to dry the earth, the vegetation began to spring up. This is most logical.

On the fourth day God caused the light from the sun, moon and stars to penetrate the veil of darkness that was surrounding the earth and to cause what we call natural day and night. Let us remember that the sun, moon, and stars were created in the beginning and not on the fourth day of reconstruction as has been falsely assumed. The heavenly bodies were in their places all the time after their creation, but their light was simply cut off from the earth during that period of catastrophe and up to the dawn of the fourth day. From this time onward the sun and moon naturally have controlled the day and night.

On the fifth day of reconstruction the Lord created marine life and the fowls of the air. Let us follow the reading of the Revised Version in Genesis 1:20. On this day God said two things: First, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures"; second, "let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." There is not, as some have tried to prove, any connection between the swarms of living creatures in the waters and the birds flying in the firmament. On this fifth day God created these two types of living creatures.

0n the sixth day He created the beasts of the field. As the climax of his labors, after having held a conference in the Godhead, He created man after His image and after His likeness, placing him over the works of His hands.

Let it be understood that man did not evolve from some lower form of life. On the contrary, by a direct creative act of the Almighty, man was brought into existence. Man became the crowning work of the Lord's activity.

On the seventh day God completed His work and rested (Gen. 2:1-3).

God prepared, as we learn in Genesis 2, a garden eastward in Eden for man. It was an ideal spot--a Utopia. In this place everything was provided which could make him happy and contented.

I shall not in this connection pursue the history in detail because that phase of the subject is dealt with under the study "Man's Earthly Pilgrimage."

With the facts, clearly in mind, which we have thus far discovered, we may now with profit examine more minutely the chart appearing at the beginning of this article.

ETERNITY is divided into three sections: "In the beginning"; time; and "the ages of the ages." These periods are echoed in the doxology of the epistle of Jude.

Eternity prior to the creation of the world was subdivided into ages (Psa. 90:2), each of which is on the chart represented by an arc.

The heavy portion of the line at the end of the period, "In the beginning," indicates the time during which God was creating the universe.

As we have already seen, between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2 are the "times eternal," mentioned by Paul. These are, in modern phraseology, properly called prehistoric times, which were brought to an end by the wrecking of the earth.

Following this catastrophe were six days of reconstruction, which began the period known as historic times. This epoch has continued for nearly six thousand years--if the chronology of the Christian centuries has been accurately kept. The crucifixion occurred in the year 4071 A. H. (in the year of man).

The crucifixion was in 30 A. D. This year being 1942, there have been 1912 years since the crucifixion--provided of course our A. D. dates are correct.

This age will be followed by the Tribulation. It in turn will be followed by the millennial reign of our Lord. This thousand year period will bring historic times to a close.

At the conclusion of the Millennium the present material universe passes out of existence. Then God creates the eternal order. At that time the ages of the ages of eternity in the future begin--and they shall never cease.