.jpeg)
Chapter Nine
The Beginning
Just like a gripping opening line of a good read, the Bible starts with the most profound statement in all of literature. So much so, that it has been borrowed time and again since this verse was written. In the very first line, of the very first chapter of the very first book, we read the following:
"In the beginning God..."
In the beginning, before man, before the universe, before time, before anything created that we relate to and understand, in the eternal, dateless past there was God. Some have labeled this as a convenient way to solve the unanswerable questions we have about the beginning of things. In light of all we have covered to this point, it stands as the most logical and reasonable position to take. Scientists speak of a "first cause", but not knowing what that is. Here, we are told that it is God.
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world (its inhabitants), even from everlasting to everlasting (from eternal past to eternal future), you are God." Psalms 90:2
What God did in the dateless past before mankind no one knows, other than what the Bible has revealed. Nonetheless, He was busy.
"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed (which we find in Scripture) belong to us and to our children forever…." (Deut. 29:29)
All else not revealed, that may have transpired in the past, remain secrets kept with God. We are only given slight glimpses into those things. The remainder, He has presently chosen not to share for reasons at the moment that are His alone.
The first and main character has been introduced. I have found many have a twisted understanding of God. So let's start with a grasp of who God is, according to what He has revealed. It really isn't as complex as we have made it.
Understanding The Trinity
Our English word for God in Genesis 1:1 comes from the Hebrew word "Elohim". This is a uni-plural word similar to the word "sheep". Sheep is used to describe one sheep or a dozen. It is used for singular or plural use. We find that the word sheep is to identify the specific subject we are discussing and nothing more. To know how many sheep being referenced would need to be gleaned from other verbal or written content, such as:
"Micky D may be a sheep, but is also our family pet."
"Old McDonald has a hundred sheep on his ranch."
When we use the word "family", we do so to be specific. We're not talking about trees, hamburgers, or any other subject. We are defining what we are talking about. In this case a singular family. And yet when using the term family it does not reveal how many members are in that one family. It could be a family of five, it could be a family of ten, or it could be a family of three.
Elohim is simply a word to define the subject we are discussing and not how many. That would need to be determined by other written or spoken content. The English word "God" simply means deity or divinity, again referring solely to the subject matter. Not trees, hamburgers, or any other subject. Understanding this helps to bring clarity to Scriptures such as the following:
"And God (identifying the subject being discussed) said, "Let us (referring to more than one within that subject, such as more than one family member within that family) make man in our image, after our likeness..." Genesis 1:25
God said, "Come, let us go down, and there confound their language..." Genesis 11:7
And the Lord God said, "Behold the man is become like one of us...” Genesis 3:22
We see that Scripture reveals that there is a plurality to God. More than one personality or "family member" as it were that makes up God. But how many? Scripture makes it clear that there are three:
God, the Father, distinctly addressed differently from the other members of the Godhead, as found in such examples as 1 Corinthians 8:6; Matthew 5:16, and of course, Jesus often used the term Heavenly Father.
The Spirit of God, is distinctly addressed differently from the other members of the Godhead as found in Acts 5:3-4, Genesis 1:2.
The Word of God, is distinctly addressed differently from the other members of the Godhead, as found in John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13. The Word that became incarnate, revealed, and known to us as Jesus of Nazareth.
That is how and why the term "Trinity" came to be used in further describing God. Likewise, the phrase "Triune God". It is based on what is revealed. And although there are three individual persons that make up the Godhead, they are completely one in unity and purpose. This explains the proclamation in Deuteronomy 6:4:
"Hear O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord."
The word "one" is derived from the Hebrew word "achad" and "ached" which means to unify; be united as one; alike. So we see that the term echad not only means one in number but in unity, such as two or more together being as one. As we use the word in our own language today:
"Adam and Eve became "one" (echad) flesh." Genesis 2:23
It is quite clear that there is not only one God and no other, but that God is made up of three distinct persons that are united as one in intent, purpose, and thought. Each has a different function and holds a different position, or office, within the Godhead, yet equal in every way. Each is called God, for each makes up God or the Godhead.
Thus 1x1x1= 1 God (God times God times God = God)
Not 1+1+1=3 god's (a god plus a god plus a god = 3 gods)
Most of us like a good mystery, to discover clues that will unlock the "code", reveal the truth, or tell the rest of the story. To follow a hunch, track a lead, or trace a suspect's steps, paying attention to detail or connecting the dots. Tucked within the first chapter, and sprinkled within the pages of Scripture there is such a mystery for us to set out and resolve. So moving ahead with intent, let's uncover some clues.
The Hebrew word for created is "bara" which is to bring into being or into existence. To bring into existence what was not in existence before. To shape or form. This would mean creating out of nothing that existed prior.
"Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." (Hebrews 11:3).
In other words, things that we can see were not made out of already existing things. This word is found 49 times in the Hebrew Bible, but only seven times in Genesis. Perfection (meaning completeness) is usually implied and is always implied when it is dealing with anything that is a creation of God. (Deut. 32:4; 2 Sam. 22:31; Eccl. 3:11).
Deut. 32:4 "He is the Rock, His work is perfect…" Perfect (Heb. "tawmeem") meaning without blemish, just right, complete, full, sound, without spot, undefiled, whole. "
God then created out of nothing that previously existed the heavens and the earth. What science has not been able to explain and generally will not acknowledge is what we find here. God is the source of the beginning. The expressed thought by some Hebrew scholars and poets is that the word "bara" refers to, in Hebrew culture, to make full or to fatten (used in Scripture only once in this fashion). This does not negate the act of creating and should not be interpreted as filling that which was already there.
God created the heavens, which He created before He created the earth and man. This included the spirit world, for angels were already in existence when He created the Earth (Job 38:1-7)
"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now your loins like a man, for I will demand of you and answer you me. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if you have understanding. Who has laid the measures of it, if you know? Or, who has stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God (angelic hosts are referenced here) shouted for joy?"
Of God's creation of spirit beings, we see that He created Seraphim (Isa. 6:1-7); Cherubim (Ezek. 1:5-28; 8:1-4; 10:1-22); Zoa or living creatures (Rev. 4:6-9); Spirit horses and chariot riders (2 Kings 2:11-12; 6:13-17; Zech. 1:8-11); Archangels or chief angels (princes) (1 Thess. 4:16; Dan. 10:13); Angelic beings or common angels (messengers) (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:11-38; Acts 5:19), and who knows what other spirit beings not mentioned.
God then created the earth. The Hebrew word here is "erets" which means dry land. God's original creation and the earth were made perfect, meaning complete, and not void (Job 38:4-7; Isa. 45:18; Heb. 11:3).
Isaiah 45:18 states that God did not create the earth in "vain" but formed it to be inhabited. The word "vain" is translated from the Hebrew word "tohuw" which means waste; desolate; worthless, in confusion, or a wilderness. Therefore God did not create the earth to be a waste, to be desolate, or worthless but to be inhabited and complete, which He did here in verse one.
Psa 95:5 says God's hands formed the dry land.
These are a few critical pieces of information we will need to refer back to a little bit later on.
Up to this point, we see that a Triune God, who existed in the dateless, eternal past, created out of nothing the heavens, the angelic host and other spirit beings, the universe, and then the earth. And, that the earth was created complete and whole. So far, so good.
In doing so God put into motion time, something which had not existed before this. Eternity means the absence of time or time without end. So the eternal past was without measure, as it will also be for eternity yet in the future. Therefore in eternity, it is always "NOW", since there is no measurement for it other than the present. Because we live in a world that only knows beginnings and endings, of life and death, of constant change that marks starts and stops, it is somewhat difficult for us to get our minds wrapped around the thought of a point in the past where time was non-existent. Or, being able to comprehend a realm that exists outside of the world we live in that has never been bound by time. And yet, this is where God dwells, outside of what He has created. Passages such as Psalms 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8 simply express the thought that time is irrelevant in God's kingdom.
This also helps explain our inability to comprehend God never having a beginning which has caused many to ask the question "Who made God?" This is an honest question that arises from our attempts to apply the same knowledge, understanding, and limitations of the only world we are familiar with toward an infinite and spiritual dimension we just assume all the same laws and limitations would equally apply toward. Broad assumptions, limited comprehension with finite information.
The clock wound, God established a timeline as a framework for dealing with His creation, and in fulfilling a purpose. God started it. Scripture states that it is God who will bring it to an end.
A Time Conflict
There is an issue that is debated among scientists, evolutionists, creationists, people of faith, and anyone who has sought an answer. That issue is this:
"How long ago did the universe and life spring forth?”
Naturally, it all depends on whom you are talking with. Generally speaking, scientists and evolutionists talk in terms of hundreds of millions for life sciences to billions of years for astronomy. Creationists and people of faith talk in terms of thousands of years, like six to eight thousand years ago. And, each is armed with facts and information to validate their position.
This may come as a surprise, but quite frankly, the Bible does not specifically state how long ago this happened. And while one may think it is an either/or proposition from which to choose, I do not believe it actually is. My belief is that we are simply looking at the information myopically. Facts are facts. One cannot deny the evidence that points to long ages regarding certain things without needing to conclude that evolution was at play. Nor can one deny evidence that points to signs of present life only going back thousands of years.
But how can evidence for both co-exist at the same time? Isn't this a contradiction? If locked into only the two prominent, blindly dogmatic, and competing options, yes this might be.
However, there is another possibility that is a practical answer to this dilemma. It comes down to periods of passing time, events during those periods, and what I consider the key to making sense of it all.
Before Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle and subsequent work, as the explosion of geological finds of the mid to late 19th century suggested long ages of the earth, and as evolution was being injected into modern thought and science, there were theologians seeking a deeper and fuller understanding through their studies and investigation into Scripture a closer look at the Genesis account. They understood as believing scientists in the past did, that science could not contradict Scripture. However, Scripture could shed light on science. These were not rouge, illegitimate theologians but recognized, respected individuals in their fields. Men such as Episcopius, Alfred Edersheim, Robert Jamieson, Thomas Chalmers and William Buckland. Followed by such men as Hugh Miller, C.I. Scofield, G.H. Pember, Arthur Custance, J.G. Hall, and Finis Dake. Their theological works were widely known and received until the first half of the 20th century when their research fell into disfavor due to those in positions of influence that rejected any notion of any model not adhering to the conventional, traditional, dogmatic theology that was preferred and still influences today's creation research and debate. In fact, the Scofield Bible and Dake's Study Bible are two of the best study Bibles that I would not hesitate to recommend.
They understood that the Bible could not be wrong, so it was possible that we did not have the right understanding of it. This earlier work by these esteemed men opened a door in revealing what I consider to be a critical key to grasping the differences and bridging the gap of time. Their influence can be found interspersed among these pages. Their work became known as the "Gap Theory". Many of today's creationists take issue with this topic for reasons we will address later.
Say What?
Let's begin by starting with some puzzle pieces and then start to put them together.
Sometimes we can read right by something that at first doesn't necessarily stand out. In Genesis 2:4 we read:
"These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were CREATED, in the day that the Lord God MADE the earth and the heavens."
So this is an interesting portion of Scripture. Any other time this would seem to not be noteworthy. That is until we realize that we are only in the second chapter of the Bible and already we are talking about generations.
The plurality of the word denotes successive periods or time intervals between two or more descendants of one thing. We are the generation that proceeded from a previous one. Typically when we see the use of the word "generation" in Scripture it is a means to distinguish one period of time separate from another. The word is used to recognize a division or period in time that supersedes another period of time. Whether the Bible is discussing the generations of descendants or anything else. We use it to register genealogies. Throughout the Bible, the word denotes separate periods of time. And, today it is primarily used in the very same way. Most of us understand when we use this word that we are talking about different eras that follow one another that marks a beginning and an end of time for that era. The Baby Boomer generation was superseded by the Millennials. The Millennial generation was superseded by Gen Z and so on.
It seems every time I buy some software it is only a matter of time before I need to upgrade to the newest version or generation of that software. I have some that are fifth-generation programs. A prime example is Windows. These are the generations of Windows so far:
Windows 3.1; Windows 95; Windows 98; Windows 2000; Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
Each represents the same program but yet different from one another as to a period in time that it was currently in use until it was superseded by a newer version. Each one represents a different generation and each of them also represents a different time in software history.
It is important to note that each generation is not a completely different software program from the others. Just either modified, added code, change in look, or other features.
So it would seem logical that here in Genesis 2:4 we are talking about different periods of time regarding the heavens and the earth. I do not see how one can take it any other way.
With that in mind, there are only three ways it seems that this can be taken. First, either each one of the seven days discussed in Chapter One is being referred to as a generation. Two, there is a gap of time somewhere between the very first verse of the first chapter to the fourth verse in the second chapter that needs some investigation. Or third, we have not understood it correctly.
There are those that do look at each day as long periods of time instead of actual 24-hour days to accommodate the millions of years that science claims. However, this becomes problematic when we get to the 6th day of man's creation, for most will also claim that man's history is only around six thousand years based on the genealogy of the Bible. But it also would not align with Scripture itself when God stated in Exodus 20:10-11 while giving the Ten Commandments that man is to rest on the seventh day just as He worked six days and rested on the seventh. This would be impossible to observe if days were long ages. So in order to be consistent, to have this day be a long period of time does not fit. The conclusion would have to be that we are dealing with 24-hour periods of time. We can't have it both ways.
Therefore, if claiming the six days as generations it would need to be that each of the six days is either long periods or 24 hours. And, since we have to acknowledge that there is evidence revealing long ages for the Earth, and yet an early history for mankind, then this does not seem to be our solution.
With regard to possibly not understanding this portion of Scripture correctly, with all the supporting texts we have and references elsewhere in Scripture where this word has been used, we can be rather confident in our conclusion that more than one generation is what is meant. This brings us back then to a time problem.
We are left then with another option. That is, more than one period of time is referenced regarding heaven and earth.
What is there in the first chapter that would lend itself to expressing different periods, or generations of the heavens and earth? Are there clues elsewhere in the Bible that can shed some light?
Rebellion & Overthrow
To answer that, I will need to tell you a story. A story of a time prior to man. Of a world that exists in a different dimension and of the first social order. A story of rebellion, of war in the heavenlies, of angels, and of the real Darth Vadar!
I know this next section might challenge the normally approved orthodoxy for those that are of a theological bend. I only ask that you apply your ability to reason for yourself. To be a Luther rather than a sheep.
In the beginning, God had a dream. But a dream is only a dream unless it is put into action, and so, God purposed from within that dream to lay out a detailed plan. A plan that would bring His dream to fruition. A plan of the ages. Ages that would be measured out, each having a beginning and an end, and each having a purpose in fulfilling God's dream. A dream of the creation of a universe, of a world, and of life on a different dimension never before known. Of a kingdom made up of subjects willing to join with Him to further the grandest of plans. A dream involving deep relationship and abiding love, of recipients to His goodness, of His blessings, and of eternal life. In sharing in His ongoing, creative work and of becoming heirs of this kingdom. Not subjects, nor slaves, but family.
An unbelievable plan of great magnitude and splendor, calling upon His omnipotent power and exercising the greatest levels of intelligence, science, and mathematics. Not that it is possible to do so but for the purpose of expression, who can say how long, if it could be measured in time, that God took in planning and preparing? In calculating and detailing this plan. In weighing all the outcomes, understanding all the angles, and comprehending all possible ramifications. Having full knowledge, God also knew that it would come at a great personal price; for in His wisdom, God understood that for His work to be truly complete nothing could be held back, including the use of free will within His creation. The ability for His creation to have the ability to choose to receive or reject, to love or not, to follow or rebel, to serve or not serve, to give or to take, and to have the ability and freedom to make up one's own mind. God would have to accept the coming rejection, the good and bad, and the ultimate sacrifice that would be demanded of Him, in exchange for the final reward, joy, and victory He foreknew would be at the end of it all. Of His creative acts, man would be His ultimate work, His crowning glory.
So, in the beginning, God created the heavens first. Establishing a government of rule, God created various types of angels that held different offices and fulfilled different functions. Incredible beings that stood in the presence of God. This became the first social system of God's making. Scripture is clear that they were in existence before man was ever on the scene, and were present to witness Earth's creation (Job 38:7). They marveled and rejoiced at God's handiwork. I'm sure that had to be a sight to see.
Within that social system, angels were given rule. Not much is revealed that provides much insight as to what this world was like. However, we know there was structure, positions, and various authority given to those positions, and various activities that were performed. Created as free moral agents themselves, they were given the ability to choose to do right or wrong. To follow or rebel. The Bible gives the names of only a few of these magnificent beings. Gabriel, often God's messenger, Michael the archangel, commander of God's massive army and possessing great power... and Lucifer.
Ah, Lucifer. According to the Bible, Lucifer was full of wisdom and was perfect in his beauty. Every precious stone was his covering. He walked the garden of God, in Eden. He was referred to as the anointed cherub. Pipes were built in him, making Lucifer the ultimate worship leader. He walked upon God's holy mountain and in the midst of the stones of fire that, even now, are before God's throne. And he was found perfect, meaning complete and whole, from the time he was created until iniquity was found in him. Iniquity refers to inner unrighteousness and perverseness. He had sanctuaries, or literally a palace or chapel, and he had his own throne. A throne would mean he was given a kingdom to rule and subjects for whom he was given rule. God set him up to be so. How long Lucifer's kingdom rule lasted during this first dispensation of time before man, often referred to as the "Dispensation of Angels", no one can say, but as time passed his pride got the best of him. That pride caused iniquity (sin, wickedness) to rise up from within, and like a cancer it began to spread, altering his thinking, actions and conduct. Blinding him with self-adulation and to the pitfalls that accompany it. Most of us have witnessed in others, or in ourselves, what pride can do. Lucifer became drunk with it. Drunk with wanting more. More power, prestige, and recognition. Haughty and full of himself, he even believed he could be like God, to sit on God's throne of authority and take God's place. Many a man through the centuries has thought to do the same. To proclaim themselves to be God or a god. Lucifer stepped on over to the "dark side", sealing his ultimate fate and cementing a change within himself.
Lucifer's influence was profound. His power of persuasion through his beauty, wisdom, and cunning garnered him a following, not only of those whom he had been given the responsibility and authority to oversee in his kingdom but of his peers as well, other angelic hosts of God's social order. They made conscious choices to believe and proclaim allegiance to Lucifer over the God who created them. A seed of rebellion began to spring forth through words. Words of slander and contention, of bitterness and deceit. Many of us have learned firsthand the power of the tongue and the power that words have. The power to soothe or inflame, to build up, or to tear down. Some of us have been guilty of using words as weapons of no good.
We glean a snapshot of this time period from such Scriptures as Ezekiel 28:11-17 and Isaiah 14:12-17. These verses are referred to as a "double reference", much like when Jesus turned around and said to Peter "Get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). Jesus was not only speaking indirectly to Peter but directly addressing the one he recognized was really behind the spirit and influence of the conversation.
Or, the times that Jesus talked to those possessed by demons prior to casting them out. He wasn't talking to the person possessed but to those, the person was influenced and possessed by.
In Ezekiel 28:11-17, the lamentation was upon the earthly king of Tyre, who historically at that time was Ithobalus II, but Lucifer, the supernatural king in Tyre, was really the one being addressed as he was, through his influence over a willing king, was working through Ithobalus II, for many of the things described here could not apply to a man.
"You have been in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the sardius, topaz and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold; the workmanship of your timbrels and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. You are the anointed cherub that covers, and I have set you so; you were upon the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, til iniquity was found in you. By the multitude of your merchandise they have filled the midst of you with violence (cruelty, unrighteousness) and you have sinned; therefore, I will cast you as profane out of the mountain of God, and I will destroy you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stone of fire. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness..."
Isaiah 14:12-17 is another example of a double reference that gives us a glimpse of a time past. In reading Isaiah we realize where Lucifer's throne and kingdom resided.
"I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north (God's spot); I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High."
Where did Lucifer's kingdom reside? It was here, on Earth for no other place in all of Scripture refers to clouds but those of earth. He looked to ascend into heaven, ascend above the height of the clouds, which were above him, and exalt his throne above the stars. Therefore his throne and kingdom were not only below the heavens, or below the stars, but also below the clouds. This is a critical key.
Lucifer became filled with violence. He defiled (polluted) his sanctuaries. He didn't offer an "I have a dream" speech, instead, he gave his "Me, Myself and I" speech in Isaiah referenced above.
Surely God gave Lucifer occasion after occasion to turn around and change direction. How long God put up with Lucifer no one can say. So far, God has been giving occasion after occasion, for over 6,000 years in His dealing with mankind and our condition. That too will finally come to an end. Lucifer no doubt accused God of being tyrannical and unjust in all His rule over moral agents as he no doubt does now.
And so, Lucifer, being the first created being to sin, led a rebellion against God Himself. For someone being full of wisdom he sure was as dumb as a bag of hammers here. A stupid move for such a wise being, but blindness comes in many forms. In this rebellion, Lucifer took a third of the angels with him to fight God (Rev. 12:4 describes this same group that in this verse will feebly attempt a final, last-ditch attempt) the first rebellion didn't last but a quick New York second. No sooner did he get there than he was immediately cast out of heaven. In fact, it states he was cast back down to the ground, which has to refer to Earth since that is the only ground discussed in Scripture and as mentioned earlier, where his kingdom resided.
Jesus said in Luke 10:18 that "I beheld (past tense) Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Jesus ought to know, he was there. Nevertheless, his trip back was as fast as "greased lightning". God is longsuffering, but when the rebellion of Heaven took place, God quickly squashed it. God said He will not share His glory with anyone.
We know this had to have occurred before God created man for Lucifer was already a fallen creature when he came to Eve in the Garden of Eden.
This just goes to show how blind we can become when we have delusions of grandeur due to our pride, haughtiness, arrogance, and narcissism. Here he was a created being thinking he had greater power than the one who created him.
Not only was Lucifer cast out but others who joined in with the revolt likewise found themselves getting their clock cleaned (Jude 1:6). The result of this rebellion was in God brought judgment upon the Earth (in a similar fashion as He did in the time of Noah over man's sin by way of a flood.) Thus Lucifer was stripped of his dominion and rule. His kingdom was destroyed by flood and all that he had as subjects were wiped out.
2 Peter 3:5-7 talks of this for it states that:
"by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water, by which the WORLD THAT THEN WAS, being overflowed with water perished (Gk. word used here for "perished" literally means "to destroy fully"); But the heavens and the earth, WHICH ARE NOW, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."
Some may confuse this flooding as the one in Noah's day. And, some are adamant that it is, but it isn't. The Bible does state that all flesh with the breath of life, with the exception of those on the Ark, and naturally marine life, did perish. But not all life was literally destroyed. The earth was not, nor fish or plant life or the heavens.
This mentions a world of old that once existed but was overflowed with water and perished. But "the HEAVENS and the EARTH WHICH ARE NOW..", which are the same ones that existed before the flood of Noah, indicate two different periods of time (remember, different "generations"). One "that was then", which was destroyed, and the one since that destruction which is the earth now.
The earth today is the same one since the creation of Adam. If the world that "then was" which perished was the same one as the world that existed between Adam and the flood of Noah, then God made "the heavens and the earth which are now" since the flood of Noah, but this something the Bible does not teach. In other words, if the earth of "old" being mentioned is referring to earth during the time between Adam and Noah, and then perished due to Noah's flood, then the earth that is "now" would have had to have been redone, restored, remade or created over again after the flood. But that is not what happened. There is no statement in Scripture that the heavens and the Earth, which are now, differ from what they were between the times of Adam and Noah. You may need to let this marinate a bit.
No, what we find is that torrential rain fell 24 hours a day for 40 days, and the fissures of the deep which we now know are located at the bottoms of our oceans, popped open to allow water held underground to gush forth as well, doing a quick work of covering dry land. Afterward, the waters receded to reveal the same planet. Where did that water go? Some went back where it came from. There still remain massive underground water reservoirs. As an example, the most unlikely, landlocked state of Nebraska, located in the middle of the United States, has the largest underground water aquifer in America, spreading out into neighboring states. Likewise, scientists scanning the interior of Earth have discovered a vast water reservoir beneath eastern Asia that is said to be at least the size of the Arctic Ocean. This finding, dubbed the "Beijing anomaly" was made by Michael Wysession, a seismologist at Washington State University in St. Louis (check it out!). Second, prior to Noah's flood, there were seas but not oceans, and so our present-day oceans are the result of water being dispersed into those regions. Lastly, although small, evaporation took place, restoring the firmament (clouds, moisture, and earth's barrier and restoring Earth's hydration.
In Matthew 13:35 we read a statement that Jesus made:
"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD."
The Greek wording used for "foundation" is an interesting one. It comes from the word "katabole" meaning conception, which in turn is taken from the Greek word "kataballo" which literally means to overthrow or cast down. Katabole is derived from the root words "kata" meaning down, and "ballo" meaning throw violently. Birth, or conception from casting down or overthrowing. Seemingly opposite terms coming from similar roots.
This Scripture seems to be expressing that there have been things kept secret since the violent overthrow of the world. And, a simultaneous duel action of the conception of the world. But how does that work?
Erich Von Daniken wrote a book entitled "Chariot of the Gods" back when I was in high school. It presented the shocking theory, based on his research, that ancient Earth had been visited by aliens. And, that our history reveals their involvement in early society. Discoveries that are proof of their early existence on Earth. He even went further to suggest we are the descendants of such aliens. The movie "Prometheus" presents this same idea.
I believe he was half right. Ancient Earth was inhabited by beings not of this Earth. And, there are discoveries that we cannot explain. However, his conclusion was placed upon aliens from some distant planet. I believe we find the answer right in Scripture. It is there that we find references to these ancient aliens from beyond as angelic beings that once inhabited Earth. And, after mankind was created, ended up producing giants and other mighty beings as they intermingled with the human race:
"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men who were of old, men of renown." Genesis 6:4
These giants and mighty men of old, men of renown may be the very ones that over time morphed into the mythological figures and stories of our past.
The Missing Link
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Well, let's review:
We have at least two generations of the earth mentioned by the time we get to the second chapter of the Bible since the term generations is used in the plural.
We have God restoring the earth somewhere before Noah's flood for the heaven and earth that is now is the same heaven and earth before Noah's flood.
We have a time period of unknown length, in which angels were created and existed prior to man.
Lucifer was given a kingdom.
A rebellion in which Lucifer and the angels who were influenced by him looked to crash heaven, were defeated and cast out of heaven, with Lucifer's kingdom being judged and destroyed.
And the suggestion of duel actions of casting down along with starting something new, or a birthing forth out of an overthrow.
Now, these may seem like very separate and distinct events, but they are actually intimately linked together and resolved by using a very special key to unlock the door before us. A key that I believe will allow entry into a better, clearer, and fuller comprehension of the past, our present, and the future. Solving a mystery God tucked into His Word. It has been in front of us for some time, found in the very first verses of Genesis. Although it is called by various terms, I prefer to coin a new one, calling it "The Missing Link". Let's flesh it out.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
God created the heavens, the angelic host, and created the earth with His hands (Psalms 95:5). As a reminder from earlier, God created them perfect, meaning complete or whole as this verse indicates. The angelic host was witness to this creative act and in Job 38:7 we see that they shouted for joy over what they saw. It had to be wonderful to watch and behold. This was before mankind was created.
Genesis 1:2 "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." This second verse holds more than we realize.
The word "and" is used 148 times in chapters 1 and 2. Each time the word is used to start a verse, it is used to separate the 102 independent actions of God. Take a quick look and you will find that verses 3 through 26, in consecutive order, begin the same way as verse 2 for the same reason, to mark a change from the previous verse. It announces the beginning, or the start of something else specific to that verse, with each one distinct from the one before.
Why is this significant? The obvious answer is that the word "and" is used to differentiate verse one from verse two. But why? Let us consider the original Hebrew word definitions in this verse.
The Hebrew word for “was" (hayah) means, "became, come to pass; to become; come to be." This understanding is clear from at least 134 places where the King James translators correctly rendered this sense of hayah. A few examples will do. It was after God breathed into Adam the breath of life that "man became a living soul" (Gen. 2:7). When Lot's wife looked back on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, "she became a pillar of salt" (Gen. 19:26). When Moses obediently cast his rod on the ground, "it became a serpent"; when he picked it up, "it became a rod in his hand" (Exod. 4:3-4). After Saul prophesied in fulfillment of Samuel's prediction, "it became a proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam. 10:12)
In each of these passages (and many others), "hayah" clearly indicates a state of becoming that is the result of some type of cause-and-effect relationship.
The Hebrew word for "form" (tohu) is defined as "to lie waste, a desolation; a worthless thing; empty place."
The Hebrew word used for "void" (bohuw) means to be empty, an undistinguished ruin. Some use the Hebrew word "abad" meaning to perish; be undone; be destroyed.
Darkness in Hebrew (khoshek) literally means dark. Figuratively; destruction or death. From "khawshak" to be dark as withholding light, to darken, make dark.
What begins to emerge in verse two is that the Earth "became" or "came to be" without form. An undone desolation, a worthless thing, an empty, undistinguished ruin. And although the heavens (which include the stars and suns) were already in existence, as noted in verse one, light was withheld, leaving Earth shrouded in darkness. For how long and how we don't know. We find throughout the Bible God using both naturalistic and supernatural means as cause agents. The word "and" is to mark the change of the condition of the earth in verse two from that of verse one. In verse one, the earth was created whole, complete. In verse two, it became undone, a waste and empty of habitation. Based on the words used and their definitions this seems a logical conclusion.
The description of the earth in verse two is one of an altered state from what it was prior. And the only verse prior to it to offer a different description is verse one. Thus, verse one represents the heavens and earth in a completed state as the word "created" suggests. Verse two is not a creative stage since the earth already is mentioned as existing in a created form in verse one. The earth became something else. Even the usage of the English word "was" proves that it had to become desolate before it could be called desolate, meaning it was in a different state prior to it becoming desolate. This is only logical. To suggest that it is describing the earth in the process of being created is to either not pay attention to detail, or in preferring to ignore them. One of our clues was Isaiah 45:18 which states:
".the Lord who created the heavens, God Himself who formed the earth and made it; He has established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited."
Now either the earth was created complete and then became desolate, or it was created in an empty, ruined (or unfinished, as some would argue, condition for further completion, which is contrary to Isaiah. To accept the latter would be to accept Isaiah as incorrect. So, either we are not applying Scripture rightly, or we are not understanding Scripture correctly. I believe it is the latter. Note verse three in recording the first day:
"And God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." - Gen. 1:3
Look at it again. How about one more time. The word "let" is used thirteen times in this chapter. It is used over 1,000 times in other places. Never is it used to denote a creative act. Why? You already know the answer if you just think about it for a moment. Let me give some examples:
"Let the children come to me."
"Who let the dogs out?"
"I let time slip away."
We use that word in a permissive sense. It literally means "to give permission; to allow; give consent." When Jesus said, "Let the children come to me!" He was saying allow them to come to me! "Who let the dogs out?" is asking, who gave permission, permitted, or allowed to let the dogs out? When I say, "I let time slip away", I am saying I allowed it, I permitted it, and I chose to let time slip by. Likewise, when God said, "Let there be light…." He was giving a command of permission to allow something to take place. It is the same situation with such verses as 6, 9, 11, 14, 15, 20, and 24. Read them carefully. Without realizing it, we have become preconditioned to seeing what we thought was there, taught, or told was there but really isn't. That being that these verses were describing creative acts of God, but that is not the case. These verses are actually restorative commands. Commands of permission, working with already created things. We actually see God in a rebuilding project. God is obviously allowing, giving permission, for light to once again shine on the earth. It is a restorative command and not a creative one. The light was already present but withheld from the planet. How and for how long we do not know. God gave the command and restored the light's ability to once again bathe the earth. Why do I say it is a restorative command? Verse two demonstrates a fallen condition from what the earth once was, not an unfinished condition of a yet completed creative work.
Is it beginning to come together for you as it did for me?
The missing link is what is not immediately written between verse one and verse two. Touched upon elsewhere in Scripture as clues, as we have been covering, but correctly not placed in the timeline that deals with man's "dispensation", or timeline. The period before man is a story that has mostly been tucked away in its completeness in God's personal library. What we have is what we have. What may have been available in the past, now destroyed over centuries, we do not know. Surely there is some wisdom in God not feeling compelled to give a blow-by-blow account of a time that man was not a part of. The Bible is about man's history and future with God and keeps the focus on this primary purpose.
Like the first Star Wars movie which dealt with a certain time period of an overall story, the Bible's focus and attention are on God's dealings, relationship, and plan with man. Yet the Bible is clear that it is not the only story, nor the last one.
So allow me to put the pieces of information we have been covering into a cohesive, rational, sequential order. I believe it will all start to become clear to us.
In the beginning, the triune God created the heavens and the angelic host. Established the creation of time which put in motion God's plan of the ages. How long ago time was put in motion we do not know. The length of time it has taken for light from distant stars to reach us reveal that it was eon's ago. It is no wonder God is also called the "Ancient of Days".
Once having established an orderly government for this first social system of beings, angels were given positions and authority over aspects of God's heaven and the universe. God then created the earth. Angels witnessed the creation of this special sphere. In verse one we note that it was made complete and whole. Why else would angels rejoice? Meant from the beginning to be inhabited, one of God's prized angels was given dominion of earth and rule over life that God placed here prior to man. Lucifer set up his throne and sanctuaries and ruled for an undetermined length of time.
This "Dispensation of Angels", the probationary period of time and history of God's dealings with the first free moral agents, before the existence of man, transpired between verse one and verse two of Genesis, Chapter One. It is this bridge of missing time and history that links these verses together. It is here that we find Lucifer's rebellion and those that joined him in an attempt to rush heaven and take over. Of Lucifer's fall, God's judgment on those that rebelled, and of God's destruction of Lucifer's kingdom, the result being earth flooded and life that had become corrupted destroyed, leaving earth empty, void of life, covered in water, and shrouded in darkness. It happened quickly and suddenly. This ended the first generation in Earth's history. The age of the Earth at this point is not revealed.
I believe the fossilized remains we continue to unearth are representative of this prehistoric age. Of a world before man, not known to Adam and so not recorded in our history.
There are those that would take issue with the notion that anything, but especially death, could have existed before the advent of man. The topic of death will be covered later.
The outcome of God's judgment is given in verse two, where we see that the earth became an empty, desolate, wasted, worthless thing. Life was destroyed. Flooded with water, light was withheld and so the earth was covered in darkness. The "foundation of the world", the overthrow and casting down of it was to simultaneously give way to the birth of a new era and the second generation in Earth's history.
After a period of unknown length, but most likely not long, God began the process of restoring His creation once again to its perfect or complete state, thus continuing His eternal plan. The work of the six days in Genesis gives us "The heavens and the earth, which are now" (Gen. 1:3-2:25; 2 Pet. 3:5-7)
The oldest discovered root system that we have found so far is the Pando. It is a massive clonal colony of aspens in Utah dating back 9,560 years. Root systems can survive submerged for quite some time. If mankind has only been around for 6,000 to 6,500 since Adam's creation, then this root system was part of a time prior.
Starting with verse three of Genesis, Chapter One, we begin to observe the restoration process of Earth, along with the creation of new life and of a new chapter in our planet's history. It all starts in the next chapter so let's check it out!