Questions on Creation
When were angels created?
The Bible tells us that only God is eternal and uncreated (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-2). The Bible also teaches that God created everything in six days (Genesis 1; Exodus 20:11). This includes the angels (Colossians 1:16). What the Bible does not tell us is on what day of creation week God created the angels. While Continued.
I am struggling with the biblical account that the earth was created in six, 24-hour days. There is significant scientific evidence that the earth and the universe are significantly older. Carbon dating is just one example of a scientific method that helps determine the age of historical objects. I understand WELS believes that the bible is 100% the inspired, factual word of God, but isn't a thousand years like a day to the Lord? As an example of evolution that we see, bacteria are constantly mutating based on exposure to anti-biotics. Man bred wolves to become multiple breeds of dogs; is that evolution? I would appreciate your response to these questions.
As Christians, our starting point is that Scripture is always true and truthful. (Numbers 23:19; John 17:17) That means that if Scripture says one thing and other sources say something else, we side with Scripture. We side with Scripture because God is ultimately its author, even though he used human beings to write down his Continued.
Were there really dinosaurs on earth? If so, when and how is this compatible with the Genesis account of creation?
These are frequently asked questions, and important ones, since opposing viewpoints thrive and conflicting worldviews rest on differing assumptions. DINOSAURS? YES. While we can’t absolutely rule out the idea that dinosaur fossils were created by God and aren’t evidence of extinct creatures, we consider it most probable that various dinosaurs did indeed exist. And we’re Continued.
Why did God create the universe? I am struggling with understanding God’s motivation with creating us and the world. I know understanding God is a tall task. I am hoping for some explanation from the Bible as to why God created us. My sinful nature keeps me coming back to the answer that this world is some strange experiment of God’s or that he was bored. I know this is not the case because God already knows all of history. But I don’t have any other biblical truth to show insight to God’s reasoning.
We can rule out boredom or loneliness as reasons for God creating this world and the people who inhabit it. The Bible states: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served Continued.
What do I do when my child's public school teaches evolution? I very much believe in creationism.
The particular subject matter being taught to your child gives you a special occasion and need to bring up your child “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). You can explain to your child that when people reject the truth of God’s word—in this case, the historical account of creation—they replace it Continued.
Does the Bible preclude life on another planet? With the vastness of space, we often hear of other planets that could be capable of sustaining life. Genesis details the creation of earth, but doesn't mention the possibility of life elsewhere. Can we read from its silence that there could be no life elsewhere, or could life beyond earth be possible, according to Scripture? Thank you.
The only extraterrestrial life of which the Bible speaks is that of the angels. Scripture throughout speaks of God’s interaction—especially his saving activity—with people on this earth (John 3:16). Similarly, Jesus spoke of the need to take his gospel message to “all the world” (Mark 16:15). God’s record of creation in Genesis 1 and 2 Continued.
How old is the earth? I've heard a few numbers.
No precise number is available. Biblical chronologies—and they are incomplete—suggest that God created the world within the past 6,000 to 10,000 years. Of course, God created a fully mature world, so objects had age at the very beginning of time.
My family is planning a summer vacation and we will be passing close to Cincinnati, which is near the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. In your view, would these attractions provide us with a Christian perspective and message that is worth considering? We are aware of some who have described the visit as valuable and edifying. Thanks for your help.
I have not yet visited those attractions but hope to do so. Friends who have visited tell me that the experience is worthwhile. Safe travels!
How old is the world?
Scripture does not spell out a precise number. Even with gaps in the biblical chronologies, it is very likely that there is a world history of under 10,000 years.
I'm in a bit of a debate online about the Young Earth Creationists. It is my understanding that the WELS holds to this theory, due to God creating the universe in 6 days. One of the counters brought to my attention is in regard to ancient writings and art, seemingly dated at near-our 10,000 year old earth, or older (as in cave drawings and ruins of civilizations). My question is, how do I address this? What evidence can I present (besides the historicity of the resurrection) to make our viewpoint more convincing?
Probably the best way I can help you is to refer you to the resources of the Lutheran Science Institute, an organization within WELS. There is information on their website that can help address your question. One of the sections on their website is “Creation Apologetics.” Another section is titled “Dating Methods.” If you are Continued.