I choose to believe that the Biblical account is as it says it is, requiring no extra interpretation. I believe with all my heart that what we find in the early chapters of Genesis are a faithful account of what occurred in the conception and infancy of the universe as we know it, written and inspired by the only Person who was actually there, God Himself.

The Science of Origins

In reality, the ‘science’ of origins is not a science at all. Scientific practice really requires that one is able to observe and repeat any process or experiment in order to establish a firm understanding of that which is taking place. Obviously, this is impossible in regard to the origin of our universe. No one can go back and observe what took place, and no one can repeat a process they have not observed. Whatever stand we take therefore, is a matter of faith. Believing something we have not seen! (Hebrews 11:1-2).

The Long Ages of the Biblical Patriarchs

One of the most unusual features of pre-flood humanity are the ages of the patriarchs’ lives. And when we say long, we really mean loooooonnnnnnngggggg.

These long ages were the result of the perfect environment afforded by the early world. This was significantly upset by the catastrophic events of the flood, and a sharp decline in longevity results. Also, death was never intended to be a part of man’s existence, and the work of sin and death, with its devastating results, were still in the early stages.

If we choose to believe Moses’ account of these early centuries of the human race (which we do), we discover some fascinating facts.

How old was Adam when he died? 930 years old.

This means that Noah’s father, Lamech, could have personally known the original man.

It is also interesting, to me at least, that Abram could have known Shem. Can you imagine talking to this pre-flood father about the world before the deluge, and hear the stories that had been passed from grandfather to father to son from Adam and Eve’s own mouth about a world without sin and its consequences. No wonder Abram desired a city whose Builder and Maker was God (Hebrews 11:10)

The Oldest man in history, buy why?

The oldest man in history is also there among the line up, Methuselah. Why was he so old? Because of God’s patience and mercy. Methuselah’s father was a prophet called Enoch (Incidentally Enoch actually prophesied the second coming of Christ, see the little book of Jude toward the end of the Bible to read about Enoch’s prophesy). He also gave his son Methuselah a prophetic name packed with meaning. Methuselah literally means “his death shall bring”. This seems a strange name to call your kid until you realise that the year Methuselah died, the great flood came. God was holding out for men to repent so the flood could be averted, just as today He holds back the second coming of His Son for the very same reason.

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9

And in a similar way, men scoffed at Noah until the rain began, just as they scoff today at the foolish idea that Jesus will return from Heaven just as the Bible says.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 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.” 2 Peter 3:4-7

As In The Days of Noah

Our days are like the days of Noah.

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37-39

Let us not be caught unawares.

Enoch was right the first time round with the prophesy he packaged in the name of his long-living son. This is a guy who was so close to the Lord, God didn’t even wait until he died to take him home (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). With a track record like that it would be well worth taking note of his word about our day, recorded in Jude:

“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” Jude 14,15

What do you think?

If you want more awesome information about the Genesis account of history check out the Spirit Life Bible School resources on the subject at:

http://www.jesuschrist.co.uk/spiritlife/lesson-modules/3-genesis/

We’ve covered some pretty big subjects in this short post. I would love to hear what you have to say about this? Leave a comment, ask a question, send out a Tweet and see what others have to say.

The Scriptures warn of a day when scoffers will come sniggering at the very thought of Christ’s imminent return.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 2 Pet 3:3-4

Martin Luther, the famous figure from the reformation, said, “If I knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, I would plant a seed today.” And this is the paradox we live with as believers. We must live with no promise of tomorrow, yet plan for the lifetime of our children’s children! The first generation Christians expected Christ’s return at any moment, so one thing is for certain, we are a lot closer today!   

When these truths are internalised, not just analysed, they have a supernatural power to transform an individual from the inside out. In the light of Christ’s immanent return the born again believer will regulate their life with eternity in mind, not being bound by a temporal mindset.

The Doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ…

The finish line is sight - keep running!

1. Is a comfort and purifying hope which encourages the believer to holy living. (1 John 3:2-3; Rom. 8:20-25; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet. 3:9-13)


2. Is called to remembrance every time a believer partakes of communion. The Church is to do this “until He Come”. (1 Cor.11:23-32; Mat. 26:26-29)


3. Challenges the believer to watchfulness and prayer. (Mat 24:42-44; 25:13; Luke 21:34-36)


4. Challenges the believer to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit through fellowship and prayer, expecting and watching for the Bridegroom (Matt 25:1-13)


5. Encourages the believers to faithfully employ their God given talents in the increase of the Kingdom (Mat. 25:14-30).

6. Causes the believer to be spiritually alert in anticipation of His soon return (Mark 13:32-37)


7. Encourages the believer in times of trial and persecution. (Heb.10:32-37; 2 Tim.2:12; James 5:7-8)


8. Stirs the Church to evangelism, seeking the salvation of as many as possible before the end of the age (Mat.13:24-30,36-43)

Jesus is Coming Soon

Let’s all agree on one thing!
 

Although several schools of thought exist regarding the order and timing of events surrounding the second coming of Christ, all are agreed on this one thing: Jesus is coming again, and it is sooner now than ever before!

It is wise not to become too hung up on particular schools of thought. Just as the Jewish teachers of Jesus’ day rejected their Messiah because of their set beliefs about how he should present Himself to the world, so we too could easily make the same mistake concerning Christ’s second advent. Whether you are pre-trib (Jesus is coming before it all hits the fan), post trib (we going through the tribulation but all will end well) or pan-trib (don’t have a clue but know it will pan out in the end!), one thing is certain. He is coming, and soon.

What you believe is not half so important as how you live what you believe
 

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives”  2 Pet 3:11

Of course we must hold the faith once delivered to the saints. In that sense what we believe is essential. But if we fail to act on what we believe, even though it may be right, we are deceived. True convictions move the believer to action. Our lifestyle must be impacted. The primary doctrine to remember in connection with His return is simple, personal and applicable in any age, “Live right, and be ready”. When Jesus comes, will He find faith in the earth? Or more precisely, will He find faith in you? (Luke 18:8). We may not know the day or the hour, but the godly should certainly know the season and not be caught unaware (Mark 13).