Gap Theory: Two Creations Vs. One Creation
The following comments are directed to those who invented, then perpetrated this lie called the Gap theory. The word theory is correct when applied to this subject, for the Gap theory is not science, nor is it Scripture.
About four years ago a man named Benny Hine was talking about the Gap Theory which was nutty then, and is still nutty today. That teaching has so many holes in it, Swiss cheese has nothing on it. Let's look at the other theories being taught today. Most modern theories are recent, spun from science fiction, psudo-science, or from confused teachers.
Here are a few other ideas being put forth today concerning the creation. There is the idea of God's creating the heavens and earth 15 billion years ago, and from there the creation has been evolving to this very day; There is the time warp theory: the stretching out of time theory, the two creation theory, or Gap theory, and the bla, bla, bla, theory.
A Christian 100 years ago would never have had heard of these theories. Why? Because they are all relatively new teaching, none having any Scriptural support. For the most part, the foundations are based on carbon dating which is unreliable at best, dug up old bones, horizontal layers of earth, bad science, hypothesis, extreme exaggeration, astronomy, and bad Bible study habits. To those who teach the gap theory, my questions to you would be:
1. Did God keep the truth away from the millions of Jews and Christians for the past 3500 years? Did God fool all those who passed on before us into thinking He had created in 6 literal days, approximately 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, when all the time there was a gap between two creations? I don't think so.
Gap theorists state "It is said, there is a time-gap between the first two verses of Genesis, also called " Ruin-Reconstruction."
Phil asks, "How much time passed between the two creations, if there were two creations?" Of course there is no answer.
To those who perpetrate this lie, who said so? The Scripture makes no such statement concerning two creations."
Gap theorists say: "It is said, The Bible states clearly, that the planet Earth was already here in a ruined state well before the creative process of the seven days even begins."
Phil said, Let me ask a question concerning the above statement :
1. Did God make a mistake when He created this so-called first earth that was in this supposed ruined state? Do you get this idea of ruined from the following words in the Scripture, " Without form and void? "
2. If God did not make a mistake in the first creation, then did Satan ruin this first earth? If he did ruin it,
3. Did God give Satan another chance to ruin a second earth? If God did NOT have foreknowledge concerning Satan and his ruining of the first and second heaven and earth, then God is not really God, is He?
4. If Satan were not responsible for ruining the first earth, then who was, and what ruined it? Also,
5. Exactly what was it that was ruined?
The following verses from 2 Peter are used by Gap Theorists who attempt to prove this false teaching,
2 Pet 3:5-7, "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."
Phil wrote: "The heavens were of old." Greek meaning, "from of old, or from the first beginning of all things." These were Peter's remarks to show the scoffer's statements to be false and misleading. The scoffers who deny the second coming of Christ present these comments in verse 4: "All things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." Peter's statement has now come to pass: "There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts."
Phil wrote, Gen.1:9, On the second day, "God said, let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear." This was the first appearance of earth above the water, and earth below the oceans of the water.
Gen.1:9, "God said, let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear." This is the first appearance of dry land.
Ps.104:6-7, "Thou (God) coveredst it (the earth) with the deep (waters) as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy (God's) rebuke they (the waters) fled." This is the second appearance of dry land after the flood.
After the rains stopped {Gen.8:5} "The waters decreased continually until the tenth month: -- on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen." With verse 13, "In the first month, the first day of the month, the waters dried up from off the earth: -- behold, the face of the ground was dry."
Look again at, 2 Peter, "The earth standing out of the water, and in the water." If we look at map of the oceans, we would observe mountain ranges below the ocean that fill in the spaces between the land mass that lies above the oceans. The earth below the water is a living, breathing, moving, functioning world, as it is above the waters. This was in the days before Noah, and exists to this day.
Peter's words were: "The world that then was," which meant before the flood.
In Noah's day, the earth was totally covered with a flood which validated Peter's comment that "The world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." That understanding is clear, simple, correct, and Scriptural.
The receding waters most likely changed the landscape of the earth. This type of event was witnessed in a small way, when Mt. Saint Helen erupted. The landscape in and around the area of Mt. Saint Helen was changed forever. The riverbeds were moved, all wild life was gone, and the trees appeared as matchsticks.
A 400 foot deep cut was made through solid rock by the mud slide that followed the eruption. Science would have said it took millions of years to cut that chasm. It only took a few days of mud-slides coming from the mountain. We have visible proof of the power of nature. This would be a small event, when compared to the flood of Noah's day.
So this present "World," meaning, "The present order or arrangement of things," as it is after the flood, is "Kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment."
Gap- theorists write, "The gap theory" states there is a time gap between the first and second creation. It is not greatly detailed in the book of Genesis. Also,
When Noah's flood happened did it change anything in the upper heavens? Would a flood on the Earth have any effect on the sun, moon, or stars? The obvious answer is NO. The heavens of Noah's day were the same heavens as in Adam's day; same sun, same moon, same stars. In fact, Noah's flood had no effect on the upper heavens. All of Noah's flood's effects were confined to the Earth's surface and atmosphere."
Phil writes, "Neither is it detailed in any other books of the Bible. But to answer the above, read below about God 's moving the stars of heaven like so many toys."
Jer.10:12, "He --- "Hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion."
Job 9:8, God "Alone spreadeth out the heavens."
Ps.104:2, God, "Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain."
Isa 42:5, "God -- that created the heavens and stretched them out."
Isa.44:24, "I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone."
Isa.51:13, "The LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens."
Phil said, "The flood may not have changed the heavens, but God surely did, in order to accomplish His will. Not our will or Noah's."
These theories are dangerious teachings. Peter calls those who teach these theories scoffers, others call them liars, anti-christs, or false teachers. These are the evolutionists and scientists with an agenda. So called Pseudo-Christian teachers, various sects, cults, athiests, all apply their brands of false teaching to the Scriptures, in an attempt to prove the Bible with their theories, and pseudo-science.
Gen.1:1, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Gen.1:1, is an overview of the creation of the material world, and of the atmosphere around the earth and outer space.
We will see a new heaven and a new earth {2 Pet.3:13} as in "Look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness," upon the final return of our Lord. Isa.65:17, "I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered nor come into mind."
I hope others will make comments on this subject. Bible truths are in danger of being changed. If God did not mean one creation, one earth, one flood, then one must re-examine the teaching of one God, one Holy Spirit, one Saviour, heaven, hell, salvation, etc.
Thank you,
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com
Prays4u wrote, Hello Phil,
Phil wrote...
1. Did God make a mistake when He created this so-called first earth that was in this supposed ruined state? Do you get this idea of ruined from the following words in the Scripture, " Without form and void? "
Prays4u wrote, "In the book of Hebrews, the Lord Jesus Christ is said to be the maker of the "worlds" (plural):
Heb.1:2, "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"
"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."
Heb. 11:3
Phil's response,
Dear prays4u. I received you response. Why I moved this to a separate topic was because I did not want you to think my reply was personal. Your article on "Two creations was very well done." I am not disappointed because you believe it, and I do not blame you for the birth of this teaching. I know you well enough, and have read enough of your articles to know that you are a true Christian, and a saved one. Praise the Lord.
My argument is not with you personally, it is with those who continually come up with these new teachings. You know me well enough to understand this is what I do, its what the Lord has given me. I WATCH. When I see something or hear something that is unscriptural, I will speak out. If I am in an area I did not understand, I will step aside.
Like you, we are both seeking after the truth. When two Christian's are at odds on a particular subject, and both are honest concerning the Scriptures, then I have no doubt that the truth will prevail. I know you will agree with this statement.
So like two well trained fighters, we can bring our best into the ring of DEBATE, yet maintain respect, friendship, fellowship, and enjoy the good relationship that we have had in the past. You are one of a few whom I respect, and whom I enjoy debating with. So let us put forth our best understanding on this subject. The Scriptures will be our foundation, and with the Holy Spirit to referee, I am quite sure this can be a lively, learning experience for both you, me, and anyone else who wishes to join us. Again, nothing is meant to be personal.
Let us read each others comments carefully, understand the others view point, be sincere, honest, and maintain a holy path to God's knowledge. I am now putting on my debate gloves, stepping into the ring, and the bell is about to sound for the first round. May the Lord bless this study with His power, and may He be glorified through it.
I will open with YOUR first line of defence from your last post, concerning two creations (the Gap theory.)
Prays4u wrote,
"In the book of Hebrews, the Lord Jesus Christ is said to be the maker of the "worlds" (plural):"
Heb.1:2, "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"
Heb.11:3, "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."
Phil writes. I am going to guess that what you are implying is the word, "worlds," is plural, as in, two worlds, two creations. You did not specify. But because "worlds," is in both verses you quoted, I believe this is what you meant. I agree that in the English tongue, "WORLDS," would imply more than one. So the question is, does the Greek word for "Worlds, #165," agree with this assessment?
World: World: 165. Greek is, aion. This Greek word is used in both the singular and in the plural form. There are 6 Greek words for the word, World, Worlds, and Worldly.
Synonyms and similarities for the word World, and Worlds # 165, are, Ever: For ever: Not never: Evermore: No end: Throughout all ages: World without end: From ages: Before the world: From everlasting: Old time: Age: This world: the King eternal: World's to come:
If you want to cut to the chase, skip A, and go to B-1, B-2, with, B-6. This fully explains Heb.1:2, 11:3. The word "Worlds," meaning ages.
In classic usage and in the New Testament:
A-1. Spoken of time future, in the following phrases, ever, forever, without end, to the remotest time; Spoken of Christ, Heb.6:20, "Jesus -- made an High Priest for ever." Heb. 7:17, 7:24, "a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec," with ver. 28, "the Son, who is consecrated for evermore." Spoken of the happiness of the righteous, John 6:51-58, "If any man eat this bread, he shall live for ever." 2 Cor. 9:9, "His righteousness remainth for ever." 1 John 2:17.
Of the punishment of the wicked, 2 Pet. 2:17, "darkness is reserved for ever." Jude 13, "to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." With anegative, "never;" Matt.21:19. Mark 3:29, "hath never forgiveness." John 4:14, "shall never thirst." John 8:51-52, 10:28, 11:26. Sept. "The word of our God shall stand for ever," Isa. 40:8, 51:6-8, "My righteousness shall be for ever." Deut. 29:29. Isa.28:28, "not ever." Jer.50:39. So 2 Pet.3:18,
"now and for ever." Sept. Ex.14:13. Isa.13:20, "never."
A-2. In the same sense, ever, forever, to all eternity etc. Spoken of God, Rom.1:25, 9:5, 11:36. 2 Cor.11:31,
"Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore." Of Christ, Luke 1:33, where it is explained by, "there shall be no end." Heb.13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Sept. "for evermore." Ps.77:8. The plural is here put for the singular and in the same sense.
A-3. An intensive form, from the Heb. forever and ever, Spoken of God, Gal.1:5. Phil.4:20. 1 Tim.1:17. 1 Pet.5:11,
"for ever and ever." The expression, "throughout all
ages, world without end. A'men!" Eph. 3:21. Spoken of Christ, 2 Pet.3:18. Rev.1:18, 5:13, 11:15. Of the Joy and happiness of the church, Rev.22:5. Of the punishment of the condemned, Rev.14:11, 19:3, 20:10. Sept. "for ever," Ps. 19:9, 110:4, 111:9.
B-1. Spoken of time past, as, of old, from everlasting, etc. Luke 1:70, "spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began." Acts 3:21, 15:18,
"known unto god are all His works from the beginning of the world." So Eph.3:9, "from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God." Col.1:26, "the mystery which hath been hid from ages -- is now made manifest." Also John 9:32, as in before time began, from eternity, 1 Cor.2:7, "which God ordained before the world." Sept. "of old," Gen. 6:4. Ps.90:2, "from everlasting." Jer.2:20, "old time." Sept.
"abideth of old." Ps.55:19.
B-2. From Chald and Rab. The world, either present or future. In N.T. "age," is used of the future world chiefly in the first of these senses.
B-3. This world and the next; as implying duration, Matt.12:32, neither in this world not the next, as in never. Mark 10:30. Luke 18:30.
B-4. The present world, with its cares, temptations, and desires; the idea of evil, both moral and physical, being every where implied, Matt.13:22. Luke 16:8, 20:34, "this world." Rom.12:2. 1 Cor.1:20, 2:6-8. 2 Tim.4:10, "present world." Tit.2:12. Hence it is called, "evil world, Gal. 1:4. Satan is called the god of this world, 2 Cor.4:4. Sept. "the world," Ecc.3:11.
B-5. By meton. Putting one work for another. The men of this world, wicked generation, etc. Eph.2:2, "wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world." Luke 16:8, "the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." Luke 20:34,
"The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage."
B-6. By meton, or putting one work for another. The world itself, as an object of creation and existence, Heb.1:2,
"in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, who He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom He made the worlds," as in A-1, spoken of time future, and A-2, "forever and to all eternity. Heb.11:3, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God." Matt.13:40, 24:3, "and of the end of the world?" 1 Tim.1:17, "the King eternal."
b-7. Spoken in reference to the advent of the Messiah, secular age, via. the age or world before the Messiah, as in the Jewish dispensation, 1 Cor.10:11, "ends of the world come."
b-8. The age or world after the Messiah, as in the gospel dispensation, the kingdom of the Messiah, Eph. 2:7. Heb. 6:5, "the powers of the world to come," coll. with Heb.2:5, This special sense of, "world," coincides again with classic usage.
Heb.11:3, "the worlds," Literally meaning, "ages." All that exists in time and space, visible and invisible, present and eternal.
Heb.1:2, "by whom also He made the worlds (meaning ages.)" Jesus sat at the right hand of the Father on high. Jesus course is set from the beginning of all things till He reached the goal, see Heb.1:2-3. Prov.8:22-23, "The LORD possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His work of old. I (Jesus) was sat up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was." Eph.3:11, "According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Jesus is, "Made better than the angels," ver 4. "Heir of all things," this follows Jesus Sonship, and proceeded His making the worlds, ver.10, "thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands." ver.12, "As a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years hath not fail."
Nothing in the words, WORLD, or WORLDS, speaks of a previous world before this world, but it does speak of this world, and the new world to come. Also from various verses, it appears that only ETERNITY existed before this world came into being.
Thank You.
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com