He Clothed Them

Monday, August 8, 2011

“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21 KJV).

The Bible says Adam and Eve “were both naked…and were not ashamed” (Genesis 1:25). How could they be naked, and yet unashamed?

In 1 Timothy 6:16 we read of Jesus Christ “dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto….” God’s righteousness and holiness emanate from His body in the form of a bright light. Originally, before the fall, Adam and Eve did not wear physical clothes, but they were clothed with something… they were clothed with the righteousness of God Himself because sin had not entered into creation yet.

God created man in His image (Genesis 1:26,27); man was originally sinless, as perfect as God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed by eating the forbidden fruit, God’s righteousness left their bodies. They were sinners now, so God’s light no longer covered them (spiritually and physically). Adam and Eve were physically and spiritually naked, so they frantically gathered itchy fig leaves and covered themselves (Genesis 3:7).

The LORD God, in His great love and grace, sought these lost souls. Adam and Eve hid, too afraid to approach our holy and righteous God. But, God in His brilliance devised a plan to restore them. Today’s Scripture says that God killed innocent animals. He used the blood to provide Adam and Eve’s spiritual clothes (forgiveness), and the skins served as their physical clothes.

Isaiah 61:10 summarizes (saved Israel speaking): “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” God did that for Adam, Eve, Israel, and us too!

If we have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been clothed with God’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Christ, we are just as Adam and Eve were before the fall, in perfect standing before God.

Genesis is the Firm Foundation for the Righteous

Saturday, August 6, 2011

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3 KJV).

The Genesis creation account is diametrically opposed to evolutionary theory. Lest they are forced to abandon their theory, Genesis-haters simply dismiss the first two chapters of the Bible as Hebrew poetry. In order to get around the anti-evolution statements in Scripture, Bible skeptics encourage us to allegorize Genesis chapters 1 and 2, claiming “the Bible does not mean what it says, so do not believe in a literal interpretation of Genesis.”

There is nothing to indicate that Genesis chapters 1 and 2 are allegorical. In fact, there is evidence in Scripture to indicate the first two chapters of Genesis are literal.

  • Genesis 2:7 says: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground….” This is a scientific fact: the human body contains elements—potassium, oxygen, magnesium, et cetera—that are also found in earth’s crust! Why would the rest of chapter 2 not be literal?
  • The Lord Jesus said: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female” (Mark 10:6-8). Jesus Christ believed in a literal interpretation of Genesis 1:26,27 and Genesis 2:20-25.
  • The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:13,14: “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:3). Paul supports a literal interpretation of Genesis 1:26,27, Genesis 2:20-25, and Genesis 3:1-13.
  • Exodus 20:8-11 is a literal commandment given to Jews. Obviously this literal commandment is based on a literal event: God really created the heaven, the earth, and all creatures in six, consecutive 24-hour periods, and that He rested on the seventh (Sabbath) day. Exodus 20:8-11 supports a literal interpretation of Genesis chapters 1 and 2.

Hebrew scholars tell us that Genesis chapters 1 and 2 do not exhibit the structure of Jewish poetry, but rather a literal account-narrative. Genesis teaches a literal account of creation, and should be believed literally. If you begin the Bible allegorically (Genesis), then we are left to wonder what is literal in Scripture, if anything at all…?

Does the Bible Teach an Old Universe?

Sunday, July 24, 2011

“And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;” (Hebrews 1:10,11 KJV).

Many in the scientific community reject the Bible’s testimony… unless of course, if it seems to agree with their teaching. Today’s Scripture is a favorite amongst those who refuse the idea of a young earth and a young universe. Notice the Bible says that the heavens “shall wax old as doth a garment.” Alas, this wresting of the Scriptures is manifested when we understand the definition of “old.”

When the Bible uses the term “old” to describe the heavens, it does not necessarily equate to billions of years old. Do we always use “old” to describe something extremely ancient? Of course not. A centenarian is 100 years old—is this person “old” when compared to, say, a millennium?  Notice how the Bible said the heavens would “wax [grow] old as doth a garment.” Just how “old” can a garment be? Billions of years old? We use the term “old” to refer to items we have had but a few years (like worn-out clothes).

The Bible terms the Mosaic Covenant (Old Testament) “old” in Hebrews 8:13, yet the Mosaic Covenant is just 3,500 years old. Notice the Bible calls the Mosaic Law “old,” yet it is merely thousands of years old. Just as the Mosaic Law needs to pass away for those Jews of the book of Hebrews, so that the New Covenant can be established (Hebrews 8:8-13), this present heaven and earth need to pass away so a new heaven and a new earth can be brought in (Isaiah 66:23; Hebrews 1:12; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1,4).

We should view today’s Scripture in light of this: “old” in both Hebrews 1:11 and Hebrews 8:13 is not “ancient” but rather referring to their functionality or existence. Both need to pass away, just like the garments (clothes) of today’s Scripture are worn-out (“old”).

“Old Granny” Planet Earth?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them” (Genesis 2:1 KJV).

Most scientists tell us the universe is 13.7 billion years old. They insist that our solar system and earth are about 4.55 billion years in age. Throughout my undergraduate years in college geology, those numbers were drilled into my head. However, my mind was well grounded in the Scriptures. Consequently, I was set on a young (6000-year-old) earth.

Note the complex systems: the complicated chemical makeup of rocks, the intricate human genome, and the meticulous movements of the planets and their moons around the sun. These complex systems do not haphazardly appear! There must be a Creator God.

Man has devised a means to “get around” the evidence of the Creator: “Just give it enough time, billions upon billions of years, and it will come to pass!” Geological and biological evolution demand long periods of time—termed “deep time.” Deep time is the linchpin of evolutionary theory. By destroying the concept of deep time, the Bible silences evolutionary theory.

Genesis describes an original, fully functional universe. Everything is “good” (Genesis 1:4,10,12,18,21,25). Chapter 1 concludes: “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” Upon the completion of the six consecutive days of creation, God sees everything as very good.” Perfect!

God was pleased with the universe’s workings. God resting on the Sabbath was an indication that creation was finished (Genesis 2:1-3). There was no sin, sickness, decay, or death. Nothing needed improvement. The Bible does not demand deep time for systems to increase in functionality and efficiency.

In fact, just a few hours old, Adam was talking and naming the creatures (Genesis 2:19,20,23)! Hours-old trees were already producing fruit (Genesis 2:9,16,17)! The universe’s systems were fully functional from the beginning, throwing a monkey wrench into the concept of deep time.

Time to live in reality. Believe Genesis as is. Earth is no granny—she is but a teen! 🙂

Wedding Bells

Sunday, July 3, 2011

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

Marriage is the most valuable and most intimate relationship between two humans. We are social creatures. God never designed us to exist isolated from other humans. At some point, we all seek interaction with someone like us. In today’s Scripture, the LORD God sees Adam all alone, the only human on earth. Adam saw all the animals with their mates, yet there was no creature like him. Surely, Adam wondered why he was alone.

So, God put Adam to sleep. The groom, missing his tuxedo—actually lacking any clothing!—is out cold. Scripture says that God took a rib from Adam’s sleeping body, and the LORD used this rib to sculpt the body of the first woman, Eve (Genesis 2:21,22). Adam suddenly wakes up. His eyes focus on a gorgeous lady, a total “knockout!” She flashes her eyes, and catches Adam’s attention.

Indeed, it was love at first sight—they had not seen anyone else! And so, in the presence of the LORD, Adam meets the woman, and takes her to be his wife. The wedding bells ring! That was the first marriage: no rings, no cake, no wedding gifts. There was a honeymoon in paradise, however. 🙂

These past 6,000 years, man has ignored the sanctity of marriage. Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” God says a man marrying a woman is “honourable.” Furthermore, sexual intercourse is designed to function strictly within the marriage relationship.

If ever you plan to get married, especially you young people, choose a spouse wisely. God has designed that person to help you in your life and be there as your companion (an “help meet”). We find such wonderful words of wisdom in Proverbs 18:22: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” A hearty amen!

Six Days, Six Millennia, Six Megayears, or Six Gigayears?

Thursday, June 30, 2011

“Six days shalt thou labour…but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work…For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day…” (Exodus 20:9-11 KJV).

How long did it take God to create the heaven, the earth, and all living creatures that reside in them? Six days? Six thousand years? Six million years? Six billion years? In a desperate attempt to reconcile the old-earth theory with Scripture, “Day Agers” have questioned the precise meaning of “day” as found in Genesis 1 and 2, usually erroneously citing 2 Peter 3:8 (which has nothing to do with Genesis).

Could “day” in Genesis refer to an indefinite period of time—i.e. long period of time—and not necessarily a 24-hour period? Not at all. Unfortunately, for the Day Agers and others who try to harmonize the Bible and evolutionary theory, today’s Scripture silences the “Day-Age” gibberish.

In today’s Scripture (the Fourth of the Ten Commandments), Israel was instructed to work six days and rest on the Sabbath, just as the LORD worked six days and rested on the Sabbath (Genesis 2:1-3). What Jew worked 6,000 years? Who worked 6,000,000 years? What about 6,000,000,000 years? Ridiculous!

Genesis 1 defines “day” six times: “And the evening and the morning were the … day” (verses 5,8,13,19,23,31). One evening and one morning equal what? Only a 24-hour period!

Some argue against this by saying since the sun was not made until Genesis 1:14-16, the verses previous could not refer to a 24-hour period. We refute that contention with the fact that God could know the exact length of a 24-hour period without the sun being there to serve as a way to measure the time.

The Bible is quite clear that God created the heaven and the earth, and all the life forms therein in 144 hours, or six consecutive 24-hour periods. If someone persists in arguing at this point, they are fools. Let them go quarrel with the clear evidence found in God’s Word.

The Colorful Evidence of the Great (Worldwide) Deluge

Thursday, June 23, 2011

“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13 KJV).

Was the Great Deluge of Noah’s day truly a global flood? Or, as much of the (skeptical) scientific community contends, an inundation confined within the Mesopotamian Valley?

Today’s Scripture, documenting the first appearance of the rainbow, verifies that it was a global, not a regional, flood. The rainbow is the sign (token) of God’s promise, the Noahic Covenant, to never again flood the whole world to destroy all flesh (Genesis 9:8-17). Had the Great Flood been merely a regional flood, why would God promise to never again destroy “all flesh?”

The Great Flood indeed covered the world. In fact, the peaks of the highest mountains were covered by 20 feet of water, forcing it to be a global flood (Genesis 7:19,20). In a regional flood, how could mountain peaks be covered with 20 feet of water?

Prior to the Great Flood, Scripture indicates that it had never rained. [Imagine how foolish Noah sounded when he warned of a coming flood!] Before the Great Deluge, God used a mist to water the earth’s vegetation. The Bible says (Genesis 2:5,6): “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.”

Interestingly, a rainbow has seven distinct bands of colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Seven in the Bible represents perfection.

Whenever you see a rainbow, remember what God told Noah (Genesis 9:15): “And I will remember my covenant, which between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

Was the Great Deluge a global flood? The rainbow is the multicolored evidence that it was indeed a worldwide flood!

Do You Know Why You’re Here?

Thursday, June 2, 2011

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us that none of us were accidents. Our bodies are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” anatomies that are highly complex and intricately designed. Medical science still stands in awe of our design! This is a testament that we are here for a purpose. Deep down inside, you know God exists. God made you and me, but why? Why do we exist? What are we mortal humans to a holy, righteous, Almighty God? What does God want with (or from) you?

The Bible says: “The LORD hath chosen Zion [in Jerusalem]; he hath desired it for his habitation” (Psalm 132:13). God created planet earth so that He could have a dwelling place! He set humans, our ancestors, on this planet so that He could fellowship with them and love them, and maybe they would love Him in return. Unfortunately, our father Adam disobeyed God and sinned (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21,22).

Originally, God created the human race for His glory: “O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11). However, Adam’s rebellion destroyed our fellowship with our Creator. Consequently, we are born “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).

Praise God for His wonderful works: all creation! God wants your trust, your faith. You believe people when they tell you information, so the Bible says: “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater” (1 John 5:9a). The Bible says that you are here for God’s glory, not for your own, but as a sinner you do not bring God glory. However, God has reconciled you unto Himself through Jesus Christ. Do you believe that?

Will you trust in God’s Word… while you are still here? We are here for a reason—“and THAT my soul knoweth right well!”

Do You Want to Know God?

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…” (Psalm 14:1a KJV).

Atheists claim there is no God because they cannot see Him (see today’s Scripture). We Christians admit that we have never seen God face-to-face and we have never heard God speak audibly to us, so how do we know God exists?

Consider this. We gather tangible data via five different “gates:” eyes, ears, a nose, taste buds, and appendages that perceive touch. However, the capacity of these “gates” is limited: data from a given source cannot be collected via all five “gates.” For example, you cannot smell this website; does it still exist? We are unable to taste voices or see air; do they exist? Our ears cannot hear gravity; yet it exists. We cannot touch the Milky Way Galaxy; yet it exists.

These five “gates” enable our bodies to interact with and perceive our natural environment, but what about invisible things? Values? Ideas? Feelings? These are spiritual, not physical, yet they exist, right?

In the same manner we do not perceive our ideas, values, and feelings through those five “gates,” neither do we use them to perceive God! God does exist because we see God through spiritual eyes, the eyes of faith.

Furthermore, we have an origin, so we know indirectly that God exists. Romans 1:20,21 says: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful.”

The Bible says that God is our Creator. If God does not exist, then neither do we! Regardless of whether or not we want to believe it, we all know that one Creator God made us. God is “not far from every one of us,” so we can know Him if we want to know Him (Acts 17:27). Do you want to know God?