7.9 Danger No 9: Loss of Creation Concepts

We must distinguish clearly between research which investigates the creation around us, and contemplation of the beginnings of creation. The present universe can be investigated scientifically by using available research methods (measure, weigh, observe, experiment). These resources are also available for creation research, subject to the stated basic assumptions. But this is essentially impossible for the six days of creation (see basic assumption C6). Knowledgeable engineers can investigate the functions and efficiency of a completed machine, as well as the principles of construction and the materials employed. But most questions about its origin cannot be answered by studying only the machine itself (e.g., country where it was manufactured, who the builder was, or on what concepts the construction was based). Only the original builder himself can provide relevant and sufficient information on these aspects. How much more is this true of all creative works? It is not possible to extrapolate our understanding of present-day natural laws back into creation week, because they were only then set up and “pieced together”?

Some essential creation principles are taught in the Bible:

• Anything that was created instantaneously, must have had a certain appearance of age at the time according to present experiences:
  • Adam probably looked like a man of 20
  • A sunflower would seem to be three months old
  • Eden’s tall trees would appear to be 80 years old
  • The Andromeda galaxy would be rated to be 2.3 million years old according to its distance.
• God does not deceive us with these appearances of age. On the contrary, we ourselves introduce this age tension because of our present-day views.
• God created matter without using any available material. None of our current natural laws can explain this.
• God created the earth first, and on the fourth day He added the moon, the solar system, the local galaxy, and all other star systems. Their origin cannot be explained in terms of current laws of gravity or Kepler’s laws.

On the other hand, according to evolutionary beliefs it is possible to explain origins by means of natural laws (see basic assumption E4). However, this is not possible in the biblical view. The biblical creation principles are ignored in theistic evolution, but, on the other hand, evolutionary ideas are carried into the Bible. In this way, God’s omnipotent acts are eventually negated. The apocryphal book of Sirach (chapter 18:1–7) is of topical interest in our time:

He who lives for ever, has created everything without exception. The Lord alone is always right. He has given nobody the ability to describe His works adequately; no one can research their entire greatness. Who can measure His awesome power? Who can count all proofs of His mercy? No-one can detract anything from them, and nobody can add anything. It is impossible to fathom all His wonders. If someone thinks that he has reached the end of his report, then he discovers that he is still at the very beginning. And when he stops, it is because he does not know how to proceed.