The Days of Genesis

The Days of Genesis

Introduction:

Heb. 11:1-6 - It is by faith that we believe God created the heavens & the earth. Col. 1:13-18 – Jesus was the specific agent of the Godhead who created all things. Psa. 33:6-8 – these things done by the word of the Lord. Romans 4:17 – God called into existence the things that do not exist. The Bible is simple & straightforward. God created the heavens & the earth. Creation involves God’s miraculous power & activity. Can we explain absolutely everything about creation? God chose to leave some things unexplained. Can we be satisfied with that? There are just some things we cannot fully know or explain & we must trust God. He told us He created everything in 6 days – and the text gives all indication that these were normal days.

I. The Bible speaks on creation:

A. 1:1 – a statement of fact. A simple affirmation.

B. 1:1-5 – the 1^st day - light created. Separates light from darkness.

C. 1:6-8 – the 2^nd day - sky created

D. 1:9-13 – the 3^rd day - Dry land appeared; seas created.

1. Vegetation & all plants created.

E. 1:14-19 - the 4^th day - sun; moon; stars created.

F. 1:20-23 – the 5^th day - Fish & birds created.

G. 1:24-31 – the 6^th day – animals; and man & woman created.

H. 2:1-4 – the 7th day - God rested; was pleased with His work.

II. So what about the days in Genesis 1?

A. A look at the Hebrew word “yom.”

1. meaning: In a general sense: “a time period.”

2. In this context “yom” is referring to one day/night cycle.

3. day (as opposed to night); a day, as defined by evening & morning in Gen 1.)

B. if “these are not single 24 hr time periods:

1. Why not use “yamin” which means an unspecified number of days?

2. Why not add “qedem” with “yom” which means “it was from days of old.”

3. Why not add “olam” with “yom” which means “it was from days of old.”

C. Couldn’t God have specified in the Hebrew that it was “generations of nights; days.”

1. Josh 24:7 – “long time” used in NASV.

2. In Hebrew this is “yom rab.” Literally means “a long day.”

D. Nothing said in scripture about the week.

1. Where does the week come from? Compare Gen. 2:2-3 with Ex. 20:11

E. Isn’t this clear enough? Our 7 day week reflects the 7 days of creation.

III. The simplest & strongest argument:

A. The natural wording of the text itself.

B. Genesis is a historical narrative

1. Mt. 19:4-5 – Jesus treated Genesis as history.

2. 1 Tim. 2:13-14 – Paul did the same.

3. How dare we change our approach to make Genesis fit a set of human theories that change with the times!

Conclusion:

A. Nothing in Heb text of Gen 1 to indicate that it should be read in any other fashion than as a historical narrative.

1. This chapter is the basis for the rest of the book.

2. If we throw this out – why not the 10 plagues?

3. the virgin birth; the miracles of Jesus

4. The crucifixion; the resurrection?

B. It stands or falls together! Heb. 11:3, 6 – it all starts here.

C. Do you need to respond in faith & obey the gospel?



The Days of Genesis Introduction: Heb. 11:1-6 - It is by faith that we believe God created the heavens & the earth. Col. 1:13-18 – Jesus was the specific agent of the Godhead who created all things. Psa. 33:6-8 – these things done by the word of the Lord. Romans 4:17 – God called into existence the things that do not exist. The Bible is simple & straightforward. God created the heavens & the earth. Creation involves God’s miraculous power & activity. Can we explain absolutely everything about creation? God chose to leave some things unexplained. Can we be satisfied with that? There are just some things we cannot fully know or explain & we must trust God. He told us He created everything in 6 days – and the text gives all indication that these were normal days. I. The Bible speaks on creation: A. 1:1 – a statement of fact. A simple affirmation. B. 1:1-5 – the 1^st day - light created. Separates light from darkness. C. 1:6-8 – the 2^nd day - sky created D. 1:9-13 – the 3^rd day - Dry land appeared; seas created. 1. Vegetation & all plants created. E. 1:14-19 - the 4^th day - sun; moon; stars created. F. 1:20-23 – the 5^th day - Fish & birds created. G. 1:24-31 – the 6^th day – animals; and man & woman created. H. 2:1-4 – the 7th day - God rested; was pleased with His work. II. So what about the days in Genesis 1? A. A look at the Hebrew word “yom.” 1. meaning: In a general sense: “a time period.” 2. In this context “yom” is referring to one day/night cycle. 3. day (as opposed to night); a day, as defined by evening & morning in Gen 1.) B. if “these are not single 24 hr time periods: 1. Why not use “yamin” which means an unspecified number of days? 2. Why not add “qedem” with “yom” which means “it was from days of old.” 3. Why not add “olam” with “yom” which means “it was from days of old.” C. Couldn’t God have specified in the Hebrew that it was “generations of nights; days.” 1. Josh 24:7 – “long time” used in NASV. 2. In Hebrew this is “yom rab.” Literally means “a long day.” D. Nothing said in scripture about the week. 1. Where does the week come from? Compare Gen. 2:2-3 with Ex. 20:11 E. Isn’t this clear enough? Our 7 day week reflects the 7 days of creation. III. The simplest & strongest argument: A. The natural wording of the text itself. B. Genesis is a historical narrative 1. Mt. 19:4-5 – Jesus treated Genesis as history. 2. 1 Tim. 2:13-14 – Paul did the same. 3. How dare we change our approach to make Genesis fit a set of human theories that change with the times! Conclusion: A. Nothing in Heb text of Gen 1 to indicate that it should be read in any other fashion than as a historical narrative. 1. This chapter is the basis for the rest of the book. 2. If we throw this out – why not the 10 plagues? 3. the virgin birth; the miracles of Jesus 4. The crucifixion; the resurrection? B. It stands or falls together! Heb. 11:3, 6 – it all starts here. C. Do you need to respond in faith & obey the gospel?