The Bible as the Foundation of Truth

The Bible has always been viewed as a divine revelation from God, offering not only spiritual truths but also reliable insights into the world. As conservative Evangelical Christians, we understand that the Bible is not a science textbook, but whenever it addresses matters that intersect with scientific understanding, it speaks authoritatively and truthfully. Its primary purpose is to reveal God’s will for humanity, but within its pages, there is ample evidence that supports its compatibility with scientific discoveries and observations.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, the apostle Paul emphasizes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Since the Scriptures are inspired by God, they are without error in all that they affirm, including historical, geographical, and scientific details. Jehovah, the Creator of the universe, who knows all things (Psalm 147:5), would not provide humanity with revelation that conflicts with the true nature of His creation. Thus, when skeptics or critics suggest that the Bible and science are incompatible, it is essential to demonstrate that such a claim is built on misunderstandings or misinterpretations of either the Bible or science itself.

Creation and the Order of the Universe

The Bible begins with the account of creation in Genesis 1, a passage that reveals the fundamental truth that the universe was brought into existence by God. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This foundational verse establishes the doctrine of creation ex nihilo—creation out of nothing. This concept is supported by modern cosmology, particularly the Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe had a beginning and came into existence at a specific point in time. The Bible’s teaching that the universe is not eternal but had a starting point aligns with this scientific understanding.

Furthermore, Genesis 1 presents an ordered creation process, demonstrating that God is a God of order and purpose. While the Bible does not provide a scientific account in modern terms, it communicates that the universe is not chaotic or random, but designed with intention and purpose. This contrasts sharply with atheistic naturalism, which posits that the universe is the result of random, purposeless processes. Colossians 1:16 confirms that “by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.” The order and complexity of the universe bear witness to a Creator who has structured it in such a way that it can be studied, understood, and marveled at.

The Days of Creation and Epochs of Time

The interpretation of the “days” in Genesis 1 has been a point of discussion among Christians. The Hebrew word “yom,” translated as “day,” can mean a 24-hour period or an extended period of time, as seen in other passages of Scripture (e.g., Zechariah 14:8; Psalm 90:4). While some believe that these are literal 24-hour days, others understand them as symbolic of longer epochs, allowing for the possibility that the earth is billions of years old, as modern science suggests.

It is critical to emphasize that the Bible does not provide a specific chronology for the age of the earth, leaving room for both young-earth and old-earth interpretations within a framework that affirms God’s creation. What is essential is the theological truth that God is the Creator and sustainer of all things, regardless of the length of the creative periods. Exodus 20:11 reminds us, “For in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day.” This verse reinforces the pattern of work and rest that God set for humanity while affirming His role as the Creator.

The Order of Creation and Science

Critics often claim that the order of creation in Genesis contradicts modern scientific understanding, particularly regarding the formation of the earth, sun, and stars. However, it is essential to read Genesis 1 through the lens of its original intent—providing a theological framework for understanding God’s work, rather than a detailed scientific account.

For instance, Genesis 1:3-5 describes the creation of light on the first day, yet the sun, moon, and stars are not mentioned until the fourth day (Genesis 1:14-19). This sequence has caused confusion for some, but it is crucial to understand that the initial “light” (Hebrew: “or”) refers to the presence of diffused light, not necessarily the luminaries themselves. As the atmosphere of the early earth became more transparent, the sun, moon, and stars became visible from the perspective of someone on the earth’s surface.

This interpretation is consistent with scientific knowledge that the early earth’s atmosphere was opaque and later became clear enough for light from the sun and other celestial bodies to reach the earth’s surface. The Genesis account thus aligns with what we know about the formation of the earth’s atmosphere and the visibility of the sun and stars.

The Bible’s Insights into Earth’s Design

The Bible contains many references that reflect a knowledge of the earth that predates modern scientific discovery. For example, Isaiah 40:22 says, “It is he who sits above the circle of the earth.” This verse suggests an understanding of the earth’s roundness long before the idea was commonly accepted by ancient civilizations. While this is not an exhaustive statement on the earth’s shape, it shows that the Bible contains accurate depictions of the natural world.

Moreover, Job 26:7 declares, “He stretches out the north over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.” This poetic description remarkably parallels modern scientific understanding that the earth is suspended in space, without visible supports. Ancient mythologies often depicted the earth as being held up by gods or animals, but the Bible’s depiction is strikingly different and aligns with reality as we now understand it.

Additionally, Psalm 104:5 affirms that God “set the earth on its foundations so that it should never be moved.” This verse does not refer to a geocentric view of the universe but to the stability of the earth in God’s creation. It speaks to the unchanging nature of God’s creation, with the earth firmly established in its place by the Creator.

The Hydrological Cycle in Scripture

Another area where the Bible demonstrates remarkable insight into the natural world is in its description of the water cycle. Ecclesiastes 1:7 notes, “All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place where the rivers go, there they go again.” This is an accurate description of the hydrological cycle, where water evaporates, forms clouds, and returns as rain to replenish the rivers and seas.

Similarly, Job 36:27-28 states, “For he draws up the drops of water; they distill his mist in rain, which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly.” This passage beautifully captures the process of evaporation and precipitation, long before these concepts were understood scientifically.

These examples show that the Bible contains knowledge about the natural world that aligns with scientific facts, despite being written in an era when such knowledge was not widely known or accepted.

The Role of Humanity in Creation

The Bible teaches that humanity has a special place in creation, being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This distinguishes human beings from the rest of creation and assigns them the responsibility of stewardship over the earth. Genesis 2:15 says, “Jehovah God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” This mandate for stewardship involves both care for the environment and responsible use of the earth’s resources.

In modern discussions of environmentalism and ecological science, this biblical principle of stewardship remains highly relevant. Christians are called to manage the earth’s resources wisely, recognizing that the earth belongs to Jehovah (Psalm 24:1). This is not a call to exploit nature but to cultivate it in a way that honors God and sustains future generations.

The Fall and the Introduction of Decay

One key difference between the biblical worldview and modern secular science is the understanding of death and decay. According to the Bible, death and suffering entered the world as a result of Adam’s sin (Genesis 3:17-19). Romans 5:12 further explains, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”

This teaching contrasts sharply with the naturalistic view of evolution, which posits that death and suffering have always been a part of the natural world. According to evolutionary theory, death is a natural mechanism that drives the development of species. However, the Bible teaches that death is an intruder in God’s creation, brought about by human rebellion against the Creator. This foundational difference shapes how Christians understand the problem of evil, suffering, and death in the world.

Romans 8:20-22 speaks of the whole creation groaning as a result of the Fall, awaiting the day when it will be set free from its “bondage to decay.” This passage not only explains the presence of suffering and corruption in the world but also points to the future restoration of creation through Jesus Christ.

The Harmony Between Science and the Bible

While some claim that science and the Bible are incompatible, this is a misunderstanding of both. The Bible, when properly interpreted, does not contradict scientific facts. Instead, it provides the theological and philosophical framework for understanding the world. The study of science is, in many ways, an exploration of God’s creation, and the more we learn about the universe, the more we can appreciate its complexity and design.

Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” This verse reminds us that the natural world bears witness to the Creator. As we study the universe, from the vastness of the stars to the intricacies of the human cell, we see the fingerprints of God. True science, when done with humility and an acknowledgment of God’s authority, leads to awe and worship of the Creator.

Proverbs 25:2 tells us, “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” God has hidden much of His wisdom in creation, and He invites humanity to discover it through diligent study and exploration. Scientific inquiry, when done in a spirit of reverence and respect for God’s Word, can lead to discoveries that enhance our understanding of God’s creation and deepen our faith.

The Limits of Science

It is crucial to recognize that science, while valuable, has its limitations. Science can describe the “how” of the natural world, but it cannot answer the ultimate “why.” It can explain the mechanisms behind phenomena but cannot provide the purpose or meaning behind them. As Christians, we understand that the purpose of creation is to glorify God and that human beings are called to live in relationship with Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 declares, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” This verse highlights the fact that, while humans can explore and discover much about the natural world, there are limits to our understanding. Only God, in His infinite wisdom, knows the full extent of His creation and its purpose.

In 1 Corinthians 1:20, Paul asks, “Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” This reminds us that human knowledge, including scientific knowledge, is limited and must be subordinated to the wisdom of God as revealed in Scripture.

Conclusion

By understanding the relationship between the Bible and science, believers can confidently engage with the world around them. The Bible provides the foundation for truth, and when it touches on scientific matters, it does so with accuracy and reliability. While science can enhance our understanding of God’s creation, it must always be interpreted in light of the ultimate authority of Scripture. Christians are called to embrace both the knowledge of the world that comes through scientific study and the wisdom that comes from the Word of God.

About the Author

SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONALS

CHRISTIAN FICTION