If God did not create the world, then humans become superior animals struggling to survive instead of the crown of God’s creation. Survival or serving oneself instead of glorifying God is the reason for living. Death becomes a natural event in the long struggle rather than a judgment against sin.

Evolution suggests that we are getting better and better and don’t need to face our desperate need for a Savior. But what about someone who says, “You believe in creation, I believe in evolution. We can agree to disagree. I still believe in Jesus! What does it matter how God created the world?” If one were to take this line of thinking to its logical conclusion, the veracity of all of Scripture could be in doubt.

The biblical account of creation

Take a moment to read the creation account in Genesis 1:1–2:3 and note the phrases that repeat. Repeatedly, God says that he created everything “according to their kinds.” Two hundred years ago, Christians may have wondered why God would repeat such an obvious point. Of course, dogs have dogs and cats have cats. But as a 21st-century Christian, I appreciate God saying that he made animals according to their kinds. The DNA of all these kinds is God’s creation and intended to preserve order in the created world.

Consider how these other repeated phrases from Genesis 1 argue against evolution.

“There was evening, and there was morning—the . . . day.”

“And God said . . . . And God saw that it was good.”

“God created mankind in his own image.”

Holding on to our faith

Read the following passages and comment on what they say about whether
it matters if God made the world as recorded in Genesis 1.

• 2 Timothy 3:16,17
• John 17:17
• Romans 1:20
• Romans 8:19-23

Read 2 Peter 3:3-13
What does this passage teach us about the importance of holding on to our faith in the almighty Creator of heaven and earth?

Read Psalm 19:1,2 and 2 Corinthians 4:6
In your own words describe a time when you praised God for his wonderful works of creation and salvation.

Read more about the topics of creation and evolution in the books Elephants in the Room: Evolution Versus the Message of Scripture and Quick to Listen: Understand Viewpoints that Challenge Your Faith. Available from Northwestern Publishing House, nph.net; 800-662-6022.

Author: David Scharf
Volume 107, Number 08
Issue: August 2020