Why, we may ask, is it necessary to see the evolution vs creation debate as significant? In fulfilling the Great Commission we are called upon to wake the world to the dangers that face them at the end of time. That these dangers are real and will affect every person in this "space and time continuum" is a matter of truth or it is ridiculous.
We believe the resurrection was a physically verifiable event - that it was historical and that it was witnessed by hundreds who testified what they had seen, in their day. We believe there was an historical event known as the great flood of Noah and that the only reason another has not occurred is that God is a keeper of his word, and he promised it would never happen again.
So what about evolution? Here are some of the implications, taken from Reformation21. The main point is perfectly valid. Who is the final authority for the Christian? The God of the Bible. And he talks of creation, not evolution. So what about the claim that we must give in to the assured results of the scientific community?
Two things: First: the scientific community, even among evolutionists is not united about the facts on which the theory rests (oops - sorry, I keep forgetting they like to call it a fact now!) Second: there is a well- researched alternative approach which fits the facts into a creation model. There are at least two website you ought to be familiar with if you take Rick Philips' post (above) seriously. The first is the popular language Answers in Genesis site and the second the more technically oriented Institute for Creation Research site.
A Matter of Life and Death (Amy Mantravadi)
4 years ago
I briefly looked at the two websites you mentioned and it was not immediately clear what their view is concerning issues such as how old the earth is, where fossils came from especially fossils of dinosaurs, etc. One of the sites had books for sale, but without reading those books I could not tell from the site what the site owners teach.
ReplyDeleteOne explanation that consistent with both the Bible and with fossil and genetic evidence is described in a website about evolution and intelligent design called "Creation of Species," and according to the article in this site, the earth existed prior to the six days of creation and life could have existed at that time and could explain the fossil evidence without contradicting the Bible.
CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the meaning of calling on the name of the Lord? Many assume that believing in Jesus and saying a form of a sinner's prayer constitutes, calling on the name of the Lord. The problem with that theory is none of the conversions under the New Covenant support that assumption. Not one time is anyone ever told to believe and say the sinner's prayer in order to be saved.
The apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost quoted the prophet Joel, Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (NKJV)
The apostle Peter preached the first gospel sermon under the New Covenant. Peter did not tell the 3000 converts to believe and say the sinner's prayer.
Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He preached Jesus as both Lord and Christ. When they heard this they asked Peter and the rest of the brethren what they should do?(Acts 2:22-37) Peter told them what to do. Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NKJV)
How did the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost call on the name of the Lord and become saved?
1. They believed that Jesus was both Lord and Christ.
2. They believed that God raised Jesus from the grave.
3. They repented. Repentance is a change of heart. Repentance means to be converted so that God may forgive your sins. Repentance is to make the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and turn toward God. (Acts 3:19, Acts 2:38)
4. They were immersed in water (baptized) so that their sins could be forgiven.
How did the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost not call on the name of the Lord?
1. They did not say a sinner's prayer.
2. Not one person was asked to pray for forgiveness.
3. Not one single man was told to be baptized as a testimony of his faith.
4. No one was told that water baptism was a just an act of obedience.
5. No one was informed they were saved the very minute they believed.
6. Not one person was told that water baptism was not essential for the forgiveness of sins.
7. Not one person was told to be baptized so they could join a denominational church.
Jesus said he that believes and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16"16) Jesus did not say he who believes and says a sinner's prayer shall be saved.
You ARE INVITED TO READ MY BLOG POSTINGS--Steve Finnell