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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

USC Lancaster Lecture

A New Approach to the Interpretation of Genesis 1:16: Same conclusions from a strengthened route


Delivered at USCL 7-11-09 by Gorman Gray


ABSTRACT


Books have been written and conferences devoted to detailing proper methodology for biblical hermeneutics. This presentation will attempt to emphasize the psychological barriers we humans encounter which sometimes prevent sound Bible interpretation. With that cautionary background, we will carefully observe the pattern of God’s procedures on each of the daily activities and apply it to Genesis 1:16, the fourth day, That pattern constrains and explains the interpretation of that very crucial verse of Scripture.


During the six day creation, in every case God 1) Decides to do something, then He 2) Does what He decided to do and finally, He 3) Delights in what He did after completion. This pattern effectively prohibits the commonly accepted interpretation that God created or made the two great lights and the stars on day four. Rather, I will show that God "gave them in the expanse of air" for signs, seasons, days and years on day four, having already, created those bodies with the stellar heavens and planet earth in verse one before any days were possible.


The edited transcript of this lecture is now at the main web site:

http://www.ageoftheuniverse.com/USCL_Lecture.html

Friday, September 11, 2009

Two Volumes of God's Revelation


The Young Biosphere Creation model is based on a grammatical-historical exposition of Genesis 1.  One benefit of this interpretation is that it allows the general revelation of astronomy (Psalm 19:1-6), the harmonize with the special revelation of God's written Word (Psalm 19:7-9). We treasure the Bible as inspired by God and profitable (Psalm 19:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:16,17), and are receptive to the ministry of the Holy Spirit Who illumines, convicts, and empowers believers in Christ.

Here the two volumes of God's revelation are celebrated with complimentary roles.

Psalm 19

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

 1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    And the firmament shows His handiwork.
 2  Day unto day utters speech,
    And night unto night reveals knowledge.
 3  There is no speech nor language
    Where their voice is not heard.
 4  Their line has gone out through all the earth,
    And their words to the end of the world.      
    In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
 5  Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
 6  Its rising is from one end of heaven,
    And its circuit to the other end; 
    And there is nothing hidden from its heat. 
         
 7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
    The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
 8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
    The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
 9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
    The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
 10 More to be desired are they than gold,
    Yea, than much fine gold; 
    Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
    And in keeping them there is great reward. 
         
 12 Who can understand his errors?
    Cleanse me from secret faults.
 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    Let them not have dominion over me. 
    Then I shall be blameless, 
    And I shall be innocent of great transgression. 
         
 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    Be acceptable in Your sight, 
    O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

[ posted by John W.]