Of Adam and Creation
Last month I posted an article that elders were given to read regarding the historicity of Adam. Later I was sent a comment asking for Liam's views on Adam and creation. Liam recently sent me this response.
I believe the question of origins is a matter of special revelation and not natural revelation; that the earth was created mature and that all the deposits both mineral and animal would have had to be laid down in the beginning for the benefit of humanity. Like the wine Jesus made at Cana, the earth would have to have the appearance of age. I have no idea, and I think it is difficult to ascertain from the early chapters of Genesis, precisely how long ago this took place. Christians differ on the details because genealogies in the Bible tend to be selective in reporting names, and whole generations can often be omitted.
Genesis 1 describes the divine order of creation with man created at its apex to act as a priest king of the newly formed earth, to produce image-bearers who would extend Eden till it covered the whole earth. Adam failed in his great commission. Adam as the first man of the old creation is a type of Christ, the first man of the new creation. He acted as the first man and the representative of the human race when he sinned, just as Jesus acted as the second and last Adam, and the representative of the new humanity when he faithfully obeyed God's word and will. Just as Adam's sin brought death into the race he represented; so Christ brings eternal life to his elect - spiritual life immediately and physical life ultimately.
From the Westminster Confession:
CHAPTER 7
Of God's Covenant with Man
1. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.
2. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.
3. Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the covenant of grace; wherein he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved, and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to believe.
I believe the question of origins is a matter of special revelation and not natural revelation; that the earth was created mature and that all the deposits both mineral and animal would have had to be laid down in the beginning for the benefit of humanity. Like the wine Jesus made at Cana, the earth would have to have the appearance of age. I have no idea, and I think it is difficult to ascertain from the early chapters of Genesis, precisely how long ago this took place. Christians differ on the details because genealogies in the Bible tend to be selective in reporting names, and whole generations can often be omitted.
Genesis 1 describes the divine order of creation with man created at its apex to act as a priest king of the newly formed earth, to produce image-bearers who would extend Eden till it covered the whole earth. Adam failed in his great commission. Adam as the first man of the old creation is a type of Christ, the first man of the new creation. He acted as the first man and the representative of the human race when he sinned, just as Jesus acted as the second and last Adam, and the representative of the new humanity when he faithfully obeyed God's word and will. Just as Adam's sin brought death into the race he represented; so Christ brings eternal life to his elect - spiritual life immediately and physical life ultimately.
From the Westminster Confession:
CHAPTER 7
Of God's Covenant with Man
1. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.
2. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.
3. Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, commonly called the covenant of grace; wherein he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved, and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto eternal life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to believe.
posted by M Clark at 10/18/2012 11:28:00 AM
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