Bible Discussion Thread

I lean towards a "Gap" theory understanding between Genesis 1:1-1:3. If this happens to be true and there was a "world" or "era" prior to the six days of creation, we cannot know what that may have been like, especially spiritually. Fossil records and archeological discoveries may shed light on some of the physical matter, cultural, geological, and biological, aspects of time before the Genesis creation beginning in Ch.1:3. Will be interesting to see what God allows us to find out.

There is nothing to limit God from having designed an era prior to our present, (or multiple). We may not discover His purpose or salvic plan for these era(s) this side of heaven. After 65 years of life on this planet, all of which were lived as a member of Christ's church, I hadn't really felt much of a desire to delve into this subject. But last January, I felt that the Spirit was drawing me investigate. The internet has been very helpful as I studied with Bible in hand. It has been a fruitful study, making me prayerfully think in depth about so many things written in these first chapters of Genesis. Things I keep in mind as I study these topics are, How important is it that I fully understand this?" "Will it edify me or others? "Does this thinking add to my understanding of who my God is and how He has saved me? "Is it simply interesting to consider, but not something I need to spend a lot of time trying to figure out or share with others?"

So, I approach beginning in Genesis once again as a faith journey on which I can learn from the Holy Spirit and also improve my readiness to give an answer to those who ask me about the hope I have in God. I am thankful for all of the input others have added to the comment section. Having come from a very traditional church background for the first 20 years of my life as well as many years in various denominations since then, I am thankful to have had the fullness of the journey God has walked with me all of these years. I pray to stay true.

The Lord bless you & guide your thoughts & meditations, GiGi, as you re-commence this biblical journey with 'fresh (spiritual) eyes'. You certainly appear to have a great solid basis to spring from & I perceive that you will adhere only to the revealed Scriptures to form the basis of any revelations by the Holy Spirit.

My own 'bedrock' is: if the Scriptures don't reveal it, then don't speculate on it. One can use 'holy imagination' of course, but if that in turn becomes a viable truth, then the likelihood of moving further away from what the Bible reveals, becomes very real. And isn't that how cults form & those well-meaning Christians who are no longer satisfied with what is revealed to us, but dig so deep that they no longer can climb out of their hole. I grieve about that, as so many could have been mightily used of the Lord, but now have become enemies of the Cross & of salvation by Grace through Faith. And yet, we are not ignorant of our enemy's devices. Every blessing.

Agreed. "Holy imagination" can be tricky and can lead people astray, but can be helpful as the Holy Spirit leads and with input from strong, grounded, trustworthy believers.

I try to focus on the obvious understanding of a verse within the context of the whole passage and then pose questions as I prayerfully consider things that may have some underlying meaning that may point to future events in the Bible or what was said by Jesus or the New Testament writers. I try to confine my thinking so as not to get too far beyond the text. I believe that the Bible was written for the common man to understand what is being conveyed and to know what to believe concerning God, salvation, and godly living. I think it is good to be satisfied with these things even if we never find out any other "deep" things from the Spirit. But being well established in these things, we can study Scripture with more openness to double meanings etc. Since a young age, I have prayed to God to show me what is true because I never want to believe something that isn't the truth. God has been faithful to me, giving me a good sense of discernment when hearing or reading things and the Spirit sends up "red flags" in my mind when something seems not quite right. I then refuse to consider that idea or teaching further unless God brings to me information that shows why it is wrong or even why it really is o.k.

Thanks for you kind reply. This is my first venture on this website and I am expecting to be blessed and to bless others.

Thank you GiGi. I agree entirely with what you've stated, & indeed as with your other comments on this early part of the Scriptures. I think you will be blessed by coming on here & contributing, as we too will be blessed & strengthened in the knowledge of God & applying biblical Truths to our lives - and of course, the many who just quietly visit taking in Truths that they've never heard before - this can really be a mighty avenue of ministry for you. I look forward to reading your other comments & being encouraged in the Word.