How and Who Created the Universe 1
The Bible opens with the verse:
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1.1).
Such a simple statement! But included in it is all that we experience apart from the Creator Himself. How did God create the heavens and earth? According to Psalm 33:
6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast (Psalm 33.6-9).
The Scriptures reveal God created the universe with His Word. He spoke and it came into being (cf. Genesis 1.3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26). Peter confirmed this truth when he wrote:
For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, (2 Peter 3.5)
The Word of God (the Scriptures)
The Word of God is used in two senses in the Bible. The first is verbal: the written or spoken communication from God. A parallel of this usage is the expression “word of the Lord.” Examples of this sense are the following:
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you” (1 Samuel 9.27).
3 It came about the same night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 4 “Go and tell David My servant, ‘Thus says the LORD, “You shall not build a house for Me to dwell in; (1 Chronicles 17.3-4)
5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” 6 he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition (Matthew 15.5-6).
1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness (Luke 3.1-2).
But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8.21).
Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles (Acts 13.46).
25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, (Colossians 1.25-26)
For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe (1 Thessalonians 2.13).
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4.12).
for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1.23).
When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; (Revelation 6.9)
The Word of God (the Son of God)
The Word of God has a second sense. It is a title of God the Son. The Apostle John introduced the Lord Jesus Christ as the Word of God in his gospel and witnessed and wrote of Him in that role in the book of Revelation.
John wrote:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being (John 1.1-3).
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me’” (John 1.14-15).
He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God (Revelation 19.13).
Above, we noted that the heavens and earth came into existence through the verbal Word of God. But the Scriptures also reveal that the universe was created by God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He created the universe in His role as the Word of God.
John wrote:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being (John 1.1-3).
The Apostle Paul, who saw the resurrected, glorified Christ, wrote the same:
5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him (1 Corinthians 8.5-6).
13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1.13-17).
In these two verses Paul declared that the Lord Jesus Christ not only created all things but that He sustains all things. The universe requires His ongoing presence and sustenance or it would cease. This puts to rest any notion of a mechanistic universe that Deists once taught. The universe is not like a wound watch left to itself. It is like a watch that needs winding and care.
The writer of Hebrews (Paul) also wrote the following:
1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world (Hebrews 1.1-2).
New Heavens, New Earth
As early as Isaiah (8th c. B.C.) we are given information that God would create a new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65.17, 66.22). Brought outside of his time, the Apostle John witnessed this new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21.1).
At the event known as the Great White Throne, which occurs after the 1,000 year earthly Messianic kingdom, the Lord Jesus Christ will judge (John 5.22, 25-29) all members of the human race who have rejected his love and salvation. As this event begins, the universe as we know it will cease to exist (Revelation 20.11). Peter wrote about this event in 2 Peter 3.10:
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.
Following this judgment, God will create a new universe, undefiled by Satan, sin, and death. The creator of the new heavens and new earth is the same as He Who created our present universe, the Lord Jesus Christ. John recorded,
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7 He who overcomes 2 will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21.5-8).
In Revelation 21-22, John described the glorious nature of this new creation. The heavenly Jerusalem will descend from heaven onto the new earth. It is immense, 1,500 miles on each side–length, breadth, and height. Clearly, we have something wholly new for no such city could exist upon our present creation.
Conclusion
The heavens and earth were created by the speech of the creator God. The God who created all things in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God. He created our present universe and will create again, a new heavens and earth in which sin and death will not be possible. Those who have trusted Him will enjoy His presence forever.
1 The term “universe” is used by convention for “heavens and earth.” The Scriptures keep these two realms separate and distinct from Genesis 1 to Revelation 21. Such distinction has significant theological application to Israel, God’s earthly people, who will enjoy earthly promises and responsibilities, and to the Church, the body of Christ, God’s heavenly people, who will enjoy heavenly promises and responsibilities.
2 The specific audience of those who “overcome” are those whom the Lord addressed in chapters 2-3. Their “overcoming” entails remaining faithful to the Christ, i.e., not worshiping the Beast, or his image, or taking his mark (Revelation 13.16-17, 14.9-12).
©2012 Don Samdahl. Anyone is free to reproduce this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold.
Dear Bro. I love your articles they have really helped me. I thank JESUS CHRIST daily for Servants like you. You have been a blessing to me and to many.you have help the hungry bible student that has no college ed. May the LORD JESUS CHRIST bless you and your house all your days .IN JESUS NAME AMEN
Courtney,
Thank you for your kind and gracious words. May God bless you as you grow in Him.
Dear doctrine,
Why are we here?
After decades of study I have boiled down that basic question to this:
There are two basic groups. Those who believe there is a purpose to all this and those who believe we are products of randomly colliding molecules. After it’s all said and done. After the dust has settled. After the bible is studied from beginning to end and after ‘mother nature’ and human nature presses down upon us the question as to why? I believe the following verse reveals the reason we are here:
His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephes. 3:10-11)
Did something happened in eternity past? Was God presented with a question? Is our existence and the choices we make a process that answers that question?
I believe Lucifer/Satan asked how a loving and just God could condemn His own creations to eternal damnation. Are we humans, as creatures possessing free will (as are the angels) but who were created lower than angels, in the process of answering that question……?
Doctrine, what are you feelings about our purpose?
Joe,
We are here to help resolve the angelic conflict. I touch on this in my articles, Job: A Peak Behind the Curtain, Predestination, the Summary of the Plan of God.
So the Jews will enjoy earthly promises and the body of Christ will enjoy heavenly promises?
Theresa,
Yes. The prophetic, covenant promises were earthly. God’s promises to the Church, the body of Christ, are heavenly.
Hello Don, We are still around learning more and more and so enjoy your site still to this day. Re your reply to Theresa…..may I also assume that the promise…..Genesis 22 verse 17….I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars (Church, Body heavily blessing ) in the sky and as the sand on the seashore (Jews, earthly blessing) Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies. Knowing that the Church was a secret can we see a hint of the secret in the this promise I wonder?
Vanessa,
Well, more no than yes. Remember, God always planned to bless Gentiles. The revealed, prophetic plan was that it would occur through the success of Israel. When Israel failed God implemented his hidden plan to bless us through Israel’s failure. This is why Paul spoke of himself as one “untimely born” (1 Corinthians 15.8).
Doctrine, how do you view the ‘gap theory’. The time gap possibly between Gen 1:1 and vs. 2? Please provide a site where I can more information. thank you very much time for your time and study. Joe3
Joe,
I think the “ruin-restoration” or “gap-theory” has merit. It cannot be proved or disproved by the language in Genesis 1:1-2 alone. Greater support comes from other Scriptures such as Ezekiel 28. It is also hard to imagine human beings living and surviving with T. Rex. I have studied the subject but need more study before writing an article. A good start is Arthur Custance’s work, Without Form or Void: http://www.custance.org/Library/WFANDV/index.html#TableofContent. A lot of criticism have been lodged against the gap theory but more things are explained with it than without it.
Hello bro Don, in what way does God create evil, as the ot scriptures say?
George,
The phrase “create evil” in Isaiah 45.6 is וּבֹורֵא רָע uses the verb בָּרָא which is used only of God. It is found in Genesis 1.1 of God’s creating heaven and earth. He “creates evil” in that He brings it about and controls it. David used the word in Psalm 51.10 in which he prayed to God for Him to “create in me a clean heart.” God controls evil, i.e., He permits it. He did this, for example, with the military defeats of Israel as a form of judgment. God uses evil for His own purposes to fulfill His plan.
Don,
My comment/question is in reference to the paragraph on New Heaven and New Earth. Old Testament saints, after death, went to the Paradise side of Hades – Abraham’s Bosom (Luke 16). After the crucifixion, and the proclamation Christ made in Hades, it seems that “taking captivity captive” Christ took the O.T. saints to Heaven – the place of God’s throne. Those O.T. saints, according to Matthew 8, will be in the Kingdom of Heaven – on Earth. We, as members of the Body of Christ, seated in the heavenlies, are promised eternal life in Heaven. Not so for redeemed Israel. They are promised – as I understand Scripture – a New Jerusalem on a New Earth. Where is redeemed Israel during the time Earth is destroyed by fire/heat and the restoration of Earth and the descent of New Jerusalem on to the New Earth?
A second question is about the destruction of the “heavens”. This would be the Earth’s atmosphere and/or outer space, but not the third Heaven, where the throne of God is, where the redeemed members of the Body of Christ are? I don’t see any point in God destroying His Heaven and then restoring it. I would appreciate your thoughts and insight.
Rob,
We’re not told the answers to these questions but it would seem logical the redeemed will be with God when He destroys the present universe. I think God will recreate heavens and earth because the current universe has been polluted by Satan and sin. God apparently wants to start again without any possibility for rebellion and sin. He has proved His case, redeemed a lost world, has a creation which understands good and evil, and wishes to obey and love God.
Good afternoon Don
I have a question that does not really pertain to the article but I didn’t know where else to post a question. I know what the Greek translation for the name Jehovah is, my question is where can I find that in the Septuagint? I cannot find the word Jehovah in the Septuagint, even where it is referring to the 7 names for Jehovah.
Any help would be appreciated.
As always thank you for your ministry,
Mark
Mark,
The word “Jehovah” is LORD (יְהֹוָה). The LXX translated both “LORD” and “Lord” (אָדוֹן) as κύριος. See https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/psa/110/1/t_conc_588001.
Thank you Don
So the actual name Jehovah is not translated in the Greek in the old or new testament?
Mark,
No. The word Jehovah is LORD.
In “in the beginning”, the first word is ‘ray-sheeth’. In the verses listed it is translated both first and firstfruits. is it a perversion of the Hebrew, as it is translated in the Greek to say that firstfruit can obviously be considered “Christ”. And that “In the beginning” can be stated as “in Christ.” Is this too much of a stretch and a complete violation of any clear exegesis?
Exo 23:19 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk.
Num 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
Neh 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
1Co 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Always a faithful follower
Thanks for all that you due
Jerry
Jerry,
רֵאשִׁית means “first” or “firstfruits.” In Genesis 1.1 it has the preposition בְּ but without the article. Thus, “In beginning,” or better, “at first.” See https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7225&t=KJV for usage.
Don, are you familiar with the teachings of Michael Heiser (the naked bible) ? He teaches The Divine Counsel. Psalm 82 for example. He is very persuasive and sincere in believing this.
Dawn,
Yes, I have read some of Michael Heiser’s works.
Do you give any validity to the teaching of the divine counsel? Because I am starting to see what he is saying and I just don’t want to be deceived again.
Dawn,
The divine council is sound. Psalm 82 speaks of it as do many other Scriptures. See http://hebrew-streams.org/works/monotheism/sumner-thesis.pdf for a good analysis.
Thank you for your reply. This does open up my understanding of many things I wondered about. Is there any area that would not be compatible with “right division”. I’m sure I’ll figure it out as I continue to investigate.
I do see Michael Heiser is not a “right division” advocate. And I do not expect you to comment on another scholar if you feel it not proper.
The article you attached is very interesting as I go through it. Though I am not done with it.
Dawn,
Heiser and others have done good work on the divine council and other areas. Unfortunately, however, like most in Christendom, he does not understand that Paul’s apostleship was unique. He was not an appendage to the Twelve but the apostle God saved to start the Church, the body of Christ. Paul was to Christianity what Abraham, Moses, and the prophets were to Judaism. When one understands this confusion is dispelled and contradictions cease.
Thank you I feel so much better about what I have been reading and watching on YouTube with your remarks. With that being said the Divine counsel is fascinating and like “right division” makes the Bible come alive and exciting.
Don,
What is your point of view regarding the trinity? The you see God as in three persons?
Isaac,
God is one. We see Him described in three persons or roles: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The only visible manifestation of God is as Son.
In furthering what you wrote, Don: ‘ The Biblical Doctrine of the Trinity can be expressed in 5 point’s by Dr. Kenneth Samples: 1) There is only one God: Deut.4:35, 39; Deut. 6:4; Isa.43:10; 44:6-8; 2 Tim. 2:5; Jam 2:19 2) The Person of the Father is God: Col. 1:2-3; 2 Pet. 1;7 3) The Person of the Son is God: Isa. 9:6; Matt. 1:23; John 1:1; 5:18; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28; Phi.2:6; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1; Acts 20:28 4) The Person of the Holy Spirit is God: Gen.1:2; John 14:26; Ephesians 4:30; Acts 5:3-4; 13:2,4; 28:25; Romans 8:11 5) The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are distinguishable Persons: Matt. 28:19; Luke 3:22; John 15:26; 16:13-15; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Mark 1:10-11
Genesis 9:11
I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”
I’ve always been curious about this verse. Is it possible Noah’s world wide flood was not the first? The existence of this verse makes me wonder if Noah’s was just one of a series of world floods. To me the verse , if it’s Noah’s, seems odd to mention if the flood we all know about was just a one-and-done event. Are there any other single major events in bible history that require such a promise not to repeat?
Is 2 Peter 3:6 referring to Noah’s flood?
Thank you
Joe,
Interesting question but we don’t have enough information to be dogmatic. Genesis 1.2 seems to imply the world the Holy Spirit moved over was covered in water. Did God destroy the earth previously? Possibly. I think Peter probably meant Noah’s flood.
Here are three basic arguments for God’s existence that I gleaned from David Limbaugh’s apologetic book: Jesus on Trial: A Lawyer affirms the truth of the Gospel’: 1. The Cosmological Argument a) Everything that begins has a beginning b)The universe had a beginning c) Therefore, the universe had a cause 2. The Teleological Argument a) Every design has a designer b) The universe has a highly complex design c) Therefore, the universe has a designer 3. The Moral Argument a) If God does not exist, then objective moral values (and duties) do not exist 2. Objective moral values (and duties) do exist 3. Therefore, God exists
Brian,
Paul argued in Romans 1 that everyone is born with a knowledge of God (Romans 1.19). The reason someone becomes an agnostic or an atheist is because he “suppresses the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1.18). The creation reveals God. Evolution’s explanation for the existing world is that the universe and life exist through an unintelligent algorithm that produces design. In the the Darwinian world 1,000 monkeys with typewriters will produce Moby Dick. Non-life produces life. This is a massive lie and is obvious to any thinking person. Dawkins stated Darwinism allowed him to be “an intellectually fulfilled atheist.” This is as foolish a statement as a man has ever uttered.
Don, I have a friend that believes Jesus is the Father. He gives several scriptures including Isaiah 9:6. I told him that Jesus is the Son and is equal to the Father. Is there a better way to explain this to him?
Craig,
I think of Father, Son, and Spirit as roles. If you’ve ever read the Count of Monte Christo, you know that Edmund Dantes is the Count, Lord Wilmore, Abbe Busoni, Sinbad the Sailor, etc. They are identities he assumes to effect his plan. Isaiah 9.6 speaks of the Son but calls Him Father. We see a similar thing in Daniel 7.9 which speaks of the Ancient of Days sitting on the throne and describes Him. This description is like that of Revelation 1 which describes the Son. At first glance one would think this is God the Father. But Jesus said no one has seen the Father. This has to be Christ, the Son. In Daniel 7.13 it speaks of the Son coming to the Ancient of Days. But the Ancient of Days is the Son as evident by Daniel 7.22 for He is the One who defeats the Antichrist. So, God is One, but He manifests Himself in three roles to effect his plan.
Hi Don and brethren,
Do you know a good paper explaining everlasting vs eternal I. The greek, and the Hebrew qedem vs owlam?
Good grief it’s hard to find accurate information these days.Greek
Hoping everyone is well. 💖
Thank you my brother,
Bobbi
Don, what do you make of the claim that the serpent (in Genesis) was a member of the race of the Nephilim. Serpent is simply a pejorative term describing the being’s character. This is just a single iteration of what is described in Genesis 6. Cain was the result of this union. This is confirmed in the New Testament, see the Parable of the Tares in Matthew 13:24-30 and its explanation in Matthew 13:36-40. See Jude 1:4, 6. See Romans 9:22-23.
Craig,
The Nephilim were giants produced by unions of fallen angels and women. They do not exist until Genesis 6. So they cannot be in Genesis 3. The “serpent” of Genesis 3 was Satan himself.
I wanted to ask a question as well that is not related to this article, and I don’t know if you may address it in another place (as I am working my way through your articles daily…enjoying them immensely and growing in a deeper understanding of the Word with each one)! So thank you for the website. I just wanted to get your take of non-Biblical works? Do you put much store into them as far as helping one to understand the Word more intently? Works such as The Book of Enoch, Jashar, etc.? Is one best to stick to what we have within cannonized scriptures, or can any of these writings be of assistance? Thanks for your input I know some teachers on youtube are way into these works and teach out of them often times more than the Bible.
Carty,
For doctrine we must stay with the canon except when quoted by a canonical book, e.g., Jude 1.14 quote Enoch. The extra-biblical books are useful for history and culture but not doctrine.
I wanted to ask another question and thought it was best suited to be asked on this article. I know you and Les have similar beliefs and messages, but one major area I have noted is with Gen. 6. He takes the approach as most Churches today; that the “sons of God” were from the line of Seth, and not fallen angels. I am not sure how he approaches “giants” in that same passage (as well as a ton of others). I only just recently came across your site, but have listened to Les for a couple of years now (let me add that I was challenged by a lot of his teachings, but through your site have come into so much more clarity and understanding…thank you). I appreciate Les as well as he got those wheels going! Good you please tell me how the two of you differ so much though on that topic, is it that Les tries to stay under the radar and not ruffle too many feathers????
Carty,
I have not heard Les explain why he takes the line of Seth view. I cannot recall if I deal with it in the articles, but I wrote several pages on the topic in God’s Programs. It’s really quite straight-forward. The term “sons of God” in the OT always and only refers to angels. The usual objection to this view is that angels can’t procreate based on what Jesus said when He was presented with the case against the resurrection by the Sadducees. He replied that those in heaven are like the angels who do not marry. What is missed is that Jesus qualified His statement by saying the angels in heaven do not marry. That’s exactly the point: the angels in Genesis 6 left heaven. Jesus never said angels could not have sexual relations. He said those in heaven didn’t. Both Jude and Peter referred to these particular angels. Enoch wrote that the spirits of the giants were the demons. We know the giants existed into David’s reign and he ended them. You don’t get giants from godly men. That requires some genetic horseplay.
Thank you I totally agree with you and found it a little troubling as to why Les doesn’t teach it that way. In his “Through the Bible Series” and of course in the Gen. 6 teaching. Thanks for responding I was more enlighten with Gen . 1 with his teaching as I just never really put it together the Jesus is our Creator, just assumed it was Father God and Jesus was present just like the Holy Spirit was there. So that was another eye opening truth to me….and is born out in some NT writers as well as you are aware!
Don, there’s no sex in heaven yet we will retain our sex organs. Something doesn’t add up
Craig,
Can’t answer the question so will ask one: Will lions, bears, wolves, etc. retain their teeth and claws in the Millennium even though they do not need them?
Thank you Sir Samdahl. I have a question. I know this has been taught true since we were young. But I am not convinced. Is lucifer really satan or he was just a man used by satan??
Phantom,
Lucifer means “light bearer.” It is only found in one place, Isaiah 14.12, (most translations translate הֵילֵל as “morning star”). Paul wrote that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11.14).
Very little evidence suggests it. I think it’s because Satan himself was hidden in the OT. He worked behind the scenes. Even Moses didn’t know that the serpent in the garden was satan. He just didn’t know satan.I think Israel in general thought their enemies were just physical or earthly.
Question. Do you think the King of Tyrus in Eziekel 28 was Satan or he was just a king in history used by satan?
By the way, I have an article suggestion ” Eziekel, Son of man”
Grace and Peace sir!!
Phantom,
Moses likely understood the serpent was Satan but wrote in figurative language. I do not think Moses thought Eve had a conversation with a snake. Take a look at Bullinger’s appendix on this in the Companion Bible. The Jews were aware of the angelic conflict, the Divine Council, etc. They knew angels came to earth and created the giants (Genesis 6). Take a look at 1 Kings 22. In Ezekiel 28, the prince of Tyre was a human, but the king of Tyre was Satan, the power behind the kingdoms of the world. He is described as being in Eden and as being a cherub. Such a description does not fit a man.
Thank you sir.. I’ve read the Bullingers appendix. Interesting read..
But why do you say he likely understood it was Satan. He never ever mentioned Satan in his writings in any literal context. From this, I thinking its unlikely he knew.
I think all God showed him was all he wrote.
Phantom,
Snakes do not talk.
Don,
Eph 5:20–KJV
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Is this verse speaking of the Trinity—1.God (HS) and 2. the Father and 3. Jesus Christ?
Thank you
Joe B,
Yes.
Don, are there Nephilians in the world today.
Craig,
Deep state.
“Deep state.”
Hilarious. And Amen.
Love your teaching, Don. God Bless.
Hi Don
My questions / comments relate to the new heavens and new earth.
Am I correct in my understanding that Revelation 21 and 22 relate to the Millennial Kingdom and not to the eternal state?
The new heavens and new earth seem to occur before the Millennial Kingdom and not after the 1000 years on earth in order to create an eternal state; the eternal state is the Third Heaven?
The one verse that stands out to me as being somewhat problematic in this regard is Revelation 21:22.
When I looked up G3485 as it is used in Revelation 21:22, it seems to imply that it is sometimes used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sanctuary itself – that is, distinguished from the whole enclosure.
I would appreciate any clarification if you were able to provide such.
Thank you so much.
Riana
Riana,
Revelation 21-22 is the new heavens and new earth. They are created after the Millennium, after Satan has been sent to the Lake of Fire. Also after unsaved humanity has been judged and sent to the Lake of Fire. It appears that when this judgment takes place that neither heaven or earth exist, only the great white throne. I suspect that this is because God cannot have any sin present in the new heavens and new earth. There is no Temple in the new Jerusalem for the Lord is the Temple. In the Millennium there is a massive Temple according to Ezekiel.
Thank you for this, Don.
Is there any possibility that the last few chapters of Revelation are not written in chronological order?
I am looking at both references to Isaiah in Revelation 21. Isaiah 65:17 in particular seems to indicate the new heavens and earth preceding the Millennium? (As in a renovated 1st & 2nd heaven and earth after the Tribulation / Day of the Lord in preparation for the Millennium?)
Thank you for your continued patience as I try to figure this out … I value your input and insights.
Sincerely,
Riana
Riana,
Chapters 19-22 are chronological. After the Lord returns He sets up His 1,000 year kingdom during which time Satan is bound for those years (Revelation 20.2-3). The OT believers and those who did not worship the Beast reign with Christ for those 1,000 years (Revelation 20.4). This is the first resurrection (Revelation 20.5). At the end, Satan is release, foments a rebellion that is like what occurred 1,000 years before. God destroys all who are involved (Revelation 20.7-9) then puts Satan into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20.10). Heaven and earth are destroyed (Revelation 20.11). The great white throne judgment occurs (Revelation 20.12-15). God creates a new heaven heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22).
Don, why do you think God allowed polygamy in the OT? Was it because it was a patriarchal society? Was this God’s orginal will for these patriarchs to have multiple wives and combines or did He just tolerate it for that time period?
Craig,
Unknown. We can ask Him one day.
Don, I’m not trying to dogmatically promote this assertion, but I read how: “The Book of Revelation chapters 4 & 5 reveals to us the relationship that exists between (the) atomic structure (Proton, Neutron and Electron) and Godhead (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit). Besides ciring scripture, do you think that citing the composition of an atom is a good way of promoting the truth of the Trinity? I’m reminded how Romans 1:20 states the general revelation of God in creation/nature.
Brian,
It works as an illustration. So does an egg and water.
Don, there’s been a lot of coverage recently on legitimate shows such as ‘Tucker Carlson Tonight’ about UFO’s. Particularly involving the U.S. military. For example, the Department of Defense released videos of bizarre shaped objects seemingly defying the laws of physics while playing tag with Navy fighter jets. I bring this up because we can expect to see this alleged alien contact activity intensifying. I think it could be another form of demonic deception meant to distract and lead non-Christians from the scriptural truth of salvation. But some prolific Christian apologists such as C.S. Lewis have taken a different view. Lewis wrote in his essay ‘Religion and Rocketts’ “How can we, without absurd arrogance, believe ourselves to have been uniquely favored?” He writes about the possible theological implications of discovering extra-terrestrial life such as evangelism. Also, in ‘Mere Christianity’ Lewis wrote, “There may be creatures in other worlds who are more like God than man is, but we do not know about them.” This may sound too fantastic or irrelevant for now, but I think this issue will continue to grow as a major concern for believers as more non-believers are being swayed by it. It’ll be a huge witnessing challenge to say the least.
Brian,
I love Lewis but this is nonsense. God has revealed He has create spirit beings and mankind. Period.
Don, I have friends who say the earth was already here by the time of Genesis 1. That it was without form and God formed it further. I always thought that God created out of nothing. Ex nilhlo. So, who’s correct or don’t we know?
Craig,
Scholars disagree about how Genesis 1.1 is to be read. The question is whether ראשית is in the absolute (KJV) or the construct (NRSVUE) state, since the form of the noun is the same either way. In the former, the clause is taken as a summary of creation. In the latter, it describes the process of creation. I favor the first and this is how the LXX translators understood it.
I believe the argument is addressed with discussions regarding something called the ‘Gap Theory’.
Hi Don,
Genesis 1:1 says God created the heavens and the earth
Does this heavens include the third heaven or only just the first and the second heaven ?
Gideon,
Everything.
Don,
Other than unintelligible sounds like thunder has anyone, excluding angels and Jesus Christ himself, heard the voice of God? Matthew 16:16-17 Christ tells Peter that his (Peter’s) knowledge of Christ’s Messiahship was revealed to him by God the Father. Does God the Father communicate directly with humans? Is this suggesting that the revelation to Peter was through the Holy Spirit and if so does this confirm the Holy Spirit is God? There are wide swaths of Christianity that do not believe the HS is God.
Forgive me if I’ve asked this question before. It’s a memory thing, I guess. Thank you
Thanks.
Joe,
God can do anything but today speaks through His word. That is one reason the gift of prophecy ceased.
Hi Don
My question is if Adam and Eve were the only people God created, who named the land in which Cain went on to take a wife. Why did god mark cain that whoever kills him would be cursed?
I want your take on this
Thank you
Gideon,
Adam likely named the land Nod, or perhaps, Cain. God marked Cain as a warning not to kill him.
Don, this topic may be too ancillary and esoteric for you to address in an article or book, but the great classical Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, helped to steer Western thought away from popular polytheism and towards a more central universal first cause or source (i.e. a monotheistic God) during the interim period between the Old and New Testaments. Although, most experts allege that it’s very doubtful at best whether these gentile philosophers were influenced by Middle Eastern monotheistic Judaism. Still, neoplatonism and Aristotlean thought have influenced Christendom for centuries. And Paul obviously knew the Hellenistic philosophies/mindset as he appealed to the European Greeks and Roman’s. So did a sort of synthesis occur? I don’t mean in a secular sense, as the Greeks were also known for pioneering. But should believers today also be encouraged to read Plato and Aristotles’ works as a sort of.bridge or historical philosophical background. Obviously, not for doctrine, as Paul provides that.
Brian,
I think Plato and Aristotle are great reads and one can learn much from what they wrote and how they thought. They provide great insight into their world view and culture. Educated Jews read them (Paul quoted them) but I think their influence on Jewish thinking was limited to general truths, truths Judaism also held. However, I think commentators in the 18th and 19th centuries, as knowledge of Greek became more widespread, were greatly influenced by these writings and took Greek philosophical thought into the New Testament, even to the degree that they tried to make Paul a neo-Platonist!
Don, after listening to Dr. Heiser define what the Divine Counsel/Heavenly Host is, I’m starting to think that he may have been unnecessarily esoteric, technical or even nitpicky in a sense. For example, a person directly asked him if the heavenly host could also be called angels. And Dr. Heiser smiled and said, “Okay… but that’s a little imprecise.” Yes, Dr. Heiser taught that there’s basically a three tiered hierarchy in the Divine Council, but I also wonder if this may be irrelevant to the basic Christian essentials that believers should know. And maybe a waste of time when the main plain things such as you teach are far more critical.
Brian,
Heiser made this his signature subject and went deep into it. I think he did good work in highlighting the Lord’s work in resolving the angelic conflict and pointing to passages and cultural references to this war among the gods, i.e., angelic host. Believers should be aware of this role of Christ but how deep one needs to go is questionable. Paul touched on this subject but did not delve deeply into it.