Is the "Gap Theory" teaching, adding unto the Word of God?

[CalTech]

Greetings everyone,

Here is some interesting information on those who developed this error of changing and "adding" unto God's Word:

"It would seem that certain Gap creationists had turned to a number of controversial people in history who have questioned the plain reading of Gen 1:2, for example, Origen (a pagan philosopher), Hugo St Victor (a Catholic mystic), Dionysius Peavius (a Jesuit theologian), and Benedict Pereira (aka Pererius, who was a Jesuit philosopher and theologian). These are just some of the authorities used to support the gap theory (as seen in Creation Or Evolution. Does It Really Matter What You Believe?, United Church of God booklet."

We can see from those listed that these men were not true believer's, and how are we to follow after the teaching of fallen men, who had held the "truth" in unrighteousness?

Here is also more historical information from whence this "false teaching" influences came from:

There was a Canadian from the early 1900's, his name, A. C. Custance (1910-1985) was a Canadian physiologist and writer, and best known for his advocation of the gap theory. What is interesting is that he had garnered his gap theory from a number of mystical sources, going back some 2000 years. Here are a few of those "influences" Custance had called upon to support his teaching on gap creation, it identifies two prominent second-century Jewish sages within his book! Also he utilized from The Book of Jasher, The Book of Light or Sefer Hazzohar by Simeon ben Jochai.
It must be noted that "it should be no surprise that The Book of Light (also known as Sefer ha-zohar or the Zohar), is difficult to follow, because it is the foundational work of the literature of Jewish esoteric mysticism known as Kabbalah, which some people consider to be as holy as the Bible, or as the key to “unlock” God’s Word."

Here is more important information that needs to be considered before we can except this teaching from men with such erroneous cultist backgrounds:

"THE GAP THEORY’S OCCULT ORIGINS:"
"The Kabbalah is an occult philosophy that questions everything about the Bible and then twists the Scriptures to “reveal” arcane knowledge and special “revelations”. Kabbalah initiates study for years to learn its “ancient wisdom”.

“The wisdom of Kabbalah has been connected to religion, mysticism, yoga, tarot cards, numerology, astrology, charms, amulets, magic and that a person must be at least 40 years of age in order to study.” (www.kabbalah.info/engkab/what_is_kabbalah/ what_is_kabbalah. "

You will discover more information at the site "gap Theory dot net".

We are instructed by our Lord and His Apostles to "search out all things",

Eph 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Eph 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Eph 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

1Th_5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

May the Lord bless you.....
In His Love......

 

[George Antonios]

With enough research you can find something occult behind every one and every thing.

 

[CalTech]

With enough research you can find something occult behind every one and every thing.

Greetings,

God's Word has something to say about that type of reasoning:


Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Jas 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Jas 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.


The Lord bless you......
In His Love...

 

[kyredneck]

You stated "creation".

Where?

This is just me being me.

 

[Reynolds]

Where?

This is just me being me.

Second paragraph of the Orig post. Right there. Plain as day.

 

[Alcott]

Jesus said, "And whoever shall say 'you fool' shall be in danger of "the fiery hell" [Matthew 5:22].

So is it "adding to scripture" to say Jesus and Paul are in danger of the fiery hell [Matthew 23:17, 1 Corinthians15:36]?

 

[kyredneck]

You stated "creation".

Where?

This is just me being me.

Second paragraph of the Orig post. Right there. Plain as day.

Where?

Original post:

"Deu 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Pro 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Pro 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Greetings,

I came across this "teaching" a number of years ago, and have rejected it from the start.
For I felt from the beginning that this teaching was making me question the "truthfulness" of God's word, that it was causing me to doubt what was written.

However recently, due to me running across this teaching from someone I've been coming to know. I looked into where this false belief came from, and what I discovered has only confirmed why I rejected it from the beginning, and why it did ring wrong from the onset. The Holy Spirit is our guidance, and I've learned to obey those "red flags" when they do arise.

I was wondering who else see's this teaching as being very precarious to the betterment of believer's in the Lord, especially those who are not mature in the ways of the Lord?

Thank you,
The Lord bless you.....
In His Love...."

 

[CalTech]

Well, that’s interesting. Thanks for clarifying. I guess I haven’t been keeping up with the theories.

Maybe you can help me understand the argument. How does a “gap” in time between verses 1 & 2 effect anything? I always thought the “gap” theory attempted to explain how there could be so many people building cities and such when Cain still lived.

Are they simply allowing for 10 billion years of “gap” from God creating the planet but before God created life?

Is it someway to explain the scientific belief of the age of the universe?

peace to you

Greetings,

I agree with you I also do not keep up with theories, theories are just that, theories that were not based upon the pure Word of God. But using certain scriptures out of context in order to "twist" and pervert the Word of God, to fulfill the lusts of their "intellectual, philosophical minds", forever "hunting" for so-called "hidden mysteries" from a mystic mindset.

However, when pastor's go about teaching this "Gap theory" as "truth", then I shall stand against it as the Lord instructs us too. I just simply read the Lord's Word as written and trust the Holy Spirit to give me understanding, where I need it, and when HE desire's me to know a truth.

I believe in the simplicity of the Lord's Word, what it states is what it means. When men in times past came up with this theory, men of questionable character, and their utilizing of Occult methods to "interpret" the Lord's Word, then we know for a fact "what fruit they were of", and we are instructed to stay away from them and their false teachings, because it only causes confusion, and a break down of "trusting" in the Word of God, and doubting what was written.

Let us remember what the Lord stated, it is the "little foxes" that spoil the vine, and a "little leaven, leaven's the whole lump". Which mean's error's against the truth increases further disbelief, and will cause more sin and darkness to come upon the believer's.

So I just keep to the simplicity of the Lord's Gospel, both Old & New testament.......If the Lord desired us to know of a "hidden pre-creation before the original creation, HE would have told us. Anything stated otherwise is just plain rebellion against the Truth He has spoken and has had Written for our good.

The Lord bless you....
In His Love....

 

[CalTech]

Which one? The 'gap' between Gen 1:1 & 1:2 or the gap between the 69th and 70th week of Daniel? There's some on this site that will cry heresy over one while swallowing the other hook, line, and sinker.

Greetings,

I do not believe in any "Gap theory", so I was taking about the "Gap theory" that is believed and taught, or should I say added between the verses in Gen 1: 1 & Gen 1:2.
No I am not talking about the "gap" between Daniel's 69th and 70th week. That is not about creation, as "Reynolds" pointed out.

I am just talking about the occult lie of a "previous" creation that had occurred between Gen 1: 1 & 2.
It's not based upon scripture, just the minds of fallen men who have taken various scriptures out of context by utilizing mystic's "interpretation" to "weave" a web of deception to cause the "unlearned" to stumble and call God's Written truth as a lie.
I believe it is not only "adding" unto God's Word, it is also "taking away" from the Truth of God's Word, it is functioning as both.
And we know from the scriptures given in the original post, that is a very dangerous practice, because there are consequences when such teachings occur.

I hope that clears that up for you.
The Lord bless you....
In His Love....

 

[Reformed1689]

"The Meaning of Yom in Genesis 1:5" by David C Taylor, Jr (bepress.com)

 

[Marooncat79]

The Gap Theory of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2

Pre-Adamic Man

The issue of a 1st Creation or a Pre-Adamic race of people crept into the church during the Early-Mid 18th century. This was done in order to appease the Evolutionary Model of thinking and has neither basis nor warrant within the historic Church –nor should it. The idea is that in order to make Christianity appeal to the “masses of the highly learned” and in order to “explain” the idea of supposed various types of ancient humanoids IE, Neanderthal, Cro-Magnon etc. God somehow created a creation that somehow went awry or that He judged in anger. This reasoning is silly and an open back handed slap against the very character and nature of the God of the Bible, especially since there is absolutely no support for it in the Word of God. For a better understanding of who these people were visit either: www.answersingenesis.org or to www.icr.org . These ministries can assist and in fact have assisted many Christians to understand the origins and beginnings of mankind.


The idea of a Pre-Adamic race is as follows: they believe that God created an entire creation between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, but that God somehow “messed up” and had to judge this race of people and then recreate the world as it is now in Genesis Chapter 1:2.


Several critiques of this Pre-Adamic position:

1. If this position is to be held, it must be held in opposition to scripture. Scripture makes it clear that death came upon the Earth due to sin (Romans 5:12). Hence, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that due to the sin of Adam, himself death (physical death) entered into the world, so how could death come upon a race of people before death had ever been introduced into the world? Paul says here that death entered into the world after they had sinned in Chapter 3, not before as this position holds.
2. If God did somehow “mess-up” or fail in his original plan then He is an imperfect God. If He is an imperfect God then He is not Sovereign over all Creation, Perfect, and Worthy of worship!


The Day-Age Theory


Again, with the rise of educational elitism, the idea by some Biblical scholars was to make the Bible more appealing by insinuating that the days listed in Genesis Chapters 1 and 2 were not really 24 hr periods of time, but that they were in fact possibly millions of years. Again, this is a silly argument and without warrant from Scripture; however, it is a position that some Christians have come to hold so we must address it here.


Critiques:

1. It is true that in some places in the OT, that the Hebrew word Yom-often translated day does not mean a 24 hr period of time. This is especially true in Hebrew poetry and in both the Major and Minor Prophets; however, just because it is that way in these places does it mandate that here in the opening chapters of Genesis.
2. The use of numbers like 1st, 2nd and 3rd day seek to reveal to us that Moses did indeed intend for us to understand the creation “Days” to be literal 24 hr periods of time (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, and 31. We also see the 7th day marked out as a regular day in 2:2)
3. Evening and morning further set forth the text into these appointed 24 hr periods of time.
4. By adhering to a “Day-Age” once must ask if a day is truly a “Million Years” then what about the “Nights”, were they a Million years also? We understand time to be continual i.e., morning follows night and night follows day etc. So were there 500,000 years of day,and then 500,000 years of night? If so, would not all plant life die out during the 500,000 years of night due to a lack of photosynthesis, and then all other life ultimately die here upon Earth? Of course it would which is the point, again this Theory is without warrant in scripture and is just another way to marginalize the text of the Bible in order to accommodate the unbelieving.
5. By maintaining the Day-Age Theory, the adherent totally destroys the significance of the Sabbath in the OT (Genesis 2:13, and Exodus 20:8-11).

Remember in the OT, the people were to memorialize the Creative Work of God (See again Exodus 20:8-11). The creative work of God is seen in the text as good (Chapter 1:4, 12, 18, 21, 25. In verse 31 of Chapter 1, God Himself says that creation was “Very Good”). Thus we see the power of God demonstrated within the passage and that it was to be remembered as a Divine Work in which He (God) revealed his limitless power and glory. Hence, we should deduce that the World and all that is contained therein was indeed created within the 6 literal days given in scripture and that these days were in fact 24 hour periods of time.

 

[CalTech]

The Gap Theory of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2

Pre-Adamic Man

The issue of a 1st Creation or a Pre-Adamic race of people crept into the church during the Early-Mid 18th century. This was done in order to appease the Evolutionary Model of thinking and has neither basis nor warrant within the historic Church –nor should it. The idea is that in order to make Christianity appeal to the “masses of the highly learned” and in order to “explain” the idea of supposed various types of ancient humanoids IE, Neanderthal, Cro-Magnon etc. God somehow created a creation that somehow went awry or that He judged in anger. This reasoning is silly and an open back handed slap against the very character and nature of the God of the Bible, especially since there is absolutely no support for it in the Word of God. For a better understanding of who these people were visit either: www.answersingenesis.org or to www.icr.org . These ministries can assist and in fact have assisted many Christians to understand the origins and beginnings of mankind.


The idea of a Pre-Adamic race is as follows: they believe that God created an entire creation between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, but that God somehow “messed up” and had to judge this race of people and then recreate the world as it is now in Genesis Chapter 1:2.


Several critiques of this Pre-Adamic position:

1. If this position is to be held, it must be held in opposition to scripture. Scripture makes it clear that death came upon the Earth due to sin (Romans 5:12). Hence, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that due to the sin of Adam, himself death (physical death) entered into the world, so how could death come upon a race of people before death had ever been introduced into the world? Paul says here that death entered into the world after they had sinned in Chapter 3, not before as this position holds.
2. If God did somehow “mess-up” or fail in his original plan then He is an imperfect God. If He is an imperfect God then He is not Sovereign over all Creation, Perfect, and Worthy of worship!


The Day-Age Theory


Again, with the rise of educational elitism, the idea by some Biblical scholars was to make the Bible more appealing by insinuating that the days listed in Genesis Chapters 1 and 2 were not really 24 hr periods of time, but that they were in fact possibly millions of years. Again, this is a silly argument and without warrant from Scripture; however, it is a position that some Christians have come to hold so we must address it here.


Critiques:

1. It is true that in some places in the OT, that the Hebrew word Yom-often translated day does not mean a 24 hr period of time. This is especially true in Hebrew poetry and in both the Major and Minor Prophets; however, just because it is that way in these places does it mandate that here in the opening chapters of Genesis.
2. The use of numbers like 1st, 2nd and 3rd day seek to reveal to us that Moses did indeed intend for us to understand the creation “Days” to be literal 24 hr periods of time (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, and 31. We also see the 7th day marked out as a regular day in 2:2)
3. Evening and morning further set forth the text into these appointed 24 hr periods of time.
4. By adhering to a “Day-Age” once must ask if a day is truly a “Million Years” then what about the “Nights”, were they a Million years also? We understand time to be continual i.e., morning follows night and night follows day etc. So were there 500,000 years of day,and then 500,000 years of night? If so, would not all plant life die out during the 500,000 years of night due to a lack of photosynthesis, and then all other life ultimately die here upon Earth? Of course it would which is the point, again this Theory is without warrant in scripture and is just another way to marginalize the text of the Bible in order to accommodate the unbelieving.
5. By maintaining the Day-Age Theory, the adherent totally destroys the significance of the Sabbath in the OT (Genesis 2:13, and Exodus 20:8-11).

Remember in the OT, the people were to memorialize the Creative Work of God (See again Exodus 20:8-11). The creative work of God is seen in the text as good (Chapter 1:4, 12, 18, 21, 25. In verse 31 of Chapter 1, God Himself says that creation was “Very Good”). Thus we see the power of God demonstrated within the passage and that it was to be remembered as a Divine Work in which He (God) revealed his limitless power and glory. Hence, we should deduce that the World and all that is contained therein was indeed created within the 6 literal days given in scripture and that these days were in fact 24 hour periods of time.

Greetings,

This is a very good biblical standing. We also need to take into consideration the other present day, and past pastor's/teachers who supported this false "Gap Theory". Which begun from Jewish mysticism.....

Such men as given in "Wikipedia" were: Religious proponents of this form of creationism have included Oral Roberts (1918-2009), Cyrus I. Scofield, Harry Rimmer, Jimmy Swaggart (1935- ),[9] Perry Stone, G. H. Pember, L. Allen Higley,[4] Arthur Pink, Peter Ruckman, Finis Jennings Dake (1902-1987), Chuck Missler, E. W. Bullinger (1837-1913), Charles Welch, [10] Victor Paul Wierwille,[11] Donald Grey Barnhouse, Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), Garner Ted Armstrong (1930-2003), Michael Pearl and Clarence Larkin.[12]

I also must add that "Benny Hinn" is another proponent that supports this "fable".

I do think the scripture's given in Roman's & Titus poignantly warns and instruct's us how to handle such fables:

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Tit 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Tit 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Tit 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.


Thank you....
The Lord bless you.....
In His Love....

 

[CalTech]

"The Meaning of Yom in Genesis 1:5" by David C Taylor, Jr (bepress.com)

Greetings,

That link is not functioning:
404 - Page Not Found
Sorry, we cannot find the page you are looking for.

Just wanted to let you know.

The Lord bless you....
In His Love....

 

[CalTech]

Jesus said, "And whoever shall say 'you fool' shall be in danger of "the fiery hell" [Matthew 5:22].

So is it "adding to scripture" to say Jesus and Paul are in danger of the fiery hell [Matthew 23:17, 1 Corinthians15:36]?

Greetings,

I do not understand how your statement is referring to the said OP.....
Could or would you elaborate on this.....it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you....
Lord bless you.....
In His Love....

 

[Reformed1689]

Greetings,

That link is not functioning:
404 - Page Not Found
Sorry, we cannot find the page you are looking for.

Just wanted to let you know.

The Lord bless you....
In His Love....

Thanks for pointing that out, this should be fixed.

"The Meaning of Yom in Genesis 1:5" by David C Taylor, Jr

 

[CalTech]

Thanks for pointing that out, this should be fixed.

"The Meaning of Yom in Genesis 1:5" by David C Taylor, Jr

Greetings,

My pleasure, we are to serve one another.........
The above link does work.
Thank you.....I am going to read it.

Lord bless you....
In His Love.....

 

[Salty]

Here is one view:

Biblical Science Institute
The Gap Theory | Biblical Science Institute

here is another view:
The Gap Theory

"The gap theory is not a new theory. It was first introduced in 1814 by Scottish theologian Thomas Chalmers in an attempt to reconcile the six-day biblical creation account with the newly defined geologic ages being set forth by leading geologists of that era."

What Is the Gap Theory in Creationism?

 

[Deacon]

"The Meaning of Yom in Genesis 1:5" by David C Taylor, Jr

There’s a face that looks familiar…

The Gap Theory was an early attempt to understand the relationship between the Bible record of creation and the ever-growing evidences of an ancient earth observed by (Christian) scientists in the 18th century.

Oddly enough, those proposing the Gap theory usually believed in 7-24 hour creation periods as well.

The GAP theory was an attempt to explain why there was a difference between the biblical 6000 year-old-creation (a common misinterpretation of the biblical record) and the evidences of an old earth.
The discrepancy was explained by introducing idea of an ORIGINAL CREATION - (the fall of Satan) CHAOS - and a RE-CREATION.
The theory relied on a faulty Hebrew grammar.

Rob

 

[CalTech]

Here is one view:

Biblical Science Institute
The Gap Theory | Biblical Science Institute

here is another view:
The Gap Theory

"The gap theory is not a new theory. It was first introduced in 1814 by Scottish theologian Thomas Chalmers in an attempt to reconcile the six-day biblical creation account with the newly defined geologic ages being set forth by leading geologists of that era."

What Is the Gap Theory in Creationism?

Greetings,

Yes, "The Gap Theory" web-site is one of the sites I did find the information which I had posted. It was very informative, and revealing.

The Lord bless you.....
In His Love...

 

[Marooncat79]

Does anyone who even somewhat calls themself a Bible believer really believe that The God of the Bible cannot get Creation right from the absolute very beginning?