Essential Guide: Belief in Literal Creation for Christians
Published: 07 May 2024
Do I Have to Believe in a Literal Creation to Be a Christian?
As a Christian, do you have to believe in a literal creation as described in the book of Genesis? In other words, do you have to believe that God created the world in six normal days, that Adam and Eve were real individuals who rebelled against God, and that death and suffering entered the world as a result of their disobedience? The short answer is no, but let's explore this question further.
Becoming a Christian
To become a Christian, there are two key beliefs that are essential:
- Believing that Jesus Christ, who was fully God and fully man, died on the cross and rose again to pay the penalty for our sins. This act of redemption allows us to be saved and reconciled with God.
- Repenting of our sins, which means acknowledging our rebellion against God and seeking His forgiveness.
These two beliefs acknowledge the existence of a holy God against whom we have rebelled and recognize our need for salvation. However, it is important to understand the broader context provided by the book of Genesis.
The Context of Genesis
When we read the first three chapters of Genesis, we learn about the creation of Adam and Eve, their rebellion against God, and the consequences that followed. Adam and Eve were initially created in fellowship with God but chose to disobey Him. Their rebellion not only affected them but also had repercussions for the entire human race. As a result of their disobedience, death entered the world.
It is true that one can become a Christian without fully accepting or understanding the Genesis account of Creation and the Fall. However, by disregarding or downplaying this foundational part of Scripture, one may miss out on the fullness of what God has revealed to us through His Word.
The Slippery Slope into Unbelief
Disbelieving any part of God's Word can lead to a slippery slope into unbelief. If we start questioning the accuracy or truthfulness of one part of the Bible, how can we be confident in the rest of it? This doubt can weaken our faith and make us vulnerable to the attacks and ridicule of skeptics and atheists.
For example, when American evangelist Charles Templeton compromised his beliefs by embracing long-age evolutionary concepts, he eventually denied many core tenets of Christianity. His doubts about the accounts of Creation, Noah's Flood, and other biblical events eventually led him to reject the Virginal Conception of Jesus, miracles, the Resurrection, and even the existence of God.
Sharing the Gospel
Believing in a literal creation is also crucial for effectively sharing the Gospel with others. Many people hold a worldview that rejects the existence of God based on their belief in evolution and naturalistic explanations for the origin of life. If we accept a compromise view that accommodates a "big bang" or undermines the global nature of Noah's Flood, we undermine our ability to convince them of the truth of Scripture.
The book of Genesis provides a foundation for understanding God's authority to judge humanity and the need for salvation. Without acknowledging the reality of sin and its consequences as described in Genesis, it becomes challenging to convey the urgency and relevance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Morality and Ethics
Additionally, belief in a literal creation is essential for addressing questions related to morality and ethics. The Genesis account explains the origin of sin and establishes the need for atonement through Christ's death and resurrection. Without this understanding, there is no basis for distinguishing between right and wrong or for recognizing our need for a Savior.
Wielding the Sword of the Spirit
If we selectively choose which parts of God's Word to believe, we weaken our ability to effectively wield "the Sword of the Spirit," which is the Word of God. By accepting only what aligns with our personal preferences or the prevailing cultural norms, we risk blunting or breaking the power of Scripture in our lives and in our witness to others.
The Problem of Pain and Suffering
Finally, belief in a literal creation is crucial for addressing the problem of pain and suffering. The Genesis account reveals that God originally created a perfect world, but as a result of Adam's sin, death and suffering entered the world. This understanding helps us make sense of the pain and brokenness we see around us.
Without acknowledging the Fall and its consequences, attempts to reconcile a loving God with the existence of evil become problematic. Long-age compromise views may offer alternative explanations, but they ultimately undermine the Gospel message and fail to provide a satisfactory answer to the problem of suffering.
Why This Matters
Believing in a literal creation matters because it provides a solid foundation for our faith and understanding of Scripture. It allows us to fully grasp the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, understand the reality of sin, and address questions related to morality, suffering, and God's judgment.
By embracing a literal interpretation of Genesis, we are better equipped to share the Gospel effectively with others, engage with skeptics and atheists, and strengthen our own faith against attacks and doubts.
Think About It
- How does your understanding of Genesis impact your overall faith?
- Have you encountered challenges or doubts regarding the creation account? How have you addressed them?
- How can a belief in a literal creation enhance your ability to share the Gospel with others?
- Reflect on how embracing a literal interpretation of Genesis can provide a solid foundation for your faith in God and His Word.
