Unveiling the Mystery: Literal Days of Genesis 1 Without the Sun Until the Fourth Day

How Could the Days of Genesis 1 be Literal if the Sun Wasn't Created Until the Fourth Day?

The Bible tells us that God created light and the Earth on the first day. This means that the Earth was already rotating in space relative to the created light. We now know that a day-night cycle can occur with a rotating Earth and light coming from one direction. So, even without the sun, there could still be a literal day.

God is capable of creating light without a secondary source, as we are told in the book of Revelation that in the new heavens and Earth, there will be no need for the sun or moon. In Genesis, God defines a day and a night in terms of light or its absence.

Some people argue that the days in Genesis are actually long periods of time. However, if God had intended to convey long periods of time, He could have used words to make that clear. Additionally, the creation of the sun on the fourth day undermines attempts to harmonize the Bible with billions of years. Some suggest that the sun and other heavenly bodies appeared when a dense cloud layer dissipated after millions of years. However, this interpretation is not supported by the Hebrew word used in Genesis, which means 'make' or 'create'. If God had meant 'appeared', He would have used a different Hebrew word.

All major translations of Genesis 1 clearly teach that the sun, moon, and stars were made on the fourth day. The overwhelming evidence suggests that ordinary days are being referred to in Genesis, particularly when the words 'evening' and 'morning' are used from the first day.

On the fourth day, God established the present system by making temporary light-bearers for the Earth. This made the diffused light from the first day no longer necessary.

Why This Matters

Understanding how the days of Genesis 1 can be literal even without the presence of the sun is important because it helps us reconcile the biblical account of creation with scientific knowledge. It challenges the idea that the Bible is incompatible with scientific understanding and demonstrates that God's Word can be trusted.

Think About It

If the days in Genesis were actually long periods of time, why didn't God use words that clearly indicate this? What does it mean for our understanding of God's Word if we start to interpret it based on our own assumptions and ideas rather than taking it at face value?