Why is biblical creationism so important?

Answer

A clear understanding of origins is crucial, much like a solid foundation is essential for a building. Christianity’s roots can be traced back to the book of Genesis, specifically chapter one, which begins with the statement, “In the beginning God created . . . .” This declaration upholds creationism and contradicts any perspective that advocates for naturalism (the belief that the universe originated and operates without God’s intervention).

Our beliefs about creation reveal whether we accept the Word of God or cast doubt on its truth. It is imperative for Christians to distinguish between creationism and naturalism, understanding their differences and discerning the truth. Can one believe in both creationism and some form of evolution simultaneously? These inquiries can be addressed by defining biblical creationism and its impact on our core beliefs.

The significance of biblical creationism lies in its ability to address fundamental questions about human existence:

1. How did we come into existence? What is our origin?

2. What is our purpose? Do we have a reason for being, and what is the root cause of our struggles? Are concepts like sin and salvation significant?

3. What awaits us after death? Is there an afterlife? An individual’s perspective on origins is crucial because Genesis serves as the foundation for the entire Scripture, providing answers to these questions. Genesis is often likened to the root of a tree, providing stability to the rest of the text. Just as a tree perishes without its roots, discrediting Genesis undermines the authority of all Scripture.

Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse presents three key truths that underpin biblical creationism and the Christian faith. Firstly, it affirms the oneness of God, contrasting with the polytheism of paganism and the dualism of modern humanist thought. Secondly, it emphasizes that God is personal and exists beyond the realm of creation. This concept is in stark contrast to the impersonal forces proposed by naturalistic viewpoints.In contrast to pantheism, which sees God as immanent but not transcendent. Lastly, God is omnipotent and eternal. This differs from the idols that people worship. God existed before, exists now, and will always exist—He created all that is out of nothing by His spoken word.

This addresses our creation question of beginnings, but what about our second question: why are we here?

Biblical creationism addresses the state of the human race. Genesis 3 discusses the fall of man but also provides us with the hope of redemption. It is crucial that we recognize we are united in one man, Adam—a literal, real-life individual. If Adam is not a literal figure, then we lack a reasonable explanation for how sin entered the world. If humanity, through Adam, did not fall from grace, then humanity cannot be saved by grace through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:22 states, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (NKJV). This comparison—Adam as the head of the fallen race, and Christ as the head of a redeemed race—is vital to our comprehension of salvation. “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:18-19; NKJV).

We must consider biblical creationism as the foundation of our value system. The creation account must be factual and not merely a myth because if it is fictional, then the values it conveys are based on human reasoning, subject to change as humans “evolve,” and therefore invalid. The root of the present-day conflict between science and religion (particularly Christianity) is the belief that (atheistic) science is fact while religion is merely superstition and myth. If this were accurate, then our Christian values are ju

It is essential to understand that there are values for Christians that hold no significance in the secular world.

The ultimate fundamental question for humanity is: what occurs to us after death? If humans are simply a part of an undirected and incidental universe, transitioning from one form of matter to another upon death, it implies that we lack a soul or spirit, and this current life is the sole existence. This viewpoint leaves us with a singular purpose: to adhere to the principles of evolution, which revolve around survival of the fittest.

Conversely, Christianity introduces us to a moral excellence established by a transcendent, supernatural entity. God’s moral essence establishes an unwavering benchmark that not only enhances our personal lives but also instructs us on how to love others and ultimately bring honor to our Creator. This benchmark is epitomized by Christ. It is through His existence, sacrifice, and resurrection that we discover meaning in this life and anticipate a future existence with God in paradise.

Biblical creationism holds significance as it is the sole framework that addresses life’s fundamental inquiries and grants us a purpose beyond ourselves. It should be evident to all Christians that creationism and naturalism are diametrically opposed and cannot coexist.