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Can Christians Believe in Evolution?

BY BRADFORD G. SCHLEIFER

Many Christians profess the New Testament to be inspired of God. Yet, these same people see validity in some aspects of the theory of evolution. Are these positions compatible? The New Testament actually holds the answer to this question!

When people think of religion, they very seldom link the topic with science. Some even consider these subjects to be polar opposites. Those who profess to be Christian often have no problem believing many of the popular constructs of science. Many theories have been proven—tested—and are considered laws of science and physics.

These proven disciplines of science have caused many of the world's Christians to assume that evolution is also true. In an effort to “sound” Christian, Creation is fused with evolution to create a hybrid theory. Therefore, many of these same people believe all, or part, of the evolutionary theory. But these concepts are not biblical—nor are they scientific! Seeing this, many are confused.

The result is a wide array of beliefs regarding evolution and religion. Some, unable to integrate the origin of life and the universe into their religious beliefs, believe certain elements of the theory of evolution. Others assume that science and religion can never mix. But nearly all are confused or left in error. This does not have to be the case!

Much of the basis of this thinking can be traced to the modern education system. Decades ago, a belief in God was not accompanied by ridicule and scorn. However, today, even insinuating that a Being had anypart in designing the universe, and life within it, is met with fiery debate!

People have been indoctrinated with the theory of evolution from a very early age. Notice the official policy of the National Science Teachers Association:“There is no longer a debate among scientists over whether evolution has taken place.” Evolution is assumed to be true and taught as such. (To learn more about the theory of evolution, and the shaky pillars upon which it stands, read our brochure Evolution – Facts, Fallacies and Implications. It deconstructs this widely believed theory and shows what many disciplines ofscience actually prove! The full topic is too vast for this short article.)

However, the question remains: Can one be a Christian and profess to hold to all—or even some—of the theory of evolution? As those who follow Jesus Christ, must Christians believe all of His words recorded in the New Testament? And does the New Testament prove the Creation account in the book of Genesis?

It is amazing how much the New Testament—and Christ Himself—records about people and events from the Old Testament. You will never see this subject in the same way again!

Built Upon a Foundation

All buildings have a foundation. This is the base on which the rest of the building stands. Without one, the structure can be easily destroyed. Therefore, the correct foundation ensures longevity. Some may be surprised that the New Testament Church is built upon a foundation. The Bible states that the Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). In construction, a cornerstone is the first stone laid. This verse indicates that Jesus Christ was established before the Old Testament prophets and reflects the many Old Testament prophecies foretelling His First Coming. This verse also has another very interesting aspect to it. The teachings in God's Church come from apostles and prophets.

To believe this verse, one must at least believe the teachings and prophecies of the Old Testament. In fact, the New Testament points to the Old Testament much more than most realize. The apostle Paul, in particular, quoted the Old Testament numerous times. In the book of Romans alone, it was quoted 57 times! This is also true of the two epistles to the Corinthians. The first epistle quotes the Old Testament 21 times and the second 10 times. In light of Ephesians 2:20, this should not come as a surprise, since the New Testament is built upon the Old Testament!

But what does this have to do with evolution? How do all the quotes, references and scriptures prove Creation? The link is in who the New Testament writers quoted—and the events they referenced.

But Aren't They All Analogies?

You may have been taught that many of the accounts in the New Testament are simply analogies—stories—upon which to base your conduct. You may have also learned that because Christ spoke in parables, you cannot ever know when he was being literal.

But you should have no doubt as to when Christ was speaking literally and when He was using a parable. In nearly every case, something that is meant as a simile, parable or analogy is stated as such. This fact is often ignored because a literal interpretation of the New Testament brings many popular “Christian” beliefs—such as the Creation/evolution hybrid—into doubt.

In Matthew 13, Christ spoke a series of parables. Yet, in each instance, they are introduced as parables. Jesus Christ was always clear and kept things simple! Notice Matthew 13:24: “another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field.” This same pattern is followed in nearly every parable in the New Testament.

Christ also clearly references analogies and similes. Notice: “.whosoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matt. 7:24). You find this pattern repeated over and over in the gospels. Do not let supposed experts confuse a subject that should be very clear.

Parables and analogies are used in the New Testament, but for the purpose of making things clear to those whom God has called. They were never meant to be “good principles” or “nice concepts.” Christ wanted such verses to become “real” by applying them to examples to which the audience could relate. But there was another reason Christ used parables: “

The disciples...said unto Him, Why speak You unto them [the masses] in parables? He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given...because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand” (Matt. 13:10-11, 13). Many blur the literal nature of the Bible because “they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” Will you believe and understand Christ's words?

The New Testament—and the entire Bible—was recorded for a purpose. II Timothy 3:16 states that allScripture is directly inspired by God. Keep this in mind as we read some verses in the New Testament.

The New Testament Record

There are many verses that directly reference Old Testament people and events—even the Creation event! The scriptures listed below cover a wide range of topics. Yet, they all have one thing in common. Each is a statement from Christ or an apostle about events and people of the Old Testament.

When you read them, ask yourself if Christ and the apostles were confused—or if they blurred the truth to help make a statement. The only other option is to see these quotes for what they are—the inspired Word of God! These verses will help you understand why it is impossible to espouse evolution while declaring oneself a Christian:

• “For Adam was first formed, then Eve” (I Tim. 2:13-15). This verse is a direct endorsement of the Creation account!

• “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses.” (Rom. 5:14).

• “.the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [Christ] was made a quickening spirit” (I Cor. 15:45). Christ, as the second Adam, is a type of the first.

• “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (I Cor. 15:22).

• “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam.” (Jude 1:14-15). Genealogies in the Old Testament are very extensive. When summarized in the New Testament, this validates the detailed renditions in the Old Testament.

• “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations” (Matt. 1:17).

• “But He [Christ] said unto them, Have you not read what David did.” (Matt. 12:3).

• “The Lord said unto My Lord, Sit You on My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool? IfDavid then call Him Lord, how is He his Son?” (Matt. 22:44-45).

• “Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary your wife.” (Matt. 1:20).

• “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord...You have heard of thepatience of Job.” (James. 5:10-11).

While the previous list is extensive enough that most would not dismiss it as analogy, metaphor or myth, the most telling account is recorded in the gospels. The Old Testament is very clear that Christ would havedirect lineage from King David. The book of Luke records this in exact detail. In fact, this passage identifies Christ's lineage all the way back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38)! While it is too long to quote here, you may wish to read it.

It is ridiculous to believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and, at the same time, dismiss this passage. Further still, the implications of Christ's lineage to Adam are extremely important. To have been the second Adam and inheritor of David's throne (upon which Christ will sit at His Second Coming), Christ's lineage must be clear! Given the importance of this line, would Luke—inspired by God—make a mistake by incorrectly recording it? Was the Creator of the universe unable to ensure the accuracy of this passage? If so, can we trust anything written in the Bible?

While not related to the Creation account, there are many more scriptures pointing to Old Testament figures and events. For instance, Christ compared the end of the modern age to “Noah's day” (Luke 17:26) and Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:29). These verses alone prove two often contested Old Testament events. Either these events happened or Jesus Christ is a liar!

The New Testament also refers to the preachers of righteousness. The lives of these men spanned hundreds of years! Further, Moses is referenced in the New Testament 79 times! Are you beginning to see why the New Testament is built on the prophets—and why evolution is incompatible with true Christianity?

Countless more examples could be given. Each one serves to strengthen the others. However, we have already gone beyond the Creation event. Simply put, the New Testament without the Old Testament would be as useless as a building without a foundation. It would have no support and much of it would simply not make sense!

If you profess to be Christian, examine your beliefs and analyze why you believe what you do.

The Second Adam—And You!

Understanding all that has been discussed carries deeper implications beyond whether or not evolution is true. As we have seen, Christ is referred to as the second Adam. In the Garden of Eden, Adam was given a chance to live God's Way. However, he rejected God, and the world as we know it is the result. Christ'sFirst Coming was part of God's plan to give mankind an opportunity for salvation. Christ passed the test!

If the first Adam never existed, there would have been no need for Christ to come and qualify to rule earth. If there was not a first Adam, the reason for Christ's first coming would not be true! Again, there would be no need for a second Adam, because there would have never been a first.

This is one reason why it is important to understand the events of Creation. It is fundamental to the entire Plan of God! (To learn more about God's plan for you, read our book The Awesome Potential of Man.)

The Bible record is clear. Christ and the apostles were not confused! They understood the importance of the Creation event, and Christ understood that it would become blurred today. So we are left with a record—the Holy Bible. It allows you to understand the validity of the Old Testament, the truth of Creation and the implications that this brings.

You are left with a simple choice. And, as we have seen, neither option is compatible with the other: Will you believe the God, and Creator, of the universe, or will you believe the ideas, theories and opinions of men?