"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.
To READ ON Can Christians Believe in Evolution?
