DB 1
After reading the assigned information, answer the questions, “ Does “day” mean a 24-hour
period or ages? Should this word be interpreted literally or figuratively? What difference (if any)
does it make what you believe about this topic?” (1:5)
Please review the Discussion Assignment Instructions Download Discussion Assignment
Instructionsprior to posting. You may also click the three dots in the upper corner to Show
Rubric.
Post-First: This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will
only be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your
thread in response to the provided prompt.
Submit your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of Module 1: Week 1.
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The student will complete 3 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at
least 300 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student
must then post 2 replies of at least 150 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned
Module: Week. In addition to using the Bible to answer the question, you are required to cite the
course textbooks and at least 1 other scholarly source. (The Bible does not need to be officially
cited, but it must be used). When a course textbook does not address the question chosen, you
must use another source to replace it. Current Turabian format must be used when citing
sources.
This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will only be able to
read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in
response
to the provided prompt.
Book for class
Chou, Abner. 2016. “Introduction.” In What Happened in the Garden: The Reality and
Ramifications of the Creation and Fall of Man, edited by Abner Chou, 13. Kregel Academic.
DB 2
What evidence do we see in the Old Testament that God’s mission includes people of all nations,
tongues, and tribes? How did God use Abraham and the nation of Israel in the Old Testament to
show His glory to other nations? How does Israel’s role in the Old Testament compare to the
Church’s role today?
Please review the Discussion Assignment Instructions Download Discussion Assignment
Instructionsprior to posting. You may also click the three dots in the upper corner to Show
Rubric.
Post-First: This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will only
be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in
response to the provided prompt.
Submit your thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of Module 1: Week 1.
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences that allow you to express your understanding
on a given topic after reviewing the course readings and presentations. The student will complete
5 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 250 words (not to exceed
450) by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post
2 replies of at least 150 words each (not to exceed 300) by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the
same Module: Week. For each Discussion, students are required to interact with the assigned
material, including textbooks and presentations, and support their thoughts/ideas with at least 1
source from our material and 1 from the Bible. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 citation
from our material and/or the Bible. All sources used (including textbooks, presentations, and the
version of the Bible used) must be properly documented in current Turabian style footnotes. The
use of internet sources requires the instructor’s prior approval. Acceptable sources include the
Bible (exclusive of Bible notes), academic biblical commentaries, academic journal articles,
course textbooks, and course presentations.
Book for course
Stott, John R. W. 2009. “The Living God Is a Missionary God.” In Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement: A Reader, edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition, 3. Pasadena,
CA: William Carey Library.
BIBL 410
Page 1 of 5
LECTURE NOTES: MODULE 1
Genesis
Introduction
I. Mosaic Authorship
A. Higher Critics (Internal Analysis)
Reject (or have strong doubts about) Mosaic authorship
1. Documentary Theory
a. Definition—the Pentateuch is a compilation of different documents
written by different authors based on the use of divine names
b. J E D P (Jehovah, Elohim, Deuteronomy, Priestly)
2. Refutation of Theory
a. The Divine Names—no other ancient document is treated like this;
inconsistent
b. Difference in style and vocabulary does not mean different authors
c. Dating of the documents is questionable and very subjective
B. Evidence for Mosaic Authorship
1. Biblical Evidence
a. OT—Exod 17:14; 24:4; 34:27; Num 33:1–2; Deut 31:9, 24 (19, 22);
Josh 1:7–8; 8:31–32; I Kings 2:3; 2 Kings 14:6; Ezra 6:18; Mal 4:4
b. NT—Mark 12:26; Luke 24:44; John 7:19; Rom 10:5
2. Internal Evidence
a. Moses
Upbringing and training in Egypt—Acts 7:22
40 years in the wilderness in hiding
40 more years wandering with Israel in wilderness as leader
Familiar with area
Familiar with Egyptian names and customs
Firsthand accounts
Time to write/compile
Authority as leader to delegate
b. Unity of book (“generations of” or “accounts of”)—see outline
c. Grammatical evidence for writings during this period
II. Date
A. Date of Writing
During period of exodus to numbers (15th century BC)
B. Date of Events in Book
Creation to death of Joseph (19th century BC)
BIBL 410
Page 2 of 5
III. Purpose of Writing
A. Some Possibilities
1. Biographical
2. Moralistic lessons of faith
3. History of world
a. World (1–11)
b. Israel (12–50)
B. Covenant History
1. Exodus background (1–20)
2. The Covenant is understood as representing the revelatory plan of God
C. Genesis Intends to Reveal God!
1. Edenic Covenant
2. Adamic Covenant
3. Noahic Covenant
4. Abrahamic Covenant
a. Land
b. Seed
c. Blessing
IV. Theological Themes of Genesis
A. Bibliology
1. Special revelation from God
2. Fulfilled prophecies
B. Theology Proper
Attributes of God:
a. Love
b. Grace
c. Power
d. Holiness
e. Personal
f. All-knowing
g. Sovereign
h. Monotheistic
C. Christology
1. Virgin Birth (Seed of Woman)
2. Defeat Satan
3. Lineage
4. Angel of the Lord
5. Savior
BIBL 410
Page 3 of 5
D. Pneumatology
1. Had part in Creation
2. “Us” (Elohim—is plural noun)
E. Angelology
1. Ministers to God’s people
2. Messengers of God
F. Anthropology
1. Creation of God
2. Man in the image of God
3. Created for fellowship with God
4. Origin of soul
G. Hamartiology
1. Fall of Man
2. Sin nature from Adam
H. Soteriology
1. Substitutionary atonement
2. By grace through faith
I. Eschatology
“until Shiloh come” (49:10)
Prologue (Genesis 1:1–2:3)
I. 1:1–2—No Gap Theory: Ham
What about the “Gap” and “Ruin-Reconstruction” Theories?
A. Refutes 6 Heresies
1. The eternality Of matter
2. Atheism
3. Polytheism
4. Pantheism
5. Radical materialism
6. Naturalism
B. The Bible does not try to prove the existence of God—it assumes it.
C. Trinity Involved in Creation
1. “Elohim”—a plural noun
2. Does not demand a Trinity but allows for it
a. God—v. 1
b. Spirit— v. 2; Dt 32:11; Job 26:13; Ps 104:30
c. Christ—Jn 1:1–4; Col 1:15–19
BIBL 410
Page 4 of 5
II. Days of Creation
A. Scripture
1. “and God said”—divine plan and purpose (Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3)
2. “and”—waw consecutive depicts chronological sequence
3. “let there be”—divine fiat
B. Formula Structure
Introductory Word
“and God said”
Fiat
“let there be”
Fulfillment
“and there was”
Evaluation
“it was good”
Terminus
“evening and morning—1st day”
C. Days of Creation
1. Day and night (1:3–5)
a. Beginning of the earth’s rotation
b. “day”—use of “yom”
https://answersingenesis.org/days-of-creation/
https://answersingenesis.org/days-of-creation/could-god-really-
have-created-everything-in-six-days/
2. Firmament (1:6–8)
a. “expanse”
b. Water or vapor
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-questions/did-it-rain-before-the-
flood/
3. Land, plants, and seas (1:9–13)
a. Naming of items expresses God’s claim of authority over these
b. His sovereignty
c. “Appearance of age”
4. Sun, moon, and stars (1:14–19)
a. Language of appearance (phenomenological vs. noumenological)
b. Purpose of luminaries
To distinguish day from night
To provide signs
To distinguish the seasons (Farmer’s Almanac, ziggurats—
Tower of Babel)
c. https://answersingenesis.org/tower-of-babel/
5. Marine animals and birds (1:20–23)
a. Sea monsters (not whales)—possibly dinosaurs
b. https://answersingenesis.org/search/?csrfmiddlewaretoken=59XwCbA
efZzQFUIscDKcWhvvHj0JxYMsumHyBw4hB4xV4ni8wbbb30Alt9s
ufdwU&refinement=&q=dinosaurs
6. Land animals and man (1:24–31)—“very good”
BIBL 410
Page 5 of 5
D. Comparison of Days
First Three Days—Forms
Last Three Days—Fills
Day 1: Day and night
Day 4: Sun, moon, and stars
Day 2: Firmament
Day 5: Marine animals/birds
Day 3: Land, plants, and seas
Day 6: Land animals and man
Day 7: God rests (2:1–3)
o Ceased from His labors
o Model for us (Exodus 20:8–11)
Post 1
I believe that "day" means a literal 24 hour period, because God said it does. With that said; I do not
believe that God made everything on each of those days in a succession of 6 days. I think the story of
how He created everything is told that way because God wanted to ensure that we had a schedule to
live by, so we could understand time. I think God created everything. But everything He did was done all
at once, the very second he decide to do it. I choose to believe that it was done in a blink of an eye. For
God is all powerful, all genius. He is the best part of every single living thing on this earth from the
beginning of time till forever and always. I believe He chose to have the author He selected to tell the
story of creation in a way that could be understood by all. We can choose to dissect Genesis 1, but that
will not change the facts. He created everything, from earth, to space and beyond. He told the story and
divided into days because there must be a time for everything or there will be no order. He gave us
"time", in every single sense of what that means. In our textbook there was one thing I read that really
made me think about Genesis 1. It came from the the Revelatory Day Theory's idea on creation.
"Creation was revealed in six days, not performed in six days. The days are means of communicating to
man the great fact that God is the Creator, the Creator of all. God reveals unknown futures by vision so
it is logical he revealed the unknown past by visions."
The Bible is written to teach us, to give us purpose and understanding, it is a guide for us to follow so we
do not destroy ourselves, others, and this great earth the Lord gave us. The bible shows us God's
character, we are made in his likeness. We exist because he exists.
Post 2
Does “day” mean a 24-hour period or ages?
The literal concept of a 24-hour day is the most logical way to interpret Creation week. Kurt
Wise says, “The first use of the Hebrew word yôm (translated ‘day’) is found in Genesis 1:5,
where God created light and called it yôm. The second use of yôm is in the same verse, where the
‘evening and the morning’ complete the definition of Day 1.”[1] Essentially, the Lord defined
the first day of a seven-day week without allegory or ambiguity. Wise says, “While astronomical
indicators provide time markers for days, months, seasons, and years, there is no astronomical
indicator for a week … biblical evidence suggests strongly that the Creation Week of Genesis 1
and 2 … was seven earth-rotation days in time, counting the day of rest.”[2]
Understandably, the Lord defined the entire week as an example for humanity to follow. Indeed,
the fact that humanity currently adheres to a seven-day work week should speak volumes (Exod
20:8-11, King James Version). Besides, it is hard to imagine God commanding the events of
Creation week and having to wait for the universe to respond, taking millions of years. Wise
further addresses the 24-hour astronomical day by saying, “All meanings of ‘day’ throughout the
rest of the Bible – including the places where it is used symbolically – are based upon the light
portion of an earth-rotation day.”[3] John J. Davis says, “It is quite true that the literal day theory
conflicts with current scientific opinion … Modern scientists … almost unanimously agree that
the earth is millions of years old.”[4] In contrast, many Christian scientists are working hard to
dispel the fallacy of the Earth being millions of years old, as old age theorists assert. The best
documentary on the subject is titled Is Genesis History, where Christian scientists beautifully
refute the old age theories of the Earth.[5] Unfortunately, scholars such as Tremper Longman are
promoting heresy regarding Creation week, so knowing what Genesis teaches is essential.[6]
[1] Kurt P. Wise, Faith, Form, and Time: What the Bible Teaches and Science Confirms about
Creation and the Age of the Universe (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2002),
45.
[2] Ibid., 48.
[3] Ibid., 45.
[4] John J. Davis, Paradise to Prison: Studies in Genesis (Salem, WI: Sheffield Publishing
Company, 1998), 54.
[5] Is Genesis History?, directed by Thomas Purifoy Jr. and hosted by Dr. Del Tacket (The WTA
Group and Compass Cinema, 2018), 1:44:08, https://isgenesishistory.com/
[6] Tremper Longman, “Creationism vs. Evolution with Tremper Longman III,” Creationism vs
evolution with Tremper Longman III (Venice Presbyterian Church, May 9, 2019), video 1:27:14,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCbTuIEvDIE.
Post 2
In the OT, all nations, tongues, and tribes were included in God’s mission of sharing the word
and blessings with all nations. The first evidence is in Genesis 3:15; 9:17; 12:1-3 in which God
directed the salvation message to reach all humanity.[1] Various non-Jewish came to faith.
Melchizedek, a Gentile, confessed openly his faith in Yahweh; Jethro, Moses' father-in-law who
was a Midianite, fellowshipped with Moses and Aaron in Exodus 18 on a sacrificial meal; God
also spoke to and through Balaam.[2] Also, Jonah’s mission to Nineveh, a Gentile city, in OT
shows God’s all-inclusive mission. Winter and Hawthorne state that “Jerusalem's God is
Nineveh's as well.”[3] Thus, He rescued all tongues and tribes.
Besides, God used Abraham and the nation of Israel in the OT to show His glory to other nations
through the Abrahamic covenant of blessing all nations. God’s covenant with Israel which sets
them apart as a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation in Exodus 19: 4–6 shows His intention of
using Israel to represent His glory to all nations. For example, the self-revelation of God’s glory
is seen at the time of the exodus in Exodus 9:14, 16. This was to make the Egyptians know Him
and that His name is proclaimed across the earth. Exodus 12:38 records that a “mixed multitude”
joined the exodus.[4] This indicates that many Egyptians came to know Yahweh’s glory through
Israel as He overthrew their gods.
Finally, Israel’s role in the OT compares to the Church’s role today as both have the missionary
call to be the light of the world. Israel was to be God's missionary to the world, and so is today's
Church by virtue of identity as Abraham's spiritual descendants.[5] This is the NT’s Great
Commission, a “creative statement” in the tone of Genesis 1:3.[6] Christians are called to share
with humanity the good news of Christ’s salvation.[7] Thus, the church continues to manifest
God's promise to Abraham to non-believers by witnessing God's acts of redemption through
Christ.
Post 3
There is a lot of evidence that God’s mission included all people in the Old Testament no matter
their nation, tongue, or tribe. We have a loving God who is inclusive, He does not categorize us
into boxes. In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader by Ralph Winter and
Steven Hawthorne they write, “…He is doing away with cultures that make peoples distinct”[1].
Although we are from different cultures, we are all children of God, and we are one nation under
Him. We are connected through that which He has blessed us. The Old Testament is no different.
Deuteronomy 10:17 says, “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great,
mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe” (Deut. 10:17,
Christian Standard Bible). God shows no partiality, He invites all people in everything He does,
including His mission.
God used Abraham and the nation of Israel in the Old Testament to show His glory to other
nations by promising Abraham countless descendants, promising that he would be the father of
many nations. God’s great promises made nations and kings under Abraham and ultimately
revealed His glory.
Israel’s role in the Old Testament is similar to the Church’s role today but it is not identical. For
if Israel was a branch, the Church is the tree. Just as Israel was to be a intercessor between God
and gentiles, the Church today is to be a intercessor between God and people. They are both
called to show who God is through their actions and speech, and they are both called to worship
Him endlessly.
[1] Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, eds., Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement: A Reader, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009), xvii (17)
1
DB1
Student’s Name
Instructor
Course
Date
City
2
DB1
The debate on what it means for a day in the bible is long-lasting and continuous. On one
side are those who argue that a day in the bible can be thousands to millions of years in world
time. On the other end are those who argue that a day is simply a day in both the biblical and
worldly times
1
. Based on what I have learned this week, the interpretation of the day should be
literal, not figuratively. In other words, a 'day' should mean 24-hour periods, not ages. Opponents
of this view argue that God would not have created the world in six days, citing the scientific
impossibilities of such actions
2
. Additionally, they cite the poetic nature of biblical events and
teachings, arguing the need for figurative need for understanding the days of creation
3
.
However, arguing that a day means thousands to millions of years complicates the overall
understanding of the Scripture and several other events in the Bible. For instance, Jesus spent 40
days in the desert, which means that if that would be understood as 40000 years on earth, then
His other works thereafter would not have occurred within the time they are indicated. Also, it
would mean that Jonah spent 3000 years inside the fish. The bible teaches in Exodus 20:11, “For
in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the
seventh day.” Also, except for the creation of man, all other creations were by God's word. This
challenges the notion that God could not "create" the world in six days. Additionally, if the
creation is interpreted as thousands to millions of years, then there will lack of a standard
measure to understand the days in the bible because another debate will erupt in whether a day
means hundreds, thousands, or millions of years.
1
Chou, Abner. 2016. “Introduction.” In What Happened in the Garden: The Reality and Ramifications of the
Creation and Fall of Man, edited by Abner Chou, 13. Kregel Academic.
2
Ibid.
3
Ibid.
3
4
Bibliography
Chou, Abner. 2016. “Introduction.” In What Happened in the Garden: The Reality and
Ramifications of the Creation and Fall of Man, edited by Abner Chou, 13. Kregel
Academic.
DB2
In the Old Testament, God is portrayed as caring and all-loving. He creates a mission for
his followers and ensures that no Christ-follower is left behind. God plans to spread His glory
through all creation for all people of every tongue, tribe, and nation to experience the glory of
Jesus Christ
1
. In the Old Testament, God mentions His mission to Christians in honor of
Abraham through the Abrahamic Covenant, "I will bless those who bless you and whoever
curses you I will curse, and all people on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). In
this covenant, we see that God is not specific to any group of people, but talks of the general
earth population, which means God's mission includes people of all nations, tongues, and tribes.
In the Old Testament, God called Israel to be His chosen and special nation. However, it
is important to note that Israel was not a special nation, it was just as sinful as other nations
(Deut. 9:4-5). In other words, God called Israel to bear the name of the Lord for the whole world.
According to Exodus 19:5, Israel was chosen to be a cherished possession of God. Israel would
be a kingdom of priests who would be mediators for God's word to other nations (Exodus 19:6).
This meant that other nations would follow the Lord as well, following in the steps of Israel
2
.
The same role is given to the church today. The Church is the medium where believers can
receive the teaching of the lord, and learn how to live by God’s grace. The Church and Israel are
all divine places to be.
1
Stott, John R. W. 2009. “The Living God Is a Missionary God.” In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A
Reader, edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition, 3. Pasadena, CA: William Carey
Library.
2
Ibid.
Post 1
I believe that "day" means a literal 24-hour period, because God said it does. With that said; I do not
believe that God made everything on each of those days in a succession of 6 days. I think the story of
how He created everything is told that way because God wanted to ensure that we had a schedule to
live by, so we could understand time. I think God created everything. But everything He did was done all
at once, the very second, he decide to do it. I choose to believe that it was done in a blink of an eye. For
God is all powerful, all genius. He is the best part of every single living thing on this earth from the
beginning of time till forever and always. I believe He chose to have the author He selected to tell the
story of creation in a way that could be understood by all. We can choose to dissect Genesis 1, but that
will not change the facts. He created everything, from earth, to space and beyond. He told the story and
divided into days because there must be a time for everything or there will be no order. He gave us
"time", in every single sense of what that means. In our textbook there was one thing I read that really
made me think about Genesis 1. It came from the Revelatory Day Theory's idea on creation.
"Creation was revealed in six days, not performed in six days. The days are means of communicating to
man the great fact that God is the Creator, the Creator of all. God reveals unknown futures by vision so
it is logical he revealed the unknown past by visions."
The Bible is written to teach us, to give us purpose and understanding, it is a guide for us to follow so we
do not destroy ourselves, others, and this great earth the Lord gave us. The bible shows us God's
character, we are made in his likeness. We exist because he exists.
Response
Hello, thank you for sharing such an informative post on the understanding and interpretation of
the word day in the bible. As you have noted, I also believe the that bible was made to guide
human beings and all things that occurs in the world. Therefore, how one interprets whether day
means 24 hours or thousands to millions of years. Important to note is the implications such
interpretations would also have on how we understand the events in the bible. For instance, we
see that Jonah lasted three days inside the fish after he declined to comply with his responsibility.
Assuming that a day is defined as thousands of years, then, for instance, Jonah can be said to
have lasted 300 years inside the fish! Also, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the dessert. The
later interpretation would mean 40000 years. These are absurd. What do you think?
Post 2
Does “day” mean a 24-hour period or ages?
The literal concept of a 24-hour day is the most logical way to interpret Creation week.
Kurt Wise says, “The first use of the Hebrew word yôm (translated ‘day’) is found in
Genesis 1:5, where God created light and called it yôm. The second use of yôm is in the
same verse, where the ‘evening and the morning’ complete the definition of Day
1.”[1] Essentially, the Lord defined the first day of a seven-day week without allegory or
ambiguity. Wise says, “While astronomical indicators provide time markers for days,
months, seasons, and years, there is no astronomical indicator for a week … biblical
evidence suggests strongly that the Creation Week of Genesis 1 and 2 … was seven
earth-rotation days in time, counting the day of rest.”[2]
Understandably, the Lord defined the entire week as an example for humanity to follow.
Indeed, the fact that humanity currently adheres to a seven-day work week should
speak volumes (Exod 20:8-11, King James Version). Besides, it is hard to imagine God
commanding the events of Creation week and having to wait for the universe to
respond, taking millions of years. Wise further addresses the 24-hour astronomical day
by saying, “All meanings of ‘day’ throughout the rest of the Bible – including the places
where it is used symbolically – are based upon the light portion of an earth-rotation
day.”[3] John J. Davis says, “It is quite true that the literal day theory conflicts with
current scientific opinion … Modern scientists … almost unanimously agree that the
earth is millions of years old.”[4] In contrast, many Christian scientists are working hard
to dispel the fallacy of the Earth being millions of years old, as old age theorists assert.
The best documentary on the subject is titled Is Genesis History, where Christian
scientists beautifully refute the old age theories of the Earth.[5] Unfortunately, scholars
such as Tremper Longman are promoting heresy regarding Creation week, so knowing
what Genesis teaches is essential.[6]
[1] Kurt P. Wise, Faith, Form, and Time: What the Bible Teaches and Science Confirms
about Creation and the Age of the Universe (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman
Publishers, 2002), 45.
[2] Ibid., 48.
[3] Ibid., 45.
[4] John J. Davis, Paradise to Prison: Studies in Genesis (Salem, WI: Sheffield
Publishing Company, 1998), 54.
[5] Is Genesis History?, directed by Thomas Purifoy Jr. and hosted by Dr. Del Tacket
(The WTA Group and Compass Cinema, 2018), 1:44:08, https://isgenesishistory.com/
[6] Tremper Longman, “Creationism vs. Evolution with Tremper Longman III,”
Creationism vs evolution with Tremper Longman III (Venice Presbyterian Church, May
9, 2019), video 1:27:14, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCbTuIEvDIE.
Response
Hello, thank you for sharing such an informative and educative decision on the significance of
literal interpretation of the day as 24 hours. Your argument is easy to follow and relatable. For
instance, you point to the lack of astronomical definition of seasons, weeks and years, contrary to
the scientific baselines for such definitions. On the same note, it is worth noting that those who
propose the thousand-million-year interpretations of the day tend to support their arguments with
scientific bases. As Wise notes, “All meanings of ‘day’ throughout the rest of the Bible –
including the places where it is used symbolically – are based upon the light portion of an earth-
rotation day.” The bible and science are generally contrasting, which means that underpinning
biblical teachings on scientific foundations contradicts the essence of the Scripture, causing
debates rather than solutions. Thus, as you have mentioned, I would also prefer the 24-hour
interpretation.
Post 2
In the OT, all nations, tongues, and tribes were included in God’s mission of sharing the
word and blessings with all nations. The first evidence is in Genesis 3:15; 9:17; 12:1-3
in which God directed the salvation message to reach all humanity.[1] Various non-
Jewish came to faith. Melchizedek, a Gentile, confessed openly his faith in Yahweh;
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law who was a Midianite, fellowshipped with Moses and Aaron
in Exodus 18 on a sacrificial meal; God also spoke to and through Balaam.[2] Also,
Jonah’s mission to Nineveh, a Gentile city, in OT shows God’s all-inclusive mission.
Winter and Hawthorne state that “Jerusalem's God is Nineveh's as well.”[3] Thus, He
rescued all tongues and tribes.
Besides, God used Abraham and the nation of Israel in the OT to show His glory to
other nations through the Abrahamic covenant of blessing all nations. God’s covenant
with Israel which sets them apart as a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation in Exodus 19:
4–6 shows His intention of using Israel to represent His glory to all nations. For
example, the self-revelation of God’s glory is seen at the time of the exodus in Exodus
9:14, 16. This was to make the Egyptians know Him and that His name is proclaimed
across the earth. Exodus 12:38 records that a “mixed multitude” joined the
exodus.[4] This indicates that many Egyptians came to know Yahweh’s glory through
Israel as He overthrew their gods.
Finally, Israel’s role in the OT compares to the Church’s role today as both have the
missionary call to be the light of the world. Israel was to be God's missionary to the
world, and so is today's Church by virtue of identity as Abraham's spiritual
descendants.[5] This is the NT’s Great Commission, a “creative statement” in the tone
of Genesis 1:3.[6] Christians are called to share with humanity the good news of Christ’s
salvation.[7] Thus, the church continues to manifest God's promise to Abraham to non-
believers by witnessing God's acts of redemption through Christ.
Response
Hello, thank you for sharing such an informative post on god’s mission to spread His virtue and
works to all nations, tongues and people. God is described as all-loving, kind and caring for His
people. In such description, there are no differentiation on which type of people or tongues that
are eligible for His work. Additionally, as you have noted, each nation was blessed, and the word
of God was spread among the Gentiles, Midianite, and several other people who were not Jews.
Abraham is known as the Father of All nations. Through Abraham, all nations that respected him
would be blessed, and those who curse him would be cursed. In that way, Abraham was used as
the foundation for spreading Scripture about God’s virtue. Also, Israel remains one of the blessed
countries because God used it to demonstrate to the whole world His presence, just the same way
as Church is used.
Post 3
There is a lot of evidence that God’s mission included all people in the Old Testament
no matter their nation, tongue, or tribe. We have a loving God who is inclusive, He does
not categorize us into boxes. In Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A
Reader by Ralph Winter and Steven Hawthorne they write, “…He is doing away with
cultures that make peoples distinct”[1]. Although we are from different cultures, we are
all children of God, and we are one nation under Him. We are connected through that
which He has blessed us. The Old Testament is no different. Deuteronomy 10:17 says,
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-
inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe” (Deut. 10:17, Christian
Standard Bible). God shows no partiality, He invites all people in everything He does,
including His mission.
God used Abraham and the nation of Israel in the Old Testament to show His glory to
other nations by promising Abraham countless descendants, promising that he would
be the father of many nations. God’s great promises made nations and kings under
Abraham and ultimately revealed His glory.
Israel’s role in the Old Testament is similar to the Church’s role today but it is not
identical. For if Israel was a branch, the Church is the tree. Just as Israel was to be a
intercessor between God and gentiles, the Church today is to be a intercessor between
God and people. They are both called to show who God is through their actions and
speech, and they are both called to worship Him endlessly.
[1] Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, eds., Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement: A Reader, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
2009), xvii (17)
Response
Hello, thank you for sharing your evidence-based thoughts on why God is all-loving and caring
for His people, regardless of their personal defining characteristics. In the Old Testament, God
establishes Himself as nonbiased, and that His glory is not for any selected population. Even
when He selected Israel to communicate His works to the whole world, it was not because they
were special, but because God needed them to lead the whole world into seeing how fair He was
in His glory. The same topic on God’s unbiassed Glory informed several events in the Bible. For
instance, Melchizedek, a Gentile, confessed openly his faith in Yahweh; Jethro, Moses' father-in-
law who was a Midianite, fellowshipped with Moses and Aaron in Exodus 18 on a sacrificial
meal; God also spoke to and through Balaam. Through the Church, believers have the
opportunity to enjoy the Glorification of God, despite the nations, tongues, and tribes they come
from.
