I have spent many hours in study and contemplating the subject of the origins. That is how did the universe get here? How did life come about? Is everything we see and know a result of random chance? Is there a purpose behind all of this? These and many more questions come to mind.
At some point you consider what others say about the subject. It is interesting but it really does not matter in the broad scheme of things. We should only be concerned about knowing Jesus Christ and him crucified (I Corinthians 2:2), everything else should be left alone. The doctrine of origins (creation) is too divisive and should not be discussed because we are not about division. It seems to be a subject that should be put on the backburner and for some not to be discussed because it is a hot subject that serves only to divide the body of Christ.
All of these questions and comments seem to bear a heavy weight on you when you find yourself seemingly alone in many respects concerning this issue. Being a science teacher and a Christian minister puts you in a uncommon category. If you are not careful the subject can become very egghead very quickly. On the other hand as a Christian minister many paint a picture of a one who simply wants to infringe on the rights of others to live the lifestyle they have chosen. That is to suggest that the Bible should be considered history and God’s Word to be the final authority is very offensive to some. After all to suggest that God’s word is to be considered over man’s word is a ridiculous proposition in today’s world.
Through all of these questions and thoughts you must go back to the main question. Is the the doctrine of origins important? And my conclusion is absolutely positively, yes. In fact if you are to, “… be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15) then where do you start? You must start at the beginning with the first Adam so that you can explain the need for the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). Man’s real need for God is that we need a redeemer. If Adam is not a historical character and the story of original sin in the garden is just some sort of story then why do we need God?
The need to know and understand the doctrine of origins from our creator as He has shared it through His Word is to know the mind of God for man. God’s thought for man was and is good in fact original creation was very good (Gen. 1:31). Sin’s destructive force has left its mark on man and the very world we live in but God continues to extent His love and grace. When we disseminate a message that origins was full of millions of years of death, pain and disease rather than a very good world until impacted by sin we compromise the good news of the gospel message. This world is in need of the last Adam, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22).
