The Gap Theory (Part Two)

by S. Daniel Smith

I actually love the idea of the gap theory. It perfectly explains the cretaceous extinction and the time gap in the creation record. And it’s just plain fascinating. In part one I explained what the gap theory was. That post is available for your reference should you need it.

So while I think it perfectly explains the geological record, at least insofar as the cretaceous extinction is concerned (it doesn’t directly talk about the other four extinctions in the geological record), I have some issues with the doctrine.

Most importantly, believing the doctrine of Ruin Restoration (gap theory) is made difficult because it’s not actually in the Bible. There is indeed a seemingly large gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, but it has to be read into the scripture, it’s just not there in black and white. And that is the crux of the matter. Here’s what I mean:

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was destroyed by a great impact. It’s pain was more than any living thing could bear.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

But we all know that’s not how it’s written. I don’t believe that God is a “read between the lines” author. The reason I believe the rapture is plausible is because I find evidence of it in scripture. The reason I have trouble accepting the gap theory is because I don’t. I want it to be there, but it isn’t. At least not outright.

Scofield, in presenting his case in his notes on Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, says, “Earth made waste and empty by judgment (Jer 4:23-26)

Walton believes that Genesis 1:1 is a summary statement. He believes this based on two factors. First, the writer of Genesis often wrote in this manner. Secondly, the creative act concludes in 2:1 with, “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.”[1]

This is certainly a good explanation based on a scholarly review of the scripture. Philosophically, I don’t think that the God of Jacob, of Isaac, of David, of Peter and Paul, would make things as subjective and difficult as a gap theory. I realize that prophecy is difficult to understand and that it takes a certain amount of interpretation, but it’s at least there. The gap theory isn’t. Also, and this is most important when comparing prophesy and history, the former is going to be vague because it must be interpreted. History can be written down word for word because it already happened. Sadly, I don’t know that the gap theory is.

I’m going to review the Jeremiah passage and write about it. Perhaps it will shed some light on the subject. We will continue to review the material together too, and process it as it comes. Feel free to add your comments about the gap theory and any evidence you find for and against it.

Stay tuned to future updates by clicking HERE.

Notes:

[1] Walton, John H. The NIV Application Commentary (Genesis). Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI, 2001. Pg70.