Getting Genesis Right (Part 2)

This is the second and concluding blog of dot points made by Dr William Barrick, Professor of Old Testament and Director of Th.D. Studies at Master's Seminary, California, when he recently visited Australia and spoke at a one day conference at St John's Park Baptist Church, Sydney.

"The creation record in Genesis 1:1-2:3 represents some of the highest standards of literature.

The account is a literary masterpiece.

The creation record in Genesis 1:1-2:3 presents a literal historical account.

The creation record in Genesis 1:1-2:3 provides a theological foundation for understanding God, the world, and mankind.

1.0 The beauty and majesty of Genesis 1:1-2:3 does not arise from poetry.

1.1 The creation record lacks the parallelism that characterizes Hebrew poetry.

1.2 The grammar of the creation record is not the grammar of Hebrew poetry.

1.3 No indication of imagery or metaphor occurs in the creation record.

2.0 The historicity of Genesis 1:1-2:3 relies on key elements of Hebrew narrative.

2.1 The verbs and phrases of the creation record indicates actions in chronological sequence.

2.2 The text of the creation record displays formulaic repetitions.

2.3 The creation record comes closer to the pattern of genealogies than to Hebrew poetry.

3.0 Identifying the creation record as narrative Instead of poetry prevents misunderstanding the text of Genesis 1:1-2:3.

3.1 Misidentification leads to bias against the supernatural.

3.2 Misidentification gives the impression that the text does not correspond with reality.

3.3 Misidentification excludes the creation record as a historical witness or testimony.

3.4 Misidentification excludes chronological data.

3.5 Misidentification disrupts the pattern of biblical history.

Conclusion

As historical narrative, Genesis 1:1-2:3 presents six literal days of creation.

As historical narrative. Genesis 1:1-2:3 establishes theological precedents regarding the nature of God and His work.

As historical narrative, Genesis 1:1-2:3 fosters faith in the unity of the testimony Of Scripture."

With the Episcopalian Diocese of Sydney almost bereft of theologians holding firm to the Word of God in Genesis it is a blessing from God that He should send among us, if only for a brief time, one of His own to refresh us.

Sam Drucker