The battle lines have been drawn, and the enemy appears to be winning.
Many Christians who claim to believe the Bible seem willing to allow modern scientific theories to replace the Genesis account of creation.
But that compromise is a dangerous one. Genesis 1-3 contains the foundation of every doctrine essential to the Christian faith. Discount or discard the creation account, and you’ve undermined the foundation of Christianity and the gospel.
In
The Battle for the Beginning, John MacArthur explores the creation-evolution debate, and most important, walks you step by step through the Bible’s own account of the origin of the universe. Thoroughly researched, well documented, and easy to read, this new volume tackles the tough questions and equips you to face the battle being waged inside and outside the church.
John’s series The Battle for the Beginning points out many inconsistencies in the theory of evolution. So why do so many believe in it? What is the real reason?
The explosion in scientific exploration is revealing more about our universe than we’ve ever known. And with the evidence clearly “telling out the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1), we ought to be more certain than any of our forebears about the infinite power and wisdom of the Creator.
Science has uncovered whole wondrous worlds in nature that previous generations never knew existed. The more we see of creation, the more it reveals the order and the wisdom and the goodness of the One who designed it all and spoke it into existence.
But at the same time science is learning all of this, scientific theory is becoming increasingly atheistic. Incredibly, as the power, sophistication, and harmony of the universe come more and more to light, many modern scientists try all the more desperately to explain away the notion of a divine Creator who rules the universe. Why? Why do they suppose such an ordered, systematic creation is the result of mere chance?
Scripture has the answer. Romans one informs us that unbelievers will devise systems of thought to suppress the truth about God from their consciences.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. (Romans 1:18-22)
When men and women refuse God, they become enslaved to sin, enveloped in darkness, entrapped by futility. Forsaking God, they forsake truth, light, and eternal life. And so evolutionary atheism is nothing more than a product of their futile speculation, a weak attempt to deafen the din of an accusing conscience.
What resources did John consult when he preached his series The Battle for the Beginning?
A number of listeners have asked this question. We were curious to know too, so we did some research. Here’s what we found:
A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Part One, From Adam to Noah, by Umberto Cassuto (Magnes Press, Hebrew University: Jerusalem, 1978).
Creation and Change, by Douglas F. Kelly (Christian Focus: Fearn, Ross-shire, U.K., 1997).
Creation Evangelism for the New Millennium, by Ken Ham (Master Books: Green Forest, Ark., 1999).
The Creation of Life, by A. E. Wilder-Smith (The World for Today: Costa Mesa, Cal., 1970).
Darwin on Trial, by Philip Johnson (InterVarsity: Downers Grove, Ill., 1993).
Genesis for Today, by Andy McIntosh (Day One: Epsom, England, 1997).
The Genesis Record, by Henry M. Morris (Creation Life: San Diego, 1976).
In the Beginning, by Walt Brown (Center for Scientific Creation: Phoenix) 1995.
It’s A Young World After All, by Paul D. Ackerman (Baker: Grand Rapids, 1986).
The Long War Against God, by Henry M. Morris (Baker, Grand Rapids, 1989).
Reason in the Balance, by Philip Johnson (InterVarsity: Downers Grove, Ill., 1995).
The Scientific Alternative to Neo-Darwinian Evolutionary Theory, by A. E. Wilder-Smith (The World for Today: Costa Mesa, Cal., 1987).
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