Consequences of Theistic Evolution Part IV
November 6, 2019 9:14 am creation, evolution, theistic evolutionTheistic Evolution is the belief that God used evolution as his means of producing the various forms of physical life on this planet, including human life. Several of the consequences of Theistic Evolution have already been considered in previous posts. In this article, we want to consider yet another result of Theistic Evolution.
8. Some Theistic Evolutionists deny the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture (also referred to as the perspicuity of Scripture). Francis Collins, a theistic evolutionists, in his book, The Language of God, 153, states, “Despite twenty-five centuries of debate, it is fair to say that no human knows what the meaning of Genesis 1 and 2 was precisely intended to be.” The word perspicuity means clarity. To say that something is perspicacious is to say that it is clear. The doctrine of the clarity of Scripture means that the central message of the Bible is clear and understandable and that the Bible itself can be properly interpreted in a normal, literal sense. Genesis 1 and 2 contain the essential information concerning the doctrine of creation. If we affirm that no one can understand these two chapters in Genesis, we are giving up on one of the most important doctrines in the Bible. Genesis 1 and 2 answer the question of man’s origin, nature, and relationship to his creator. Creation is a supernatural act performed by an all-powerful, all-wise God. The doctrine of clarity of Scripture is taught in several passages both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. For instance, in Deut. 6:6-7, Moses instructs the Israelites to teach the Law to their children. If God intended for children to learn the Law, then, certainly adults can learn it. The creation of all things by God is one of the things that children can learn. Paul told Timothy, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15). The phrase, holy scriptures, is a reference to the Old Testament which includes an account of the creation. Paul knew that children could understand the Scriptures. Understanding God’s Word is essential to being wise. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). The person who knows and obeys the sayings of Jesus is a wise man (Matt. 7:24-27). Jesus said that knowing the truth is essential to salvation (John 8:32). Jesus also referenced Gen. 1 and 2 in Matt. 19:4 and understood it literally. Spiritual discernment involves knowing good from evil (Heb. 5:14). Paul states, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (II Cor. 4:6). Paul’s mission was to open the eyes of the Gentiles, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive the forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Acts 26:18). Paul opened their eyes through the proclamation of the gospel of Christ (I Cor. 1:23 and 2:2). The apostle Paul referenced Adam as a historical person and called him the “first man” (I Cor. 15:45; Rom. 5:12-21). Both Jesus and Paul understand Genesis 1 and 2. Why doesn’t Francis Collins? Collins attempts to escape into agnosticism because he will not elevate the truth of the Scriptures over his own interpretation of scientific data.