“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Psalm 11:3
The area we live in is notorious for shifting ground and cracked foundations. This last year, one of the driest on record, played havoc with several houses in the neighborhood including our own. One thing is certain: a house’s cosmetic, outward appearance is no indication of its structural integrity. If the foundation, normally out of sight and out of mind, is cracked and disintegrating, it is only a matter of time before the whole structure collapses into a pile of rubble. The center of the Christian faith are the historical claims of the Gospel, namely, that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Just as a building requires a stable and dependable foundation, the Gospel requires a stable and dependable historical foundation. God Himself laid this foundation through the pen of Moses in the Genesis record. Genesis chapters 1-11 not only explain where our great sin problem began, they contain a cryptic reference to our problem’s personal solution (Genesis 3:15). Genesis explains that our first human parent, Adam, was not only our spiritual and physical progenitor, he was our federal head and representative as well. When he fell, we fell with him. Not only that, but Adam’s sin brought a curse upon the entire created order that had been placed under his care. Paul explains that Christ has come not only to be our substitute sacrifice for sins (2 Corinthians 5:21) but to be our new progenitor, federal head and representative as well (Romans 5, 15). Those who have received Christ for salvation are promised a right standing before God and citizenship in the Lord’s coming kingdom, which will be a miraculous return to Eden-like conditions. Just as there was no violence, bloodshed or death in God’s original “very good” world, there will no such things during the kingdom age (Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:29-30; Acts 3:21). Only when we take the Genesis record at face value do the Gospel promises of forgiveness and restoration make sense. Little wonder that God’s enemies have worked so hard to cast doubt on the early chapters of the first book of the Bible. When in doubt, dear friends, follow the example of Christ and His apostles, who clearly understood Genesis as reliable, straightforward historical narrative (Matthew 19:1-6; Luke 3:23-38; 1 Timothy 2:13-14). Remember,“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8). God’s word is true from the beginning (Psalm 119:160), and His promises are dependable (Hebrews 10:23). Rediscover His precious word today, dear saints, and be encouraged.
God bless,
Pastor John
English