Well It's a Metaphor

Steven’s Scribbles
“Well It’s a Metaphor”
Gen. 1-11
    
    In my life I’ve heard people use the phrase, “Well it’s a metaphor” when they encounter a verse or section of scripture they don’t understand. The same excuse is given when individuals wrestle with a section of scripture that violates their previously held beliefs. This is extremely evident when you are dealing with the first 11 chapters of the Bible. It is undeniable that if you take the Bible literally, it demands a young Earth. That young Earth did have mature elements from its beginning; this is observed when Adam was told He could eat from the trees that were created on day three. When dealing with this topic of a young Earth, you may encounter someone saying, “Well all of that is just a metaphor” or “figurative” but it’s definitely “not to be taken literally.” This lazy approach to Bible study can cause a Christian significant problems with interpreting other sections of Scripture. Many bible characters understood Genesis to be actual history and not just “figurative.” Please consider the following: Paul [He understood Adam to be the first human being on Earth (1 Cor. 15:45 & 47), he referred to Adam and Eve as real people (1 Tim. 2:13-14), and quoted the promise God gave to Abraham and Sarah [Rom. 9:9]), Peter [He mentioned Noah by name and understood the flood to be global and literal (1 Peter 3:20; 2:5) and understood Sodom and Gomorrah to be an accurate account (2 Peter 2:6-10)], Moses [He referred to God’s creative work as a literal 6 day events (Ex. 20:8-11)], and most importantly Jesus [Understood Adam and Eve’s marriage to be literal and the foundational example for marriage (Matt. 19:4-5), mentioned Abel as real (Matt. 23:35), attributed Moses’ writings as genuine (John 5:46-47), regarded the flood account with Noah as actual history (Matt. 24:37-39), and many more (Matt. 11:23-24, Matt. 1:1-2; Luke 3:36-37)]. Being lazy with the Genesis account, or any other section of scripture, can have serious ramifications down the road. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley