The Legacy Collection

© 2014 Dennis Fischer ®
All rights reserved

Volume V

"When Did God Create Angels?"

By
Dennis Fischer

Summary: By Blow the Trumpet

The words contained in this volume of our Legacy Collection reflects a message that was originally presented by Mr. Dennis Fischer to a well-respected COG association in 2010 and later to two prominent Church of God associations in 2014. It was prompted by a protracted thread on the internet challenging his conclusions regarding the age of the universe and specifically the angelic realm—an opinion he first expressed in a book he authored a decade earlier. 

Although not an ordained minister Mr. Fischer is a long-standing member of God’s Church and has spoken as well as written prolifically about God’s Kingdom, His Plan, and His People.

This particular message received widespread acclaim from numerous COG audiences who encouraged him to share it with a broader community within the body of Christ.

Sadly, it didn’t take long for emotions to run high and unfortunately, as is the case all to often in God’s Church, respectful disagreements became hostile encounters complete with insults, accusations and condemnations. 

In this particular case Fischer personally knew the original critics of his book and genuinely liked them and as such couldn’t understand the level of hostility woven through their posts. He even appealed to them to allow him to provide an explanation of why he drew his conclusion. Therefore, at least they could appreciate the fact that his opinion was not simply the product of “whim” as they suggested, or even worse, “arrogance.” 

Presenting His Case

At this point Fischer produced a unique way to present a sermon. He provided his audience with what he refers to as a “progressive questionnaire”. This questionnaire sequentially follows his message and may consist of up to seventy-five questions whose answers are readily available simply by listening to the message. For example:   

1. What was the Title of this sermon?
2. What was the name of the girl in the story at the beginning of the sermon?
3. Name three traits this girl possessed that described her personality and her character.
4. In the sermon a pastor cited a parable. Name the parable.
5. Define the word “parable.”
6. etc, etc, etc.

People who have participated in this approach absolutely loved it describing it as highly interactive and outright “FUN.” One member stated that “it was almost like playing BINGO at church. And virtually everyone touted it as a great way to remember a sermon in detail."

A Presentation Philosophy

Fischer was once asked how he approached his messages—if there was something he specifically did to make them interesting. Or, if he had a philosophy that governed his speaking style. He responded by relating a story about Mr. Herbert Armstrong. In it Mr. Armstrong encouraged students at Ambassador College to make every speech they gave a “stir to action” speech—and that every time they give a presentation they should present a case dedicated to persuading their audience much the same as a trial lawyer does to a jury. According to Fischer those words made tremendous sense—and as a result he integrated them into every speech, sermon and presentation he ever gave—both within and outside the Church.

After providing this answer he was asked if he had ever given a sermon in which he actually spoke to a congregation as he would to a literal jury. He had to admit that the thought had never occurred to him, but this might be the perfect time to do so. As a result he prepared his case—complete with an opening statement and concluding with a summation. It had all the appearances of a real trial. 

The day of the sermon had finally arrived. Fischer had prepared all his exhibits as well as designed jury questionnaires to be completed by the congregation. As he methodically presented his case it was clear the audience was literally captured by its persuasiveness. The feedback was immensely positive. As for the detractors, we are not sure if they ever heard it.

And now we at Blow the Trumpet are honored to present Volume V of the Legacy Collection and in so doing answer the question: “When Did God Create the Angels?” We hope it persuades you.

The Sermon

Salutation:

Good morning everyone and a good Sabbath to you all. 

Brethren, before we start I would like to thank you for inviting me to present this particular message to your fellowship.

I genuinely appreciate it.

I also appreciate your interest in this subject because as I am sure you know it has become a source of modest controversy among a small but rather tenacious number of God’s people today.

With that said, I promise to do my very best to honestly present what I believe is the Biblical view on this topic. 

So let us begin.  

Introduction:

Brethren, in 2004 I completed a 350-page book entitled A Vision, A Plan, and A Destiny. 

Of every project I have ever undertaken this is, by far, the most special.

The book tells a story of God’s plan and how the forces of evil tried to thwart it. It reveals how God overcomes these forces to ensure His Plan would be accomplished and that a magnificent Destiny for His children would ultimately be fulfilled. 

Over the years I have received numerous comments from people who have read it and the overwhelming majority of them have been hugely positive. 

One reader posted his observation on a prominent COG forum a few years ago.

Here is what he wrote, and I quote.

“I read this book several months ago, and really enjoyed it. I think it should be required reading for all professing Christians. Today, I was recalling how much I appreciated the Appendix offered in this book, and did a short review. 

“This feature is priceless! All four topics offer a very sound explanation and synopsis of their theme. It makes for an excellent study and teaching tool, an easy to follow and understand guide on each subject. Do yourself a favor, and take the time to investigate this outstanding material. You’ll be glad you did!”  

A Change of Heart 

However, at some later point, this same person apparently had a significant change of heart and wrote this:  

“If you can swallow the idea that Angels are billions of years old, that Satan had a temper tantrum and destroyed the earth millions of years before the Creation Week, this book may be for you. Read "A Vision A Plan and A Destiny" and you’ll get the idea. 

I can't believe I ever said anything positive about it.” 

He then called it “a work of fiction”

Now in the course of an Email exchange with numerous COG members this man argued that there isn’t a shred of evidence in the scriptures that even hints that angels existed prior to the six days of creation described in Genesis 1. 

Here is how he put it.

“Yes, I know the Sons of God jumped for joy when God laid the cornerstone of the Earth (Job 38:6-7). This only proves the Angels were here during the Creation Week. It does not prove they were here earlier, and certainly does not prove they are billions of years old.”

A Second Detractor

Now at this point a second gentleman decided to weigh in on the discussion and when doing so offered his unqualified support to the belief that everything that exists (including the spiritual realm) didn’t come into being until the six days of creation as described in the first chapter of the book of Genesis and not one second earlier. 

Furthermore, according to him there are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS whatsoever. 

In other words he contends that nothing existed in any place and at any time before that—only God and the Word—not even Angels

But there’s more.

This person went so far as to assert that anyone who dares to believe otherwise is simply speaking foolishness and is actually contradicting God Himself.

Here is how he expressed it.

“In my almost 30 years connected with God's Church, it seems much more often than not, that leading men are too willing to offer up whatever answer to 'THEM' sounds like it's simply "good enough."  Maybe a little self-or otherwise constructive criticism is in order, before we continue to speak as fools according to our own folly?”

He concluded his thought with a question. 

“Why is it we so quickly allow ourselves to contradict God's very own words when he says he made "ALL that is” in 6 days and rested?”

SPS:

This now brings us to the question of the day:

Now although both of these well intended men may believe otherwise, I am fully persuaded that there exists compelling evidence directly from the Scriptures, declaring that the spirit realm (including the angels) existed long before the material universe came into being.

My purpose in this message is to present that evidence.

The Format

With that said, today I would like to do something a little different. 

Instead of employing a typical sermon format I am going to present this message in the form of exhibits—actually 7 exhibits—the way you might see them presented in a court of law. 

Each exhibit will have a number as well as a name. 

Now, in consideration of this approach I would like you (my audience) to assume the role of jurors in the court. 

As a matter of fact, I would like to address you as just that (“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury”). 

In this capacity your duty will be to render a verdict based on the evidence at hand.  

With that said, let the case begin

Exhibit I

“The Evidence of Creation”

Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, the story of creation recorded in Genesis 1 is very telling with respect to this issue—not only because of what it says—but also because of what it doesn’t say. 

To illustrate this point we are going to read the entire chapter—and when doing so I intend to offer some personal observations concerning what is taking place in this creation narrative.

So let’s get started.

Genesis 1:1-2

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

    
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

My First Observation:

At this point I would like to make my first observation:

Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you that it is at some point after these two verses God begins 6 literal days fashioning the material universe as we know it. 

Furthermore, each of these 6 literal days actually BEGINS with the same words—

“And God said.”

The point I am making is that everything recorded prior to the words, “And God said,” occurred prior to everything recorder after the words “And God said.” 

This being the case, everything mentioned in verses 1 and 2 had already taken place before the first day commenced. 

In other words, the six days of creation began in verse three—NOT verse one as some mistakenly assume.

Now I realize I will have to prove it. 

And ladies and gentlemen I intend to do just that.

Let’s now see what God’s word actually says about the first day—the one beginning with the words, “And God said.”

The First Day

Here God creates light and divides it from darkness

Genesis 1:3-5

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 

 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 

 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And an evening and a morning were the first day.

We now come to day two

The Second Day

God then creates our atmosphere 

Genesis 1:6-8

                 
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 

And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 

And God called the firmament Heaven. And an evening and the morning were the second day. 

 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown’s critical commentary on the Bible makes an interesting observation about the term “firmament.”

Here is what they wrote: And I quote.

“Firmament:”

“a name given to the atmosphere, from its appearing to an observer, to be the vault of heaven, supporting the weight of the watery clouds. By the creation of an atmosphere, the lighter parts of the waters which overspread the earth's surface were drawn up and suspended in the visible heavens, while the larger and heavier mass remained below. The air was thus ‘in the midst of the waters,’ that is,[it] separated them;”

In other words, this firmament (or heaven) is the air that separates rain clouds above and all the bodies of water on the earth beneath. 

We now come to day three:                

The Third Day

God fashions the land

as well as the seas

Genesis 1:9-10

 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 

 

And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas: and God saw that it was good. 

Ah, but He isn’t finished

Ladies and gentlemen, during this particular day God also created vegetation and even fashioned the laws that would govern how that vegetation would proliferate.

 

Mind you we’re still in the third day as evidenced by the fact that God has not yet announced its conclusion—although He will soon enough.

Genesis 1:11-13

                   
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, and herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 

 

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after its kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after its kind: and God saw that it was good. 

 

And an evening and a morning were the third day.

 The third is now complete which brings us to day four.

The Fourth Day

God fashions the celestial universe

Genesis 1:14

                 
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury these two words “Signs” and “Seasons” are very interesting and reveal a profound foresight and wisdom in God’s planning and design of the universe 

The word “signs” comes from the Hebrew “owth” and means a “signal,” “beacon,” “evidence,” or “mark. It is the same word used to describe God’s weekly Sabbath in both the law (Ex 31:17) and the prophets (Ezk 20:12)

The word “seasons” comes from the Hebrew “moed” and means “appointed times.” God’s appointed times are His annual Festivals. 

The Point

Ladies and gentlemen, the point here is that the Almighty created an interstellar clock (as it were) as an instrument that would enable His children to identify specific points in time that would reveal not only who their Creator was but what He was doing and more importantly what it meant to them personally. 

In a very real sense these “signs” and “seasons” are the keys that unlock God’s remarkable plan and man’s part in it—his DESTINY if you will.

However, these astronomical wonders also serve another purpose—and for that we go to verse 15 

Lights in Heaven

Genesis 1:15-19

And let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 

 

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 

 

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 

 

And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 

 

And an evening and the morning were the fourth day. 

We now come to day five.

The Fifth Day

God creates a variety of sea creatures as well as birds

Genesis 1:20-23

                                     
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that have life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.              

                
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 

 

And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 

 

And an evening and a morning were the fifth day. 

God is now prepared to conclude the creation of the molecular universe and it is clear that He saved the best for last. 

We now come to day six.

The Sixth Day

God creates earth roaming animals and 

the human family

Genesis 1:24-25

                                                    
And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after their kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after their kind: and it was so. 

 

And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creeps upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

The Almighty concludes the day by creating 

the human family in His own image—after His own likeness

Once again we are still in the sixth day

Genesis 1:26-27

           
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. 

 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 

Ladies and gentlemen, at this point there is something unique about the creation of the human family. Unlike every other aspect of the creation, when it came to man God didn’t simply speak him into existence but rather fashioned him out of the earth and when doing so made him in His own image and very likeness. 

And it is here that I’d like to make another observation. 

Another Observation

Personally, I believe God took this hands-on approach because of a special intimacy He knew would exist between Him and the human family. 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, later in this message we’re going to find out that before He ever created the molecular universe, Jesus, as its Architect already knew of the great sacrifice He would make to redeem man from the consequences of sin—and I suspect He felt that connection powerfully with the first handful of clay.

Empowering Man\

But the Eternal was not yet finished with the creation of the material universe. 

Something very important remained: 

At this point He personally empowers mankind with authority (that is to say dominion) over the entire creation identified in the Genesis narrative. 

And one can only imagine why He did so.

Genesis 1:28-31

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth. you it shall be for meat. 

 

And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

 

And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creeps upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

 

And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And an evening and a morning were the sixth day.

Summarizing Exhibit I

At this point the creation of the creation of the heavens and the earth is complete.

However, not without leaving us with one HUGE problem concerning the issue that has been set before us.

Here it is.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I want you to notice that throughout this chapter God describes in GREAT detail the creation of the molecular universe, 

However, nothing whatsoever is said about the creation of the supernatural. 

There is no mention of Cherubim, Seraphim, or any other spirit beings. 

There is nothing said of 24 elders, four living creatures, or seven spirits. 

Not a word 

In short—NO ANGELS 

A Striking Observation

Now this seems striking that God would go to such great lengths when describing the heavens and the earth—and omit what is arguably the most dramatic place in existence. 

The Spirit Realm

That is of course, unless the spirit realm was never a part of the material creation recorded in Genesis.

Here is the point

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the first chapter of Genesis only describes the material realm as we know it. 

Not the spirit realm. 

It describes OUR current domain and how IT came into being. 

It does not mention God’s spiritual domain and how (or when) it came to be. 

Furthermore, no matter how hard some may try to place the creation of God’s majestic home and the angelic citizens who reside there within the six days of Genesis 1, it just can’t be done.

This now brings us to the next exhibit.

Exhibit II

“The Evidence of a Special Commandment” 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, those who hold to the belief that the supernatural realm did not exist prior to the creation of the molecular universe anchor their opinion on the Ten Commandments—more specifically the fourth commandment—which pertains to God’s Sabbath

I want you to notice how this particular law is directly linked to His creation.

Exodus 20:8-11

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 

Six days shall you labor, and do all your work: 

But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it you shall do no work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor the stranger that is within your gates: 

We now come to verse 11, which specifically addresses the Genesis account of creation—and it is this particular verse that advocates of this new doctrine incorrectly cite when attempting to prove that everything that was ever created anywhere never existed prior to the Genesis narrative. 

This would include Heaven itself as well as God’s throne and the palatial estate He and His majestic angels call home.

As we heard previously, one advocate of this view actually expressed it in the form of a rebuke of anyone who would believe otherwise. Here are his exact words—and I quote.

“Why is it we so quickly allow ourselves to contradict God's very own words when he says he made "ALL that is” in 6 days and rested?”

Ladies and gentlemen, the real tragedy here is that this gentleman builds his conclusion on a totally false predicate and as a result completely misrepresents what this verse says and thus changes its entire meaning.

But don’t believe me believe the correct rendering of the Almighty’s command.

Notice what verse 11 actually says.

Exodus 20:11

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and [NOT ALL THAT IS] [but rather] ALL THAT IN THEM IS… 

Ladies and gentlemen, do you see the difference?

It is amazing to witness how the omission of two little words can completely change the meaning of Scripture—but that is exactly what has taken place here. In the form of a rebuke no less.

Here’s the point

The fourth commandment is only addressing the physical universe and everything that is a part of it

And despite what this gentleman, and others like him. are trying to persuade you to believe, it is NOT speaking of the spiritual realm and all of its components.

Fortunately, however, there are places in the sacred writings that do address God’s eternal domain—which brings us to the next exhibit

Exhibit III

“The Evidence of the Third Heaven” 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, at this point, it is CRITICAL to understand that Genesis, which gives a very detailed account of the material creation, specifically identifies two heavens, both of which are a part of the molecular universe.

The First Heaven

As we have already learned the first heaven is our atmosphere—which Genesis refers to as a firmament between the clouds above and the waters on the earth beneath. 

This particular heaven was created on the 2^nd day and was later identified in the Genesis narrative as the place birds fly. 

In other words the first heaven is our sky

The Second Heaven

We’ve also learned that Genesis describes a different heaven—a second heaven if you will.

This second heaven is a celestial one—although it too is also a part of the molecular universe. 

In other words it is a physical place governed by physical laws and was created on the fourth day.

This is the same celestial heaven spoken of by the patriarch David

Psalm 8:3

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;”

Clearly, David was referring to an interstellar heaven—in other words Outer Space.

Here’s the point.

And it’s a BIG one.

Listen carefully.

A Third Heaven 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, it goes without dispute that the first chapter of Genesis and the twentieth chapter of Exodus mention a first and 2^nd heaven. 

However, the Bible also identifies a third heaven. 

Paul spoke of this place when writing to the Church at Corinth.

2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.

Ladies and gentlemen, this “third heaven” is described in great detail in the scriptures—and it is a remarkable place to be sure—for many reasons not the least of which is that it is the seat of God’s ETERNAL GOVERNMENT and the home of His angelic host

And although the first and second heaven as described in Genesis are impressive to be sure, the third heaven is spectacular in both majesty and scope

Here is how the Apostle John described it.

Revelation 4:1-6

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. 

 

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 

 

And he that sat was to look upon like jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 

 

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 

 

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

But there’s more. John continues...

Revelation 4:6

And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

What is this Heaven?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, what is this place?

And who are these creatures?

Furthermore, does the heaven being described here remotely resemble the two heavens mentioned in Genesis 1 and Exodus 20?

The answer should be obvious—it isn’t even close

This heaven is much different.

And its greatest difference is very telling

Listen carefully everyone for you’re going to hear why:

An Ancient Domain

Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, it cannot be emphasized enough that the creation described in the Sabbath command as well as that described in Genesis 1 pertains exclusively to the material universe. NOTHING MORE!  NOTHING LESS!

However, as we have just read God and His angels reside in a different place—One that is not governed by the physical laws of the heavens and the earth of which we are a part. 

So unique is this place that the Messiah actually informed the Jewish leader, Nicodemus that man must literally be born of the spirit it in order to obtain even a glimpse of it with the only exception being by divine vision such as John experienced in Revelation and the prophet Ezekiel during Judah's Babylonian captivity.

But there’s more

And what you are about to hear just might put this whole debate to rest.

It begins with a question

How old is God’s Domain?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this might come as a surprise, but the Bible powerfully reveals that there is a distinction between the age of the third heaven and the age of the heavens described in the Genesis narrative (the first and second heaven). 

And the third heaven is older—much older. 

Notice this distinction.

Psalm 68:32-33

Sing unto God, you kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: 

To him that rides upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice

An Ancient Heaven

Ladies and gentlemen, the words, “which were of old” in this verse indicates that the highest heaven is in some sense ancient. 

But ancient compared to what? 

Why would this be said of the third heaven if all three heavens were created at the same time during creation week? 

By the way, the expression “were of old” is never used when speaking about the first or second heaven. 

Only the heaven which is preeminent above all heavens bears this distinction.

The Point 

So what can we draw from this exhibit?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the strong evidence as reflected in scripture is that the third heaven is not only REAL, it is an ancient place, one that pre-dates the first and second heaven which brings us to my fourth Exhibit.

Exhibit IV

“The Evidence of Science and Scripture”

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, one of the great intellectual struggles between sincere Bible believers and the scientific community involves the age of the universe as well as how that universe came into existence.

According to the vast majority of astrophysicists the universe is between 12 and 15 billion years old with its beginning occurring as a result of a massive explosion of subatomic matter referred to as the “Big Bang.” 

Both of these theories have been rejected by the majority of people of faith because they are convinced that each goes contrary to Biblical orthodoxy. 

This certainly is the case when it comes to those in God’s Church who embrace the belief that angels were created concurrent with the Genesis narrative.

Now at first glance these two conflicting positions appear to be infinitely distant from each other and totally irreconcilable. But, ladies and gentlemen appearances can be misleading and in this case they most definitely are.

Consider the following:

In the introduction to this message I revealed that several years ago I wrote a book that has unintentionally been thrust into the center of this issue. 

Although not its main focus the book does briefly address both the age of the universe as well as how it came into existence and in doing so allows for the possibility of science being compatible with scripture.

Here is how the book explained the universe’s age by examining a key phrase contained in Genesis 1:2 which begins with the words:

“and the earth was without form and void...”

This is what I wrote and what some in God’s Church passionately reject.

“The words ‘without form and void’ are somewhat cryptic and thus have been ignored by most professing Christians. Some even believe that this verse is simply describing the infant stages of the universe. 

 

In other words, at this point, God was not yet finished with the creation of the heavens and the earth. 

 

Although He had fashioned the universe, it was still in a nebulous state, and needed some finishing touches [which were accomplished in the ensuing six days in Genesis 1.]

However, this is not what the scriptures reveal—and a closer examination of this verse bears this out.

The words ‘without form and void’ are very important when understanding how and when our world came to be. 

The Hebrew term for “without form” is tohu va bohu. Literally translated this term means “desolate” and/or “chaotic,” a “waste place.” 

This being the case, one might ask: why would God make the earth a desolate chaotic waste? The answer is: He wouldn’t—and the scriptures bear this out.

In the forty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, God’s word declares that He never created the world in a state of chaos and confusion. 

Isaiah 45:18

“For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain...”

“The word “vain” in this verse is identical to the word “form” in Genesis 1:2. Once again, this term refers to a chaotic state, only this time Isaiah is explaining that God never created the world in such a condition.”

“At this point, it is important to understand that God is a God of order, not chaos. This being the case, something dramatic must have occurred at some point after He [initially] created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1)–something so severe that it would have rendered the world desolate.”

Crystallizing the Point

I then offered the following. 

‘It is possible that this chaos may have so radically altered the earth’s environment that the planet couldn’t sustain life. Atmospheric conditions may have been adjusted, causing the earth to convulse with great natural disasters. The result: tohu va bohu. Furthermore, this event may have occurred millions or even billions of years after God first created the universe.” 

I concluded by offering what I believe crystallizes the point. 

“Although Genesis 1:2 reads “and the earth was without form and void,” many scholars acknowledge that the word “was” in this verse is better translated “became.” 

 

Therefore, this verse should read “and the earth became without form and void.” In other words, at some point after the universe was initially created, something happened that caused it to become chaotic and confused.”  

Ladies and gentlemen, in another part of the book I offer the possibility that the chaos described in Genesis was the result of a great war in heaven instigated by the former archangel Lucifer. I actually dedicated multiple chapters to the evolution of his animus toward God and his plan.

At this point it is important to understand that I am acutely aware that my position goes contrary to the majority of normative Christian faiths.

However, those who argue that my words support any theory rejecting the existence of the Great God of the Bible as the one and only TRUE CREATOR are totally wrong. 

The only thing it supports is that a case can be made for the universe being older than many in the religious community think—and that the six literal days beginning in Genesis 1:3 are actually describing a re-creation of the original heavens and the earth.

And that the entire chapter is simply describing how our universe came to be as it is now as opposed to the way it was at the beginning.

But there’s more.

The Big Bang

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, in addition to addressing the age of the universe, I also made an observation regarding how this spectacular structure came into existence. 

And when doing so I presented an opinion that defines the process of creation in a way that appears to endorse the “Big Bang theory.”  

HOWEVER, as you hear what I wrote ask yourself if it sounds hostile toward God as the architect of the universe and its true CREATOR. 

Here’s what I wrote.

“Experts in the scientific community have suggested that the molecular structure from which the universe came once possessed a perfect density. In other words, it was perfectly solid. To put this in perspective, imagine God placing the entire universe in His hand and squeezing all the air out of it. 

 

It was so concentrated that there was literally no space between the atomic particles of which matter consists. Furthermore, the density of this structure was so great that its size would be remarkably small. 

 

Many leading quantum-physicists have suggested that it was no larger than a small coin. Imagine the entire universe being the size of a dime! Some have even suggested that it was so tiny that it could not even be detected by the most powerful microscope on earth today. Such a fact is just mind-boggling because the universe in its current state is so vast 

 

This concentrated molecular structure is in all likelihood what God made from incorruptible “spirit essence.” In this process, the incorruptible became corruptible. Spirit became matter. This atomic structure would then be used by the Great Creator to form an architectural wonder that would come to be known as the universe. It was at this point that God spoke the “word” that would “frame the world.” He commanded this massive energy source to “go forth!” and go forth it did!

 

This precise moment was nothing short of high drama in the history of God’s plan. Virtually every angelic being in existence was poised as the Almighty was about to activate a power source so massive, its effects are felt throughout the heavens to this very day. The universe today is still in a state of expansion.

     

It is hard to imagine how spectacular this moment was. Here, at this exact instant, organic matter was screaming through a newborn universe at speeds man simply cannot comprehend. The colors and sounds must have been breathtaking.

The Big Bang Concluded

“As this newly created material ripped through the blackness of space, stars were being formed, planets and moons were moving into orbits, honoring laws the Great Creator had already set in motion. Gravitational pulls were molding solar systems, Galaxies were forming their “borders.” Great stars were exploding into bodies of unimaginable light and power. And this all came into being because an infinite God gave the “word.” 

 

The Bible says, “God spoke and earth existed.” This truth is affirmed by both science and scripture.”

We now come to exhibit 5.

Exhibit V

“The Evidence of Four Creatures” 

Ezekiel’s Vision

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, clearly, there exists a tremendous difference between the third heaven where God and His eternal government reside and the two firmaments described in the Genesis account of creation.

God’s domain is infinitely more spectacular in majesty and scope as well as in the extraordinary creatures that call it home. 

To illustrate this latter point consider the following.

The ancient prophet Ezekiel provides a very detailed description of four of its citizens and the picture he reveals is nothing short of jaw dropping 

Even more significant is the fact that Ezekiel was actually presented with this description by God Himself. 

Imagine what this great prophet must have thought as the Almighty was presenting this remarkable vision.

The Vision

Ezekiel 1:1-4

Good News Translation

1 On the fifth day of the fourth month of the thirtieth year, I, Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, was living with the Jewish exiles by the Chebar River in Babylon. 

 

The sky opened, and I saw a vision of God. 

 

2 It was the fifth year since King Jehoiachin had been taken into exile.) 

 

3 There in Babylon beside the Chebar River, I heard the Lord speak to me, and I felt his power. 

 

4 I looked up and saw a windstorm coming from the north. Lightning was flashing from a huge cloud, and the sky around it was glowing. Where the lightning was flashing, something shone like bronze. 

Ezekiel then describes something 

in the eye of the storm

Ezekiel 1:5

5 At the center of the storm I saw what looked like four living creatures in human form, 

 

6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. 

 

7 Their legs were straight, and they had hoofs like those of a bull. They shone like polished bronze.

God’s prophet then goes into greater detail

including describing the actual formation 

these creatures are in when they travel

The Vision continued

Ezekiel 1:8

8 In addition to their four faces and four wings, each had four human hands, one under each wing. 

 

9 Two wings of each creature were spread out so that the creatures formed a square, with their wing tips touching. When they moved, they moved as a group without turning their bodies. 

 

10 Each living creature had four different faces: a human face in front, a lion's face at the right, a bull's face at the left, and an eagle's face at the back. 

 

11 Two wings of each creature were raised so that they touched the tips of the wings of the creatures next to it, [while] their other two wings were folded against their bodies.

                 

12 Each creature faced all four directions, so the group could go wherever they wished, without having to turn. 

 

13 Among the creatures there was something that looked like a blazing torch, constantly moving. The fire would blaze up and shoot out flashes of lightning. 

 

14 The creatures themselves darted back and forth with the speed of lightning.

Ezekiel then describes an extraordinary 

feature on each of these magnificent beings.

The Vision continued

Ezekiel 1:15

15 As I was looking at the four creatures I saw four wheels touching the ground, one beside each of them. 

 

16 All four wheels were alike; each one shone like a precious stone, and each had another wheel intersecting it at right angles, 

 

17 so that the wheels could move in any of the four directions. 

 

18 The rims of the wheels were covered with eyes. 

 

19 Whenever the creatures moved, the wheels moved with them, and if the creatures rose up from the earth, so did the wheels. 

 

20 The creatures went wherever they wished, and the wheels did exactly what the creatures did, because the creatures controlled them. 

 

21 So every time the creatures moved or stopped or rose in the air, the wheels did exactly the same.

At this point Ezekiel describes the actual 

sound their wings made

Ezekiel 1:22

22 Above the heads of the creatures there was something that looked like a dome made of dazzling crystal. 

 

23 There under the dome stood the creatures, each stretching out two wings toward the ones next to it and covering its body with the other two wings. 

 

24 I heard the noise their wings made in flight; it sounded like the roar of the sea, like the noise of a huge army, like the voice of Almighty God. When they stopped flying, they folded their wings, 

 

25 but there was still a sound coming from above the dome over their heads.

Ezekiel concludes his vision by describing its brilliance

and even its color.

Concluding the Vision

Ezekiel 1:26

26 Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure that looked like a human being.

 

27 The figure seemed to be shining like bronze in the middle of a fire. It shone all over with a bright light 

 

28 that had in it all the colors of the rainbow. This was the dazzling light which shows the presence of the Lord. When I saw this, I fell face downward on the ground. Then I heard a voice 

Summing it Up

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, who are these Creatures? 

They most assuredly aren’t anything described in Genesis 1 or even alluded to in Exodus 20. 

Nowhere does Genesis or Exodus make mention of such beings described in striking detail by God’s prophet.

The Torah never mentions:

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Genesis and Exodus never mentions such beings. 

But they are real and if they were actually created the very instant the material universe was fashioned as some contend you’d think Genesis would have covered the story.

This now brings us to Exhibit VI

Exhibit VI

“The Evidence of Rejoicing Angels” 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, when speaking to the ancient patriarch Job, God made a direct link between the creation of the molecular universe and the reaction of the spirit realm to its creation. 

He did so in a series of rhetorical questions proffered to this remarkable man. 

Notice them.

Job 38:3-7

Gird up now your loins like a man; for I will demand of you, and answer you me. 

 

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. 

 

Who has laid the measures thereof, if you know? Or who has stretched 

the line upon it? 

 

Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner stone thereof; 

 

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Ladies and gentlemen, as you may recall, these verses were cited by a gentleman who took serious issue with the belief that the angelic realm is vastly older than the material universe. 

In fact he was fairly dismissive of this view. 

Once again, here is what this critic said.

“Yes, I know the Sons of God jumped for joy when God laid the cornerstone of the Earth (Job 38:6-7). [But] This only proves the Angels were here during the Creation Week. It does not prove they were here earlier, and certainly does not prove they are billions of years old.” 

Some Questions

Members of the jury, at this point I would like to offer for your consideration some questions I genuinely believe bear directly on this man’s point.

Here they are:

In other words, was it simply a reflex?

Or, was it real? 

Was it genuine?

In other words, was it an honest expression of sincere emotion made possible because they truly understood the meaning of the moment?

Something to Consider 

Ladies and gentlemen, when pondering these questions here is something to consider regarding the angelic realm: 

2. They are cognitive creatures with the power to reason as well as make decisions that have eternal consequences.

3. They are also emotional beings.

4. And as such they have the capacity to express their emotions without coercion.

The Point

Here’s the point.

Ladies and gentlemen, when God described the creation to Job, He revealed two important things about the angelic realm.

The point here is that there is nothing in this narrative that suggests their reaction was an automatic response—something hard-wired in them. 

What took place here was a real display of real feelings. 

It was pure unadulterated unbridled JOY!

It was not manipulated or manufactured. 

In other words, God was not creating a personal cheering section for himself.

An Impossible Theory

Ladies and gentlemen, those who place the creation of angels within Genesis 1 and Exodus 20 are suggesting that at the very instant these majestic creatures were created, they could of their own free will have coordinated that response and express that joy. 

However, in all due respect to those who hold such a view this is NOT possible because it would have no context—and without context their reaction would have no more meaning than a laugh track on a TV sitcom. 

It would lack true sincerity and genuineness—two words that perfectly define who God is—simply put there isn’t one ounce of pretense in Him

And remember, it was God Himself who used the word “JOY”—and when doing so He wasn’t suggesting that the angels were simply reciting their lines at the appropriate moment. 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the point here is that the creation was 100% real and so was the angelic response. 

And I would submit to you that true and unbridled joy cannot be programmed any more than perfect righteous character can be programmed. 

Real joy can only be activated by meaning and relevance of which there would be none if their reaction occurred concurrently with their own creation which occurred concurrently with the creation of everything else as these critic’s claim. 

We now come to the final and perhaps the most compelling exhibit

Exhibit VII

“The Evidence of an Eternal Creation”

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury although the molecular universe and all its components were re-created in six literal days (which they were) this is not the case when it comes to the supernatural dimension and those who reside there. 

This would include not only God’s Holy angels and the majestic creatures in the third heaven, but also His yet to be born again children—you my friends—and the scriptures tell us that the planning phase of this process began before the molecular universe came into existence and will continue long after it has passed away.

Earlier I promised to prove that the Messiah knew about the destiny of the human family long before the creation of the first man and woman—and with the help of the apostle Peter I am going to do just that. Please go to:

I Peter 1:19-20

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you...

 

Ladies and gentlemen the Expositors Bible Commentary offers a very interesting observation about Peter’s words relating to when God planned to offer up His Son as a ransom for mankind. 

It examines the word “foreordained.”

“foreordained”

 “The Greek word for “foreordained” is poregnosmenou, and is often translated “known before.” The meaning, however, must be more than “foresight.” For why would Peter at this point make the obvious statement that God knew before about Jesus and His death? The word connotes purpose and has been translated as “predestined before the foundation of the world.”

Expositors then concludes its observation like this. Listen carefully everyone. And I quote:

 

“The redemption was in the plan of God before Creation occurred. In other words, the salvation in Christ was purposed from eternity and is now made plain.” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 12 p. 225)

A Commitment to Success 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, It is hard to fathom the depth of a Plan so dedicated to success that God the Father would commit His most priceless resource to ensure its achievement. But that is exactly what He did. 

At some point in the vastness of eternity, the Greatest Being in existence consciously planned to offer the unblemished life of His own Son in order that man could be spared the eternal consequences of sin (1Jn. 3:4). 

The apostle Paul wrote that our part in that sacrifice was also envisioned before the universe came into existence. Notice his words.

Ephesians 1:3-5

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to  Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.”

Ladies and gentlemen and may I call you my friends, with these words God’s apostle was revealing a miraculous PLAN envisioned by Him before the very first molecule was created and there is no doubt that He shared His PLAN in great detail with the majestic angelic beings who serve in His domain.

Now set in the backdrop of this truth it becomes obvious that when they witnessed the instant His plan took its first step in Genesis 1:1 they couldn’t contain their JOY. Why? Because they knew what it meant.

And you can be thankful that the time is coming when the entire human family will all know what it meant.

Conclusion:

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we now come to the conclusion of the matter and it is here I would like to offer the following: 

The Psalms speak prolifically about God’s creative power and how it is displayed in the material heavens we see all around us.

Psalm 19:1 

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.

In Psalm 136, which is a tribute to the Almighty, the scriptures reveal how His mercy is actually expressed in His creation. 

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, some commentaries suggest that the chorus in each verse which proclaims “for his mercy never fails” may have been a form of an “Amen” first proclaimed by the angelic realm when they beheld the creation of the physical universe knowing that the Almighty was building a home for His future sons and daughters. Children who would be just like Him.

Psalm 136:1-9

1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever. 

 

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endures for ever. 

 

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endures for ever. 

 

4 To him who alone that does great wonders: for his mercy endures for ever. 

 

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endures for ever. 

 

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endures for ever. 

 

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endures for ever: 

 

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endures for ever: 

 

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endures for ever.

A Final Thought:

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as you prepare to deliberate on this matter, I offer a final thought:

The first chapter of Genesis describes God’s great power in creating the material universe and truly He is worthy of praise and honor. 

Every natural wonder we see around us came about because of Him. 

However, when it comes to those who claim that the spiritual realm was created concurrently with the physical realm, well, this is what they need you to believe. 

It is their position that while the Almighty took an entire day to create our atmosphere, He created the Heaven of heavens—the very garden of God,

• with its throne, 
• its rainbow round about it, 
• its thundering and lightnings,
• its voices 
• its sea of glass like unto crystal, Its streets of gold
• its twelve foundations
• its twelve gates, its angelic sentries
• Its tree of life with 12manner of fruit and leaves with the power to heal
• its streams of living waters
• its seven lamps, its seven spirits, its stones of fire 
• its 24 elders complete with white robes and crowns as well as thrones of their own, 
• its four living creatures, full of eyes
• its anointed cherubs that cover His THRONE, 
• its archangels such as Gabriel who once introduced himself as one who “stands in the presence of God.” as well as 
• and all the heavenly host—comprised of millions, if not billions of HOLY ANGEL and did so instantly, in order for them to joyfully, and might I add, genuinely, respond to the creation of the physical universe which according to them was to take place simultaneously with their own creation.

Something to Think About

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, think about this for a moment. 

In order for this new belief to be true nothing would have existed prior to Genesis—ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! 

In essence God and His Son would have to have resided by themselves in a vacuum for all eternity past while their creative powers would never have been unleashed until the words “Let there be light” were first uttered.

Ladies and gentlemen. the only way for these critics to defend this nonsense is to deliberately misquote God in the fourth commandment—and then accuse their opponents of contradicting the words they misquote.

Summary

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, God’s word specifically tells us in His law

“For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is.” 

Nowhere does this command mention the residence of God Almighty and the seat of His eternal Government.  

For that place is an ancient domain and those who reside there are ancient as well. 

Perhaps the Apostle Paul said it best.

II Corinthians 4:18 

While we look not at the things which are seen (in other words the Physical realm—everything described in Genesis 1), but [rather] at the things which are not seen (the Spiritual): for the things which are seen are temporal (corruptible, transitory, and like the molecular universe, they will pass); but the things which are not seen are eternal (incorruptible & infinite like His throne, His Kingdom and His family as well as all that all that serve in that realm whose story is woven throughout eternity). 

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I hope you will carry these words with you as you prepare to deliberate. 

It was certainly an honor sharing them with you. 

Have a good Sabbath.

Volume VI
In the Glory of God

DIRECTORY