All of creation was laid out in Genesis chapter one. Chapter two then goes back into more detail providing information about that sixth day. God created man in chapter one. He then provides more detail as to how He created man in chapter two. This is a parenthetical chapter, meaning it is installed to provide further episodes or detail of what happened in the previous chapter. It’s a Hebrew style of writing that Jesus even used in the Sermon on the Mount.

He declared principles, then ampliphied them with illustrations.

John provided an outline of the great seven‑year tribulation in chapter six of the Book of Revelation. Chapter seven then looks back in detail at the episode of the 144,000 Jewish people set apart for the work of God during that tribulation time. The gaps in the outline of chapter six are filled in. A similar situation occurred in Genesis chapter two.

Just a note of caution. John MacArthur has said, “One of Satan’s favorite tactics is to smuggle the war against the truth right into the church, with a friendly disguise, as an angel of light,” (“Grace to You,” 3/15/07). His motive is to create doubt, uncertainty and skepticism. In comparing Scripture with Scripture, I cannot find the contradictions many accuse the Bible of having. There is no other book that dares to prophesy the future, or record the past with the accuracy of the Bible.

Fads are known to come and go, so look before you leap. One of the influential leaders of the up and coming emerging church recently stated, “We’re discovering the Bible as a human product rather than the product of divine fiat. The Bible is still the center for us, but it’s a different kind of center. We want to embrace mystery instead of conquer it.” What a load of drivel. The Bible isn’t a different kind of center to a Christian.

You and your buddy are apparently digging into the Scriptures to know the truth. That’s great. There are several other points that appear controversial in Genesis, so I refer you to “The Genesis Record” by Henry Morris. As you and your friend dig in together, beware of new winds of doctrine promoting a preoccupation with doubt, uncertainty and skepticism. Remember, if it’s true, it’s not new; and if it’s new, it’s not true.

John 5:24