Timeline for: Eternity Past

See Ross (Fingerprint of God) and Schroeder (Science of God)

Time is now a dimension that in terms of relativity proceeds at a ''clock's pace'' depending on one's perspective (e.g. position within the universe relative to other locations and conditions)

See figures and text in Creator's Window Chapter IX

Scientific evidence of a creation event increases throughout the 20th century (see accounts by Heeren, Ross, Schroeder, et al. [see book titles])

Biblical paradigm of a beginning is scientifically correct.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

No other ancient ''creation text'' fits modern scientific evidence as does the Hebrew text.

For another well reasoned perspective on time and the physics and astronomy describing the beginning of the universe see: Dr. Hugh Ross in his books entitled: The Genesis Question, Creation and Time, and (Fingerprint of God)

One perspective noted here can be seen in calculations for creation days based on Dr. G. Schroeder, Chapter 4 of: The Science of God.
This will help to follow the physics, mathematics (the logic and remarkable simplicity of this concept) to understand the biblical and scientific significance of this calculation.

CALCULATION NOTE:

From Dr. G. Schroeder: Divide 15 Billion (years) by 1,000 billion. This equals 0.015; and when this is multiplied by 365 (days per year) this equals approximately 6 days!

Science based comparisons see Table 4

a) earth not yet formed
b) light appears
c) formation of matter leading to primordial clouds of condensing hydrogen and helium, and later stars, early galaxies, planets
d) God delineates between light and dark distinguishing a link between light and day from dark and night

Earth fully formed 4.5 BYA

First signs of life 3.8 BYA

First single cell fossils 3.2 BYA

Science based comparisons see Table 4

a) There is a clear structuring of the universe and a separation of the content (waters) into distinct parts

b) if firmament implies formed solid structures then the form (solidification) of the earth may be evident at this point (compare Ross and Schroeder comments in Table 4)

Science based comparisons see Table 4

a) water (ocean) in one place leaves land to emerge as a single feature in one contiguous area (this is consistent with geologic evidence for a land mass (i.e., pangea) that later split into separate continents)

b) grass may be simpler sea vegetation or more complex forms in either sea or on land. The text is not specific. But seed and fruit would imply to a modern botanist that plants included some level of sophistication in transferring genetic information and this would be important for survival of plants upon (dry) earth

c) the earth brought forth... text appears to indicate an involvement between the will of the Creator and the ability of the created earth to give rise to plant life

d) unique species of organisms maintained their identity generation to life generation (seed produced reproduced like ['his kind']organisms in next generation)

Science based comparisons see Table 4

a) firmament appears to refer to expanse of space and not a solid surface... the light sources (sun, moon, stars) function in determining not only days and nights, but also seasons and distinct periods of calendar time

b) the role for sun and moon light is described

c) note 'made' at this point is an active verb and can be understood in parallel with the creation of stars and heavenly bodies that appear during day one. The emphasis here may simply be the assignment of light from made bodies (sun and moon) for the purpose of this day, that is, to delineate day from night and the distinct role of sun and moon. The idea that plants were made before the existence of sun and moon is not necessarily implied and is sometimes a source of confusion to first time readers of Genesis 1; there is therefore no contradiction here with science.

Simple globular life forms 650 MYA

Sponge fossils 580 MYA

3
Cambrian Explosion and the Appearance of Life

Cambrian explosion 530 MYA

Science based comparisons see Table 4

a) sea and air now domains with early animal life forms. A reading of Ross and Schroeder helps to refine one's understanding of the original Hebrew terms used here and the way these are translated to English. A word study of the Hebrew offers much more than a straight reading of the English as presented to the left!

b) the original created life forms go through a multi-generational amplification of numbers of individuals... filling the sea and air. This prepares the way for creation of a unique man and woman among all life forms.

Flowering plants appear without clear evidence of intermediates to advanced floral structures

Science based comparisons see Table 4

Total 24 hour days: 6

Total years: about 15.75 billion

a)land animals come forth
b) Adam and Eve created
c) man is set as steward of all living things on earth
d) man made in God's image
e) God's blessing for all life to multiply and for man to have dominion over all life upon earth
f) man is to be sustained by eating of fruit (herb, vegetable) and animal (meat)

h1
Click this button for a pop-up frame with a Historical view based on Hebrew Scriptures
Starting here with ADAM & EVE

This time line is accompanied by a separate table listing the seven days and compares the scripture text to known scientific observations. The writings of two scientists are used to supply suggestions and scientific evidence.

See Table 4, entitled: Comparison of Major Genesis Day Events as Appears in the Hebrew Text of Genesis One and as Observed by Drs. Ross and Schroeder

Note that Dr Ross has considered that Day Seven includes events following creation of Adam and Eve, while Dr. Schroeder considers how Day Six includes current history and Day Seven is yet to come. See Table 4 for details.

Previous timeframes have continually decreased (according to Schroeder). One might suggest the next period for Day Seven is yet to come and may correspond to a period defined later in scripture. The time line (below) includes a (Kingdom) period defined as one thousand years. If that period and this day are related, then the following reference might have a specific application that is as yet unrealized.

Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night.