Scriptural Creationism, also known as Biblical Creationism, is the belief that all things such as matter, life, and the universe were created by an omnipotent Creator. Scriptural Creationism is based on the creation account given in the Book of Genesis with an emphasis on the seven day creation week found in Genesis chapter one. It states that the creation was originally made in a good state and, that over time, is deteriorating and getting worse due to the effects of sin. Theories of Creationism generally also include early history to include the destructive events of a worldwide flood during Noah's time and a sudden dispersion of languages and peoples from the Tower of Babel.
Elder's Model of Creation
The Creator
Elohim created the Heavens and the Earth including the plants, the animals, and mankind. He spoke them into existence in a literal seven day act of creation. Scripture is the authoritative and accurate word of Elohim to mankind. The majority of Scripture is written in a literal and straightforward style. It is correct in describing the creation and both the physical and spiritual aspects of life. The central theme of Scripture is Elohim's relationship with mankind.
The Creation
The original creation was very good and was made subject to mankind's authority. However, due to mankind's disobedience, creation has experienced a series of judgments and curses that cause deterioration and destruction. The most prominent historical judgments include the pronouncement of death and a worldwide flood. The physical aspect of life deals with what can be observed with the senses and studied through science. Generally, what happens in the physical is a result or effect of what has already happened in the spiritual. This is especially true in the perspective of a covenant relationship. The spiritual aspect of life is measured in righteousness and its effects are experienced in the physical through peace or suffering. It includes the spoken word, blessing and cursing, as well as angels and demons.
Relationship with Mankind
Creation was made to be inhabited and the Earth was placed under the authority of mankind who is made in the image of Elohim. The Almighty desires a special relationship with mankind and the desire of our life should be that close relationship. Elohim's relationship with mankind comes in the form of a covenant. Throughout history, multiple covenants have been made with individuals, groups of people, nations, and all of mankind. The covenant is basically a spiritual contract with physical ramifications including blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Righteousness and submission to the covenant are followed by judgment. Disobedience and the breaking of the covenant are also followed by judgment. A judgment can come on a personal, national, or global level and often comes in a physical form as a result of something that is spiritually right or wrong.
The Messiah
Due to mankind's disobedience and breaking of the covenants there is a separation from the Almighty that includes the judgment of death. An atonement is needed to bring mankind back into close relationship. This is the work of the Messiah, the eternal king and priest, who came in physical form to die in mankind's place and redeem him from death. Scripture contains many prophecies about the creation, the future of mankind, and the work of the Messiah. The culmination of this is a final judgment on mankind, a new heavens and earth, and close eternal relationship with Elohim for believers in the Messiah.
Battle with Evil
There is an ongoing rebellion against righteousness in the spiritual and disobedience to the covenant in the physical. This battle is led by Satan and it greatly effects the life of mankind. Although in many ways the angelic creatures are very powerful, through the Messiah believers have been given an authority that is ultimately greater in this battle. One of the greatest battle grounds between righteousness and evil comes in the form of true worship. Elohim has stated how mankind is to have a relationship with Himself. The religious traditions of man (whether Christian, Rabbinical, or secular in origin) cause separation of mankind from the Almighty and the loss of blessing in life.
