Letters From Grandpa #3
LETTERS FROM GRANDPA
- 3
Dearest Grandchild,
In our first two letters we mentioned this Scripture: “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. “ (2 Peter 3:3-7)
This is the same Scripture we have used in the first two letters, but this time I want to focus your attention on the world wide flood that happened during the days of Noah. Peter predicted that in the “last days” scoffers would deliberately forget about it. Here are some facts for you to consider.
It is a fact that the Bible tells of a flood whose waters covered all the mountains of earth with at least twenty feet of water (Gen. 7:20). This measurement is probably given to explain how the ark could float over all mountains without scraping them. The source of the flood waters was two fold. First, “all the springs of the great deep burst forth”, and second, “rain fell upon the earth for 40 days and 40 nights” (Gen. 7:11, 12).
The Bible provides this chronology. Noah entered the ark 7 days before the flood (Gen. 7:4, 10). It began to rain on the 17th day, and the 2nd month of Noah’s 600th year (Gen. 7:11). It rained for 40 days and the waters prevailed upon the earth for 150 days (Gen. 7:24; 8:3). The ark came to rest on Mt. Ararat on the 17th day of the 7th month (Gen. 8:4). The mountains became visible on the 1st day of the 10th month (Gen. 8:5). They removed the ark’s covering on the 1st day and the 1st
month of Noah’s 601st year (Gen. 8:13). The went out of the ark on the 27th day of the 2nd month (Gen. 8:14 - 19). Thus they were in the ark for one year and seventeen days.
Since I believe the Bible, I accept what the Biblical teaches about the flood. There are, however, a number of facts that help substantiate what the Bible teaches about the flood.
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There are marine fossils on mountains all over the world including Mt. Everest. #
People all over the world have traditions of a world wide flood. This includes Babylonians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, Hindus, Greeks, Chinese, Native Americans, Peruvians, Brazilians, Fiji Islanders, Druids, Mexicans, Etc.
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Since Grandpa has been to China, it is interesting to me that the Chinese symbols for flood (chong) is a combination of an inverted symbol meaning "first Earthly branch" and “eight” The symbol for “eighth” is similar to the symbol for “person remaining” As you know, only eight people survived the flood.
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The earth is filled with millions of fossils. In order for a fossil to form it must be covered with sediment before decay sets in. Millions of bison died on the plains of America without
creating one fossil.
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While a complete “geologic column” is not to be found, in general the heaviest and least mobile creatures are found in the lowest strata.
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There were mountains before the flood, but not as high as they are now. Many believe that the reference to mountains and valleys Ps. 104:6 - 10) refers to the Genesis flood. The highest mountain (Mt. Everest) and the lowest valley (Mariana Trench) are located in such a way that they can be easily associated. The raising of high mountains and the creation of deep valleys is consistent with the rapid appearance of dry land after the flood was over. #
Evolutionists assume that the Grand Canyon was formed by gradual and uniform processes. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, however, offers an alternative possibility. The following link will take you to a 48 minute presentation by a personal friend, Dr. Thomas Sharp. I hope you will take time to look at it. http://youtu.be/4bqwfW-hQU4
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Remember! Because we love the truth we must follow the evidence wherever it may lead. Certainly, whatever view you take regarding the flood of Noah, the above mentioned facts ought to be considered.
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A university is supposed to be noted for academic freedom. The University of Bologna adopted an academic charter around A.D. 1158 which guaranteed academic freedom. Sadly, some modern universities, such as Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, no longer have academic freedom. Some legislators were shocked to discover that the teaching of “Intelligent Design” was not permitted on campus. I hope you will always feel free to investigate all points of view and follow the evidence wherever it may lead.
As always you are in my prayers every day.
Love in Christ,
Grandpa Boyce