Third International Conference on Absolutes Houston, TX July 16-18, 2007 Dr. Thomas M. Strouse Emmanuel Baptist Theological Seminary

Third International Conference on Third International Conference on AbsolutesAbsolutes

Houston, TXHouston, TXJuly 16-18, 2007July 16-18, 2007

Dr. Thomas M. StrouseDr. Thomas M. StrouseEmmanuel Baptist Theological SeminaryEmmanuel Baptist Theological Seminary

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20

I. The Doctrine of Absolutes: “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know All Things”

A. Indwelling Holy Spirit (The Author of Absolute Truth)A. Indwelling Holy Spirit (The Author of Absolute Truth)

““But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him”him” (I Jn. 2:27). (I Jn. 2:27).

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20


B. The Word of God (The Book of Absolute Truth)B. The Word of God (The Book of Absolute Truth)

““Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth” Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).(Jn. 17:17).

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20


B. The Word of God (The Book of Absolute Truth)B. The Word of God (The Book of Absolute Truth)

““For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (I Thess. 2:13).you that believe” (I Thess. 2:13).

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20


C. The Local Church (The Agency of Absolute Truth)C. The Local Church (The Agency of Absolute Truth)

““Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I Ghost, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Mt. 28:19-20).unto the end of the world. Amen” (Mt. 28:19-20).

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20


C. The Local Church (The Agency of Absolute Truth)C. The Local Church (The Agency of Absolute Truth)

““But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15).(I Tim. 3:15).

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20


D. The Pastor/Teacher (The Teacher of Absolute Truth)D. The Pastor/Teacher (The Teacher of Absolute Truth)

““And he gave some…pastors and teachers; for the And he gave some…pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints…” (Eph. 4:11-12a).perfecting of the saints…” (Eph. 4:11-12a).

I Jn. 2:20I Jn. 2:20


D. The Pastor/Teacher (The Teacher of Absolute Truth)D. The Pastor/Teacher (The Teacher of Absolute Truth)

““And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves” (II Tim. 2:24-25a).those that oppose themselves” (II Tim. 2:24-25a).

II Tim 3:16II Tim 3:16

II. The Doctrine of Absolutes:

A. InspirationA. Inspiration

““All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”instruction in righteousness” (II Tim. 3:16). (II Tim. 3:16).

Ps. 12:6-7Ps. 12:6-7


B. PreservationB. Preservation

““The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever”preserve them from this generation for ever” (Ps. 12:6-7). (Ps. 12:6-7).

Ps. 12:6-7Ps. 12:6-7



1. Words

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).

Ps. 12:6-7Ps. 12:6-7



2. Vowels

““Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day”unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day” (Jer. 36:2).(Jer. 36:2).

Ps. 12:6-7Ps. 12:6-7



2. Vowels

“And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail” (Lk. 16:17).

Ps. 12:6-7Ps. 12:6-7



3. Accents

““Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel”may be a witness for me against the children of Israel” (Dt. 31:19).(Dt. 31:19).


C. TranslationC. Translation

““Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, make known to all nations for the of the everlasting God, make known to all nations for the obedience of faith”obedience of faith” (Rom. 16:25-26). (Rom. 16:25-26).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4

III. The Absolutes of Geocentricity:

A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4

1. The Literary Style 1. The Literary Style

a. The title (Gen. 1:1) a. The title (Gen. 1:1)

b. The content of the creative activity (Gen. 1:2-b. The content of the creative activity (Gen. 1:2-31)31) c. The conclusion (Gen. 2:1; cf. 2:4b)

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4

2. Biblical Teaching 2. Biblical Teaching

a. The initial creation of the earth (1:2-5)a. The initial creation of the earth (1:2-5)

1) The heaven was not created first because:1) The heaven was not created first because:

a) The expression “the heavens and the a) The expression “the heavens and the earth” consistently refer to the completed earth” consistently refer to the completed creation (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 121:2; Mt. 24:35);creation (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 121:2; Mt. 24:35);

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




b) The completed creation cannot exist b) The completed creation cannot exist simultaneously with the uncompleted simultaneously with the uncompleted heavens and earth (vv. 2-19 with v. 1);heavens and earth (vv. 2-19 with v. 1);

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




c) c) The verb bara’ refers to the finished creation;

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




d) d) And linguistically, the waw (“and”) of v. 2 is disjunctive, thus not giving consecutive action, since it is attached to a non-verb (“and the earth”).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



2) The earth was created first (1:2)2) The earth was created first (1:2)

a) It was a sphere (a circle with depth) of a) It was a sphere (a circle with depth) of water (Gen. 1:2; Prov. 8:27; Isa. 40:22).water (Gen. 1:2; Prov. 8:27; Isa. 40:22).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




b) It was without form and void (un-b) It was without form and void (un-inhabitable and lifeless). inhabitable and lifeless).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




c) It was dark. c) It was dark.

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




d) The Spirit of God moved (d) The Spirit of God moved (rachaphrachaph) upon ) upon the face of the earth. This is the only verb of the face of the earth. This is the only verb of motion recorded during the first four days of motion recorded during the first four days of creation (1:2-19). creation (1:2-19).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


d) The Spirit of God moved (d) The Spirit of God moved (rachaphrachaph) upon ) upon the face of the earth. This is the only verb of the face of the earth. This is the only verb of motion recorded during the first four days of motion recorded during the first four days of creation (1:2-19). creation (1:2-19).

i. He created light (cf. Isa. 45:7) i. He created light (cf. Isa. 45:7)

ii. He clothed Himself with the light (Ps. 104:2).) ii. He clothed Himself with the light (Ps. 104:2).)

iii. God, as the light source, dispatched the darkness as iii. God, as the light source, dispatched the darkness as He moved upon the earth (westward), producing the He moved upon the earth (westward), producing the first evening and morning—Day One (first evening and morning—Day One (yom ‘echadyom ‘echad) )

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4




e) On Day One, all that was created was the e) On Day One, all that was created was the darkened sphere called earth, with the Lord darkened sphere called earth, with the Lord as the light source, going around it. Creation as the light source, going around it. Creation was exclusively Geo-centric!was exclusively Geo-centric!

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4


b. The developmental creation of earth (1:6-13) b. The developmental creation of earth (1:6-13)

1) On Day Two, the Lord divided this sphere of 1) On Day Two, the Lord divided this sphere of water with the firmament (water with the firmament (raqia`raqia`), producing a ), producing a sphere of water (Gen. 2:4 calls this earth) sphere of water (Gen. 2:4 calls this earth) concentrically in the midst of the outer shell of the concentrically in the midst of the outer shell of the watery original sphere (cf. Ps. 148:4), separated watery original sphere (cf. Ps. 148:4), separated by the heavens (by the heavens (hashshamayimhashshamayim).).

On Day Two, the Lord divided this On Day Two, the Lord divided this sphere of water with the firmament sphere of water with the firmament ((raqia`raqia`), producing a sphere of water ), producing a sphere of water (Gen. 2:4 calls this earth) (Gen. 2:4 calls this earth) concentrically in the midst of the concentrically in the midst of the outer shell of the watery original outer shell of the watery original sphere (cf. Ps. 148:4), separated by sphere (cf. Ps. 148:4), separated by the heavens (the heavens (hashshamayimhashshamayim).).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



i. The i. The raqia`raqia` (firmament) refers to the firm (firmament) refers to the firm substance of the heavens. The verb substance of the heavens. The verb raqa`raqa` means means to spread out firm substances such as silver (Jer. to spread out firm substances such as silver (Jer. 10:9) or gold (Isa. 40:19). 10:9) or gold (Isa. 40:19).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



ii. The ii. The hashshamayimhashshamayim is always a dual noun (not a is always a dual noun (not a plural noun like plural noun like ‘elohiym‘elohiym), and linguistically and ), and linguistically and contextually, refers only to the first and second contextually, refers only to the first and second physical heavens of creation (presumably the third physical heavens of creation (presumably the third heaven [II Cor. 12:2] was created at the same time heaven [II Cor. 12:2] was created at the same time but its creation is not recorded in this account).but its creation is not recorded in this account).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



2. The Spirit of the Lord, clothed with light, 2. The Spirit of the Lord, clothed with light, continued to move on the waters (outer sphere or continued to move on the waters (outer sphere or inner sphere [?]), constituting Day Two. Creation inner sphere [?]), constituting Day Two. Creation was still Geocentric!was still Geocentric!

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



3. On Day Three, the Lord gathered the waters on 3. On Day Three, the Lord gathered the waters on earth and allowed the dry land to appear, calling earth and allowed the dry land to appear, calling this dry land “earth,” and the waters “seas.”this dry land “earth,” and the waters “seas.”

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



4. He gave vegetation to the earth, making it with 4. He gave vegetation to the earth, making it with form and not void (cf. v. 2).form and not void (cf. v. 2).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



5. God refined His term “earth,” moving His 5. God refined His term “earth,” moving His definition from the original sphere of water to the definition from the original sphere of water to the concentric sphere of water to the land mass upon concentric sphere of water to the land mass upon the second sphere of water. The last two uses of the second sphere of water. The last two uses of “earth” permeate the Scriptures. “earth” permeate the Scriptures.

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



6. Presumably the Lord continued to move as the 6. Presumably the Lord continued to move as the light source around the waters, constituting Day light source around the waters, constituting Day Three. Creation was still Geocentric! Three. Creation was still Geocentric!

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4


c. The creation of the sun, moon and stars (1:14-19) c. The creation of the sun, moon and stars (1:14-19)

1) They were placed 1) They were placed inin the firmament of the the firmament of the heavens (vv. 14, 15, 17).heavens (vv. 14, 15, 17).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



2) Their three-fold purpose was to divide day and 2) Their three-fold purpose was to divide day and night (v. 14), to give light upon the earth (v. 15), night (v. 14), to give light upon the earth (v. 15), and to rule the day and night (v. 16).and to rule the day and night (v. 16).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



3) Their functions as light bearers were for signs, 3) Their functions as light bearers were for signs, for seasons, for days, and for years (v. 14).for seasons, for days, and for years (v. 14).

Gen 1:1-2:4Gen 1:1-2:4


A. Gen. 1:1-2:4A. Gen. 1:1-2:4



4) By the end of Day Four, the sun moon and stars 4) By the end of Day Four, the sun moon and stars were in the firmament as (moving) light sources were in the firmament as (moving) light sources for the immobile earth. Creation was still for the immobile earth. Creation was still Geocentric!Geocentric!


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13

1. The Human Perspective (v.12)1. The Human Perspective (v.12)

a. He prayed that the sun and geocentric moon would a. He prayed that the sun and geocentric moon would stand still (stand still (domdom).).

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13

1. The Human Perspective (v.12)1. The Human Perspective (v.12)

b. He did not pray that the earth would stop rotating, b. He did not pray that the earth would stop rotating, which supposed action would not have caused the which supposed action would not have caused the moon to appear to stand still. moon to appear to stand still.

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13

2. The Divine Perspective (v.13)2. The Divine Perspective (v.13)

a. The Creator-Author declared that the sun stood still a. The Creator-Author declared that the sun stood still ((domdom) and the moon stayed () and the moon stayed (àmadàmad).).

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13


b. The Creator-Author declared that this divine b. The Creator-Author declared that this divine phenomenon was written in the Book of Jasher. phenomenon was written in the Book of Jasher.

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13


c. The Creator-Author declared again that the sun stood c. The Creator-Author declared again that the sun stood still (still (àmadàmad).).

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13


d. The Creator-Author declared that the sun hasted not d. The Creator-Author declared that the sun hasted not to go down (to go down (lavo’lavo’) about a day.) about a day.

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


B. Joshua 10:12-13B. Joshua 10:12-13


e. Centuries later the prophet Habakkuk declared that e. Centuries later the prophet Habakkuk declared that the sun-moon (no conjunction) stood still (the sun-moon (no conjunction) stood still (àmadàmad [3 [3 masc. sing.]) in Hab. 3:11.masc. sing.]) in Hab. 3:11.

Jos. 10:12-13Jos. 10:12-13


C. Ps. 19:4-6C. Ps. 19:4-6

1. The Place of the Sun – in a tabernacle in the heavens (v.4)1. The Place of the Sun – in a tabernacle in the heavens (v.4)

Ps. 19:4-6Ps. 19:4-6


C. Ps. 19:4-6C. Ps. 19:4-6

2. The Movement of the Sun 2. The Movement of the Sun

a. comes out (a. comes out (yotze’yotze’) of his chamber ) of his chamber

b. runs (b. runs (larutzlarutz) a race ) a race

c. goes forth (c. goes forth (motza’omotza’o) )

Ps. 19:4-6Ps. 19:4-6


C. Ps. 19:4-6C. Ps. 19:4-6

3. The Motion of the Sun—has a circuit (3. The Motion of the Sun—has a circuit (tequphahtequphah) )

Ps. 19:4-6Ps. 19:4-6


D. Eccl. 1:5-8D. Eccl. 1:5-8

1. The earth abideth (1. The earth abideth (àmadàmad literally “stands”) for ever. literally “stands”) for ever.

Eccl. 1:5-8Eccl. 1:5-8


D. Eccl. 1:5-8D. Eccl. 1:5-8

2. Three phenomenon which move relative to the standing 2. Three phenomenon which move relative to the standing earth:earth:

Eccl. 1:5-8Eccl. 1:5-8

a. the sun rises, goes down and hastens to its a. the sun rises, goes down and hastens to its place of rising.place of rising.


D. Eccl. 1:5-8D. Eccl. 1:5-8


Eccl. 1:5-8Eccl. 1:5-8

b. the wind goes, turns, whirls, returns according b. the wind goes, turns, whirls, returns according to its circuits. to its circuits.


D. Eccl. 1:5-8D. Eccl. 1:5-8


Eccl. 1:5-8Eccl. 1:5-8

c. the rivers run and return c. the rivers run and return


D. Eccl. 1:5-8D. Eccl. 1:5-8


Eccl. 1:5-8Eccl. 1:5-8

d. a total of sixteen words (2 verbs, 13 d. a total of sixteen words (2 verbs, 13 participles, and 1 infinitive) of movement for the participles, and 1 infinitive) of movement for the sun, wind, and rivers relative to the standing sun, wind, and rivers relative to the standing earth.earth.


E. Isa. 38:8E. Isa. 38:8

1. The shadow of the sun dial went backwards (“bring” and 1. The shadow of the sun dial went backwards (“bring” and “gone down”). “gone down”).

Isa. 38:8Isa. 38:8


E. Isa. 38:8E. Isa. 38:8

2. The sun went backward (“returned” and “was gone down”).2. The sun went backward (“returned” and “was gone down”).

Isa. 38:8Isa. 38:8


E. Isa. 38:8E. Isa. 38:8

3. The author of II Kings 20:9-11 said the sun moved (“go” 3. The author of II Kings 20:9-11 said the sun moved (“go” and “to go down”).and “to go down”).

Isa. 38:8Isa. 38:8


F. All of theses passages teach by inference and declaration F. All of theses passages teach by inference and declaration that the earth is stationary and that the heavens, along with that the earth is stationary and that the heavens, along with the sun, moon and stars, make their respective circuits the sun, moon and stars, make their respective circuits around the immobile earth.around the immobile earth.

III. Significant Passages Supporting the Absolutes of Geocentricity III. Significant Passages Supporting the Absolutes of Geocentricity

A. Minor Cosmological PassagesA. Minor Cosmological Passages

Ps. 50:1Ps. 50:1

1. Ps. 50:1—sun rises and goes down relative to the earth 1. Ps. 50:1—sun rises and goes down relative to the earth



Ps. 93:1Ps. 93:1

2. Ps. 93:1—the psalmist used three 2. Ps. 93:1—the psalmist used three NiphaNiphal (passive) verbs l (passive) verbs stating the stability of the earth and God’s throne, and the stating the stability of the earth and God’s throne, and the immobility of the earth.immobility of the earth.



Job 22:14Job 22:14

3. Job 22:14—Eliphaz declared that the heavens (dual) have a 3. Job 22:14—Eliphaz declared that the heavens (dual) have a circuit (circuit (chugchug).).



Mt. 5:45Mt. 5:45

4. Mt. 5:45—the Lord Jesus Christ said that the Father makes 4. Mt. 5:45—the Lord Jesus Christ said that the Father makes the sun to rise (the sun to rise (anatelleianatellei, present active verb) and not the earth , present active verb) and not the earth “to rotate or revolve.”“to rotate or revolve.”



5. None of these passages suggests that the earth is rotating on 5. None of these passages suggests that the earth is rotating on its axis and revolving around the sun.its axis and revolving around the sun.


B. Judgmental Movement of the EarthB. Judgmental Movement of the Earth

Job 38:14Job 38:14

1. Job 38:14—The passage speaks of the Lord’s judgment on 1. Job 38:14—The passage speaks of the Lord’s judgment on the wicked, when the subject of the verb, the earth, “is turned” the wicked, when the subject of the verb, the earth, “is turned” ((haphachaphac), presumably during the Tribulation.), presumably during the Tribulation.



Isa. 13:13Isa. 13:13

2. Isa. 13:13—during the Tribulation the Lord will shake the 2. Isa. 13:13—during the Tribulation the Lord will shake the heavens (dual) and remove the earth out of her (standing) heavens (dual) and remove the earth out of her (standing) place.place.



Isa. 24:19-20Isa. 24:19-20

3. Isa. 24:19-20—using three infinitive absolutes (intensive 3. Isa. 24:19-20—using three infinitive absolutes (intensive verb form), the Lord predicts that He will shake the earth like a verb form), the Lord predicts that He will shake the earth like a drunkard reeling to and fro.drunkard reeling to and fro.



4. None of these passages describes the earth rotating on its 4. None of these passages describes the earth rotating on its axis and revolving around the sun.axis and revolving around the sun.


C. Limitation of Man’s Physical KnowledgeC. Limitation of Man’s Physical Knowledge

Job 38:33Job 38:33

1. Job 38:33—The Lord challenged Job with two questions: 1. Job 38:33—The Lord challenged Job with two questions: does he know the ordinances (laws) of the heavens, and can he does he know the ordinances (laws) of the heavens, and can he make them rule on earth?make them rule on earth?


C. Limitation of Man’s Physical KnowledgeC. Limitation of Man’s Physical Knowledge

Jer. 31:37Jer. 31:37

2. Jer. 31:37—The Lord challenged man to accomplish two 2. Jer. 31:37—The Lord challenged man to accomplish two impossible feats, which if accomplished would nullify His impossible feats, which if accomplished would nullify His New Covenant: measures (New Covenant: measures (madadmadad) the heaven (dual) and ) the heaven (dual) and search out the foundations (search out the foundations (chaqarchaqar) of the earth.) of the earth.

ConclusionConclusion

Throughout the Throughout the Tanak, Tanak, the Hebrew text teaches the Hebrew text teaches absolutely that the earth is immobile, except when the absolutely that the earth is immobile, except when the Lord will shake it during the Tribulation, and that the Lord will shake it during the Tribulation, and that the heavens, along with the Sun, moon and stars, move in heavens, along with the Sun, moon and stars, move in circuits relative to the earth. The Greek New circuits relative to the earth. The Greek New Testament confirms this same teaching, declaring Testament confirms this same teaching, declaring absolutely that the earth is the physical center of God’s absolutely that the earth is the physical center of God’s creation, and that the heavens move geocentrically creation, and that the heavens move geocentrically around the fixed earth. around the fixed earth.

Documents

Third International Conference on Absolutes Houston, TX July 16-18, 2007 Dr. Thomas M. Strouse Emmanuel Baptist Theological Seminary