Doctrine of ManDoctrine of ManLecture 5Lecture 5

Part 2:Part 2:

Temporal OriginTemporal Origin

When, where, and how did the human When, where, and how did the human race come into being?race come into being?

Introduction: Temporal OriginIntroduction: Temporal Origin Importance:Importance:

The biblical message is embedded in the redemptive The biblical message is embedded in the redemptive history of the human race.history of the human race.

The beginning of history is related to everything else.The beginning of history is related to everything else. Avoiding the origin of the race would be inexcusable.Avoiding the origin of the race would be inexcusable.

Overview: Overview: Section 1: The Contemporary DebateSection 1: The Contemporary Debate Section 2: The Confessional DoctrineSection 2: The Confessional Doctrine Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty Section 4: The Critical DiscussionSection 4: The Critical Discussion

Section 1: The Contemporary DebateSection 1: The Contemporary Debate Four positions compete for the allegiance of Four positions compete for the allegiance of

evangelicals today. evangelicals today. This debate developed over the last 2 centuries because This debate developed over the last 2 centuries because

of the scientific claims made by Darwinian evolution. of the scientific claims made by Darwinian evolution. These four positions may be designated as follows: These four positions may be designated as follows:

six-day creationismsix-day creationism the day-age theorythe day-age theory the literary framework hypothesisthe literary framework hypothesis theistic evolutionary view. theistic evolutionary view.

These views are best understood as a spectrum.These views are best understood as a spectrum.

Section 1: The Contemporary DebateSection 1: The Contemporary Debate Six-day CreationismSix-day Creationism

holds that the Bible teaches that the world was created in holds that the Bible teaches that the world was created in six literal days six literal days

emphasizes the origin of the world and mankind as emphasizes the origin of the world and mankind as specially created. specially created.

Day-age TheoryDay-age Theory agrees that the days of creation are in some sense literal agrees that the days of creation are in some sense literal

and consecutive. and consecutive. argues that these days designate long ages of time argues that these days designate long ages of time accommodates the view of modern science that the world accommodates the view of modern science that the world

is billions of years old. is billions of years old.

Section 1: The Contemporary DebateSection 1: The Contemporary Debate Literary Framework HypothesisLiterary Framework Hypothesis

argues the 7-days of Gen 1:1 to 2:3 are a literary device.argues the 7-days of Gen 1:1 to 2:3 are a literary device. not intended to reveal anything about the chronology or not intended to reveal anything about the chronology or

manner in which God physically created the world. manner in which God physically created the world. are careful often to say that Adam was specially created are careful often to say that Adam was specially created

and that their view does not entail theistic evolution. and that their view does not entail theistic evolution. Theistic Evolution Theistic Evolution

adopts a looser view of biblical authority adopts a looser view of biblical authority often adopts the literary framework hypothesisoften adopts the literary framework hypothesis teaches evolution both of the universe and the human raceteaches evolution both of the universe and the human race

Section 2: The Confessional DoctrineSection 2: The Confessional Doctrine In the pre-modern era no significant debate on this issue In the pre-modern era no significant debate on this issue

divided the church. divided the church. Six-day creationism attained confessional status in the Six-day creationism attained confessional status in the

culminating creed of the Reformation, the Westminster culminating creed of the Reformation, the Westminster Confession. Confession.

The 1689 Baptist Confession repeats in identical The 1689 Baptist Confession repeats in identical language the Westminster.language the Westminster.

The key chapter (chapter 4 in both confessions) assumes The key chapter (chapter 4 in both confessions) assumes a literal reading of the creation account. a literal reading of the creation account.

Section 2: The Confessional DoctrineSection 2: The Confessional Doctrine 1 In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, 1 In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son,

and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of and Holy Spirit, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.very good.

Section 2: The Confessional DoctrineSection 2: The Confessional Doctrine 22 After God had made all other creatures, he After God had made all other creatures, he

created man, male and female, with reasonable and created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, rendering them fit unto that life to God immortal souls, rendering them fit unto that life to God for which they were created; being made after the image for which they were created; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and yet under a possibility of transgressing, to fulfil it, and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change.subject to change.

Section 2: The Confessional DoctrineSection 2: The Confessional Doctrine 33 Besides the law written in their hearts, they Besides the law written in their hearts, they

received a command not to eat of the tree of received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which whilst they kept, knowledge of good and evil, which whilst they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.had dominion over the creatures.

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty Prior to the modern era the church was practically Prior to the modern era the church was practically

unanimous in a literal reading of the early chapters of unanimous in a literal reading of the early chapters of Genesis. Genesis.

Is the debate today due simply to a sinister compromise Is the debate today due simply to a sinister compromise with modern science? Possibly. with modern science? Possibly.

Our faith must be grounded solely in the teachings of Our faith must be grounded solely in the teachings of Scripture and not modern science. Scripture and not modern science.

The books of nature & Scripture do not conflict.The books of nature & Scripture do not conflict. This does not mean that This does not mean that human interpretations human interpretations of the of the

book of nature cannot be wrong!book of nature cannot be wrong!

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty But a simplistic approach to the current debate fails. But a simplistic approach to the current debate fails. The church’s interpretations of the book of Scripture are The church’s interpretations of the book of Scripture are

no more infallible than modern science’s. no more infallible than modern science’s. Galileo & the Copernican revolution.Galileo & the Copernican revolution. Many Medieval theologians concluded that a Many Medieval theologians concluded that a

geocentrism was taught by the Bible. geocentrism was taught by the Bible. A geocentric view of the solar system is now regarded A geocentric view of the solar system is now regarded

as naively literalistic. as naively literalistic. Is this an illustration of modern science altering a view Is this an illustration of modern science altering a view

widely held in the church?widely held in the church?

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty Perhaps, but we must not conclude that science is Perhaps, but we must not conclude that science is

normative in biblical interpretation. Why not? normative in biblical interpretation. Why not? This assumes science is infallible. This assumes science is infallible. Sola scriptura Sola scriptura is indisputable. If science is normative in is indisputable. If science is normative in

biblical interpretation, this destroys biblical interpretation, this destroys sola scripturasola scriptura. . The case of Galileo actually teaches the doctrine of a The case of Galileo actually teaches the doctrine of a

“second look” at our interpretations of the Bible.“second look” at our interpretations of the Bible. Today’s debate is not just sinister compromise. Today’s debate is not just sinister compromise. It is also the necessary “second look.” It is also the necessary “second look.” But the “second look” must be based on But the “second look” must be based on sola scripturasola scriptura..

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty Legitimate Question: Does a “second look” at Gen 1 confirm those Legitimate Question: Does a “second look” at Gen 1 confirm those

days as literal days? days as literal days? Or is it scriptural to understand them figuratively? Or is it scriptural to understand them figuratively? The question is interpretive or hermeneutical. The question is interpretive or hermeneutical.

Major Hermeneutical Issue: What is the literary genre? Major Hermeneutical Issue: What is the literary genre? Some passages are historical descriptions of actual events, while Some passages are historical descriptions of actual events, while

others are figurative. others are figurative. The narrative portions of the historical books of the Bible are The narrative portions of the historical books of the Bible are

generally historical descriptions. generally historical descriptions. The Psalms, Daniel, and Revelation contain large sections The Psalms, Daniel, and Revelation contain large sections

intended figuratively. intended figuratively.

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty The most Bible-believing must confront the question of The most Bible-believing must confront the question of

literary genreliterary genre. . It is naïve to argue that:It is naïve to argue that:

we must always interpret the Bible literally, or even we must always interpret the Bible literally, or even we must interpret the Bible literally wherever possible. we must interpret the Bible literally wherever possible.

The proper rule is that we must interpret the Bible the The proper rule is that we must interpret the Bible the way it intends to be interpreted—according to its way it intends to be interpreted—according to its literary genre.literary genre.

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty A Dangerous Concession:A Dangerous Concession:

Allowing modern science to control our decision about Allowing modern science to control our decision about the literary genre of Scripture is fatal. the literary genre of Scripture is fatal.

The rule for determining the literary genre is the same as The rule for determining the literary genre is the same as for determining the proper interpretation in general. for determining the proper interpretation in general.

1689 Baptist Confession 1:9:1689 Baptist Confession 1:9: The infallible rule of The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.more clearly.

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty Proper Practice: Proper Practice: First, First, the passage itself must be allowed to tell us its the passage itself must be allowed to tell us its

own genre. own genre. Scripture bears clear insignia of its genre in the text. Scripture bears clear insignia of its genre in the text. The text is self-identifying. The text is self-identifying.

Second, Second, other relevant Scriptures must be given a other relevant Scriptures must be given a decisive role in determining the genre of the passage in decisive role in determining the genre of the passage in question. question.

These two rules must be followed to determine the These two rules must be followed to determine the genre of the early chapters of Genesis.genre of the early chapters of Genesis.

Section 3: The Crucial DifficultySection 3: The Crucial Difficulty Approaches to the Biblical Teaching on CreationApproaches to the Biblical Teaching on Creation

Six-Day CreationismSix-Day Creationism VV VV

Day-Age TheoryDay-Age Theory VV VV

Framework HypothesisFramework Hypothesis VV VV

Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution

Section 4: The Critical DisscussionSection 4: The Critical Disscussion The Treatment Method:The Treatment Method:

We will deal with each of the 3 modern views.We will deal with each of the 3 modern views. Beginning with the most extreme: “theistic evolution.” Beginning with the most extreme: “theistic evolution.” Much said here will also apply to the “framework Much said here will also apply to the “framework

hypothesis” and “day-age theory.” hypothesis” and “day-age theory.” The Decisive Question: The Decisive Question: What kind of literature do we What kind of literature do we

have in the early chapters of Genesis? have in the early chapters of Genesis? Theistic evolution takes a figurative view of Genesis 1-11 Theistic evolution takes a figurative view of Genesis 1-11

in its entirety. in its entirety. The other views need hold only that Genesis 1:1-2:3 is The other views need hold only that Genesis 1:1-2:3 is

not intended as an historical account of creation.not intended as an historical account of creation.

Section 4: The Critical DisscussionSection 4: The Critical Disscussion The Treatment Method:The Treatment Method:

We will deal with each of the 3 modern views.We will deal with each of the 3 modern views. Beginning with the most extreme: “theistic evolution.” Beginning with the most extreme: “theistic evolution.” Much said here will also apply to the “framework Much said here will also apply to the “framework

hypothesis” and “day-age theory.” hypothesis” and “day-age theory.” The Decisive Question: The Decisive Question: What kind of literature do we What kind of literature do we

have in the early chapters of Genesis? have in the early chapters of Genesis? Theistic evolution takes a figurative view of Genesis 1-11 Theistic evolution takes a figurative view of Genesis 1-11

in its entirety. in its entirety. The other views need hold only that Genesis 1:1-2:3 is The other views need hold only that Genesis 1:1-2:3 is

not intended as an historical account of creation.not intended as an historical account of creation.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution A.A. DescribedDescribed Howard J. Van Till’s Howard J. Van Till’s The Fourth Day The Fourth Day provides an provides an

“evangelical” presentation of theistic evolution. “evangelical” presentation of theistic evolution. insists that the entirety of Gen 1-11 is not historical in its insists that the entirety of Gen 1-11 is not historical in its

genre. genre. insists that portions of Scripture are merely packing insists that portions of Scripture are merely packing

material in which the real message of Scripture (pictured material in which the real message of Scripture (pictured as a beautiful vase) is preserved for us. as a beautiful vase) is preserved for us.

This is no different from Neo-orthodoxy with its denial This is no different from Neo-orthodoxy with its denial of infallibility and inerrancy. of infallibility and inerrancy.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution B.B. DefeatedDefeated 1.1. Genesis 1-11 as FigurativeGenesis 1-11 as Figurative Gen 1-11 bears the marks of historical narrative. Gen 1-11 bears the marks of historical narrative. If we take Gen 12ff as historical narrative, then undoubtedly If we take Gen 12ff as historical narrative, then undoubtedly

Gen. 1-11 is also intended as such. Gen. 1-11 is also intended as such. The genealogies of Gen 10-11 conclude with the family The genealogies of Gen 10-11 conclude with the family

background of Abraham. background of Abraham. The genealogy of Gen 11:10-32 is identical to that of Gen 5 The genealogy of Gen 11:10-32 is identical to that of Gen 5

which begins with Adam and Seth. which begins with Adam and Seth. A seamless structure ties Abraham to Adam—If Gen 1-11 is a A seamless structure ties Abraham to Adam—If Gen 1-11 is a

different genre than Gen 12ff, the transition is imperceptible. different genre than Gen 12ff, the transition is imperceptible.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution B.B. DefeatedDefeated 1.1. Genesis 1-11 as FigurativeGenesis 1-11 as Figurative If Gen 1-11 is not literal, the constant impression of historicity is If Gen 1-11 is not literal, the constant impression of historicity is

baffling.baffling. The precise location of the Eden is given in detail (Gen 2:8-17). The precise location of the Eden is given in detail (Gen 2:8-17). The genealogy of Cain is given with numerous specific names and no The genealogy of Cain is given with numerous specific names and no

perceptible difference between it and others throughout the OT. perceptible difference between it and others throughout the OT. The genealogies of Seth (Gen 5) and Noah (Gen 11) are provided.The genealogies of Seth (Gen 5) and Noah (Gen 11) are provided. They are treated as historical in 1 Chr 1:1ff and Luke 3:23-38. They are treated as historical in 1 Chr 1:1ff and Luke 3:23-38. The precise chronology of the flood and the precise dimensions of the The precise chronology of the flood and the precise dimensions of the

ark are given.ark are given.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution B.B. DefeatedDefeated 1.1. Genesis 1-11 as FigurativeGenesis 1-11 as Figurative The account of the generations of Shem, Ham, and The account of the generations of Shem, Ham, and

Japheth in Gen 10 provides the historical backgrounds of Japheth in Gen 10 provides the historical backgrounds of the nations that surrounded Israel in the Middle East. the nations that surrounded Israel in the Middle East.

These are literal nations in the OT historical narratives. These are literal nations in the OT historical narratives. Gen 10:32: "Out of these the nations were separated on Gen 10:32: "Out of these the nations were separated on

the earth after the flood.” the earth after the flood.” If such language is not literal, it is impossible to know If such language is not literal, it is impossible to know

what the Bible means and biblical authority is vitiated. what the Bible means and biblical authority is vitiated.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” a.a. Contrary to the Inerrancy of ScriptureContrary to the Inerrancy of Scripture The NT doctrine of Scripture does not allow for the The NT doctrine of Scripture does not allow for the

possibility that parts of the OT may be packing material. possibility that parts of the OT may be packing material. John 10:35: John 10:35: The Scripture cannot be brokenThe Scripture cannot be broken. . Matt 4:4, 7, 10: Matt 4:4, 7, 10: It is written.It is written. Such language is incompatible with part of Scripture Such language is incompatible with part of Scripture

being only packing material. being only packing material.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” b.b. Contrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by ScriptureContrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by Scripture The packing material says the week of Gen. 1:1-2:3 is merely The packing material says the week of Gen. 1:1-2:3 is merely

the literary framework of the "real message." the literary framework of the "real message." One expects it to fade into insignificance.One expects it to fade into insignificance. Instead, the creation week continues to be signifcant. Instead, the creation week continues to be signifcant. Jehovah (!) in the 10 Commandments (!) attributes Jehovah (!) in the 10 Commandments (!) attributes

significance to the creation week (Exod 20:8-11). significance to the creation week (Exod 20:8-11). In 6 days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, … and In 6 days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, … and

rested the 7rested the 7thth day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.day and made it holy.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” b.b. Contrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by ScriptureContrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by Scripture If the 7-day structure is merely framework, why does If the 7-day structure is merely framework, why does

Jehovah attribute such significance to it? Jehovah attribute such significance to it? Jehovah says the 7Jehovah says the 7thth day is the sabbath day. day is the sabbath day. Verse 11b is a quotation or paraphrase and, thus, an Verse 11b is a quotation or paraphrase and, thus, an

interpretation of Gen. 2:3a. interpretation of Gen. 2:3a. Jehovah calls the 7Jehovah calls the 7thth day of Gen 2:3 "a sabbath day." day of Gen 2:3 "a sabbath day." The sabbath day in this passage is a literal day. The sabbath day in this passage is a literal day.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” b.b. Contrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by ScriptureContrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by Scripture Worship on the 7th day said that Israel worshipped the God Worship on the 7th day said that Israel worshipped the God

who made the world in 6 days and rested the 7who made the world in 6 days and rested the 7thth. . Exod 31:15-17: "For six days work may be done, but on the Exod 31:15-17: "For six days work may be done, but on the

seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall LORD; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death. So the sons of Israel shall observe the surely be put to death. So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the sons as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he ceased from labor..."earth, but on the seventh day he ceased from labor..."

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” b.b. Contrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by ScriptureContrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by Scripture A devastating argument against the packing material view is A devastating argument against the packing material view is

the that the people and events of Gen 1-11 in the NT (Matt. the that the people and events of Gen 1-11 in the NT (Matt. 19:4-6; 24:37-39; Mark 2:27, 28; Mark 10:6; Luke 3:23-38; 19:4-6; 24:37-39; Mark 2:27, 28; Mark 10:6; Luke 3:23-38; 17:26ff.; John 8:44; Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Cor. 11:7-12; 15:21, 22, 17:26ff.; John 8:44; Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Cor. 11:7-12; 15:21, 22, 44-49; Eph. 2:3; 5:31; 1 Tim. 2:13, 14; Heb. 11:3-7; James 44-49; Eph. 2:3; 5:31; 1 Tim. 2:13, 14; Heb. 11:3-7; James 3:9; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5; 3:5, 6; 1 John 3:8, 12; Jude 14, 3:9; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5; 3:5, 6; 1 John 3:8, 12; Jude 14, 15).15).

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” b.b. Contrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by Contrary to the Use of Gen 1-11 by

ScriptureScripture One cannot neatly remove Gen 1-11 from the biblical One cannot neatly remove Gen 1-11 from the biblical

organism. organism. It is not like removing scaffolding. It is not like removing scaffolding. It is like wrenching the head from a living animal. It is like wrenching the head from a living animal. Gen 1-11 cannot be wrung from the Bible without wasting Gen 1-11 cannot be wrung from the Bible without wasting

biblical religion. biblical religion.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” c.c. Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of

UniformitarianismUniformitarianism The "packing material" view subtly adopts the The "packing material" view subtly adopts the

uniformitarianism of evolution. uniformitarianism of evolution. Uniformitarianism = the uniformity of natural causes Uniformitarianism = the uniformity of natural causes

never disrupted by the supernatural. never disrupted by the supernatural. The miraculous is, thus, impossible. The miraculous is, thus, impossible. With this comes scorn for the concept of "apparent age.“With this comes scorn for the concept of "apparent age.“

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” c.c. Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of

UniformitarianismUniformitarianism Two things make such perspectives scripturally Two things make such perspectives scripturally

impermissible.impermissible. The Bible explicitly repudiates the concept of a world in The Bible explicitly repudiates the concept of a world in

which natural causes are uniform and explicitly affirms which natural causes are uniform and explicitly affirms the concept of a world history punctuated by events the concept of a world history punctuated by events which transcend the processes and laws of the world as it which transcend the processes and laws of the world as it was created by God. was created by God.

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” c.c. Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of

UniformitarianismUniformitarianism The key passage is 2 Pet. 3:1-13. The key passage is 2 Pet. 3:1-13. Uniformitarianism is described in v. 4. Uniformitarianism is described in v. 4. It logically requires the denial of the Second Coming of It logically requires the denial of the Second Coming of

Christ and is attributed to mockers. Christ and is attributed to mockers. Verse 5 characterizes it as ignorance. Verse 5 characterizes it as ignorance. A world history punctuated by acts of God transcending A world history punctuated by acts of God transcending

normal processes is affirmed. normal processes is affirmed. Verses 5-7 says that not such processes, but the Word of God Verses 5-7 says that not such processes, but the Word of God

is ultimate in world historyis ultimate in world history

I.I. Theistic EvolutionTheistic Evolution 2.2. Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material”Genesis 1-11 as “Packing Material” c. Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of Uniformitarianismc. Contrary to the Biblical Rejection of Uniformitarianism Apparent age? Apparent age? Gen 2:6ff. records the creation of man. Gen 2:6ff. records the creation of man. When Adam was created, how old would they have looked? When Adam was created, how old would they have looked? John 2:1-11 records how Jesus made wine out of water. John 2:1-11 records how Jesus made wine out of water. What would the wine expert have said about its age?What would the wine expert have said about its age? Such indications of age were merely apparent. Such indications of age were merely apparent. The idea of the miraculous requires the idea of apparent age. The idea of the miraculous requires the idea of apparent age. Scorn for apparent age is scorn for the miraculous. Scorn for apparent age is scorn for the miraculous. Apparent age solves problems posed by evolutionary science. Apparent age solves problems posed by evolutionary science.