Series: In the Beginning

Title: Interpreting Genesis 1

Ref: Genesis 1; Hebrews 11:1-3

There are many different approaches to understanding a text, but there can only be one correct __________________.

There are many _________________ of the truth, but there can only be one interpretation.

We have to understand what it means to the ________________ it was written to.

Reasons for Different Interpretations:

- We _____________ the passage to say something that’s not there

- We have _______________ what it says

- We don’t take the _______________ to discover its meaning

- We don’t have the right _____________ to accurately interpret it

A little time, prayer and a good ________________ will often lead you to the right interpretation.

Two Principles of Interpretation:

- _______________ interprets Scripture

- You don’t have to ____________ something to fit the passage

Different Interpretations of Genesis 1:

1. _______________ Theory - a ‘day’ meant long periods of geographical periods of time

2. ____________ Theory - a long ‘gap’ of time between v.1 and v.2 in which God judged Satan

3. Framework Hypothesis - Genesis 1 is only ____________ to convey God’s thoughts, it is not to be taken literally

4. ________________ Reading of the Text - read it as written

What does God’s word say about it?

- Moses, _______________ days (Exodus 20:9-10)

- Paul, Adam was a ________________ (Romans 5:12-21)

- Jesus, took Genesis _______________ (Mark 10:2-9)

Every interpretation must be accepted by _______________.

In order to have a strong foundation we must have the _______________ interpretation.