How long?

[sdktlk]

I know there seems to always be a conflict between science and the Bible as to HOW LONG the earth has been in existence. But, as I look at Scripture, I cannot determine how long Adam was in the "garden" before Eve was created, nor how long it was from that time to "the fall." Also, I do not see where they did not have children before the fall. The only thing I can see is that after the fall "sorrow" was associated with child birth for what Eve had done. (Gen 3:16)

I do however see Cain, in his discussion with the Lord, voice concern that, "...everyone that finds me shall slay me..." (Gen 4:14) giving the distinct impression that there were more humans upon the earth at that time.

So, the question remains, "HOW LONG?"

[Hunterpoet]

The earth cannot speak, so man, can only look at it and make a calculated guess as to how old it is.

The Bible does speak, but it does not tell us how old the earth is. Man in his un-infinite wisdom has used certain forms of calculation to determine the age of the earth using biblical reference.

If you build half a house from a tree that is 50 years old, then wait another 100 years before completing the other half with wood from the same tree....how old is the house???

Neither camp can tell you with any certainty how old the earth is....at best it is a guess.

OK...so lets say Adam was in the garden alone for 50 years before he allowed himself to join Eve in disobedience. If Adam had only been in the garden for 5 years alone; would this have decreased the chances of him being disobedient???

anyway...I think you understand my position.

[sdktlk]

The earth cannot speak, so man, can only look at it and make a calculated guess as to how old it is.

The Bible does speak, but it does not tell us how old the earth is. Man in his un-infinite wisdom has used certain forms of calculation to determine the age of the earth using biblical reference.

If you build half a house from a tree that is 50 years old, then wait another 100 years before completing the other half with wood from the same tree....how old is the house???

Neither camp can tell you with any certainty how old the earth is....at best it is a guess.

OK...so lets say Adam was in the garden alone for 50 years before he allowed himself to join Eve in disobedience. If Adam had only been in the garden for 5 years alone; would this have decreased the chances of him being disobedient???

anyway...I think you understand my position.

I guess my point is is that there really is no cause for "two" camps. For before the fall time had no relevance, and how long Adam existed before Eve is unknowable and how long they lived in the garden before the fall is not disclosed. That being said the earth could certainly have been here a long, long time.

[other one]

Gen 5:4-5

5 So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

NASB

[sdktlk]

Gen 5:4-5

5 So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

NASB

Yes, brother, I know. But there was no accounting for "days" as Adam was created an eternal being and time was of no consequence before he fell from heaven.

[other one]

You either have to accept that the world from Genesis 1:2 to now is about 6,000 years, or you don't accept what the Bible says.

The amount of time between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 can be questionable, and if so much could have happened on planet earth before it became formless and void. It's a stretch, but it's the only way I can see reconciling science and the Bible as far as time goes.

[other one]

Gen 5:4-5

5 So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.

NASB

Yes, brother, I know. But there was no accounting for "days" as Adam was created an eternal being and time was of no consequence before he fell from heaven.

Adam fell from heaven????

[~candice~]

The bible does not tell us how old the earth is, it would be presumptuous to give an age.

As for your question of who was going to kill Cain, we must realise that we are not told about all the offspring of Adam and Eve. We are only told of the offspring who had signficance in the story. It makes sense that Adam and Eve had many many other children, and it was those offspring (and their offspring, etc) whom Cain feared.

[sdktlk]

You either have to accept that the world from Genesis 1:2 to now is about 6,000 years, or you don't accept what the Bible says.

The amount of time between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 can be questionable, and if so much could have happened on planet earth before it became formless and void. It's a stretch, but it's the only way I can see reconciling science and the Bible as far as time goes.

That is true. But, I'm just silly enough to not accept any such thing as a "gap theory" which has been put forth in time past to try to shore up the post man "war in heaven" doctrine.

[~candice~]

You either have to accept that the world from Genesis 1:2 to now is about 6,000 years, or you don't accept what the Bible says.

The amount of time between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 can be questionable, and if so much could have happened on planet earth before it became formless and void. It's a stretch, but it's the only way I can see reconciling science and the Bible as far as time goes.

Sam I hate to muddy the waters, but that's not exactly true. Gaps in genealogies are proven, check out the telescoping article ('The Genesis Geneologies') on reasons.org.

I (vehemently) disagree with Ussher.