By Rev. Mark H. Creech
March 4, 2004

(AgapePress) - You may have already heard about the ABC News poll that found most Americans believe that the Genesis creation account and the stories of Noah's ark and Moses parting the Red Sea are literally true. The poll, which was released in the middle of last month, said 61 percent believe in the creation account, 60 percent believe in the story of Noah and a universal deluge, and 64 percent believe Moses parted the Red Sea -- people actually see these events as historical and not just stories meant to convey a spiritual lesson.

What makes the findings of this poll so significant is these Old Testament accounts are critically important to an understanding of God's overall revelation. They are also a part of that portion of the Bible which has been the object of the greatest attacks of skepticism and unbelief. Nevertheless, the creation story, Noah and his family's escape from the great Flood, and the parting of the Red Sea are foundational in their influence. In fact, it is quite impossible to reject the historicity and divine authority of these accounts without undermining and discrediting the authority of the entire Bible.

If the first Adam was only an allegory, then by all logic, there is no authority to deem the second Adam (Jesus Christ) as anything different. If man didn't really fall into sin from his state of created innocence, then there is no reason for him to need a Savior. If the first world described in Genesis was not real, then on what basis can we conclude the new world described in the Book of Revelation is genuine?

The fact of a literal global Flood is a pivotal issue in the conflict between Christianity and anti-Christianity. In his book The Genesis Record, Dr. Henry Morris states: "If the principle of innate evolutionary development can fully explain the universe and all its inhabitants, as its proponents claim, then there is no need to postulate a Creator. The chief evidence for evolution is the geological record of the supposed billions of years of earth history, documented by the fossils entombed in the sedimentary rocks of the earth's crust; and there is no room in this framework of interpretation for a world-destroying flood. Thus, if the latter has actually occurred, the assumptions of uniformity and evolution as guiding principles in interpreting earth's history are thereby proved completely deceptive and false."

The story of the Ark also sets forth the reality of the awful end of sin, divine retribution and salvation. The Ark endured the battering of the flood for the sake of its inhabitants who entered in by faith. So Christ endured the wrath of God by dying for our sins that He may save all who by faith enter into a personal relationship with Him.

What is more, without an actual miracle taking place, delivering the Israelites from their oppressors, the mighty Egyptians, by parting the Red Sea, what assurances do we have God can save any nation who trusts Him? Without it, there is no foundation for the claim that God is the author of freedom and national deliverance. In the Teacher's Bible Commentary, Ralph Langely writes about the Red Sea incident, saying: "God's angel stood in the vanguard and the rearguard. His people were surrounded by divine strength and protection. Then came the calamity of the hosts of Pharaoh. As they sought to follow [after the Israelites to destroy them as they crossed over] they were utterly destroyed. Thus were God and his man Moses vindicated. Faith was restored and Israel was on her way toward nationhood and freedom. It would be a long, long road yet. But at least the beginnings had been made. And that victory at the Red Sea would never be blotted out." Indeed, it would forever stand as a testimony to the nations of the power of God to free any people who would obey Him.

I'm energized by the good news that such large numbers across America believe these foundational biblical accounts should be taken literally. It means people are reading their Bibles and believing what they read. It means they're listening to preachers who are proclaiming the Bible is literally true. It means those who are determined to erase faith from the public square have not won.

You may have heard the story of a certain organization that offered a bounty of $5,000 for wolves captured alive. It resulted in two men, Sam and Jed, becoming fortune hunters. Day and night they scoured the mountains and forests looking for their valuable prey. Exhausted one night, they fell asleep dreaming of their potential fortune. Suddenly, Sam awoke to see that they were surrounded by about 50 wolves with flaming eyes and bared teeth. That's when Sam nudged his friend and said, "Wake up, Jed! We're rich!"

Granted, it appears that Christians are losing on nearly every front of the culture war. It looks like we're surrounded on every side and our demise imminent. But there is still enough of a biblical base left among the people of this country that if built upon, matters could be turned around. This is no time to despair, but a time of tremendous opportunity.