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Why Does The Timeline In The Bible Make No Sense?

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If you read the opening sentence of the Bible, “In the beginning,” it’s easy to assume that the timeline of the Bible was written in chronological order from beginning to end. Upon further study, readers find that not only do certain books overlap one another, but many seem to be placed out of order according to their historical timeline. This can be confusing and often causes people to question why the books weren’t combined into a sequential pattern? After all, wouldn’t that make more sense?

Before we examine the most logical answer, let’s take a look at what both skeptics and atheists have to say about the Bible’s timeline.

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What Skeptics & Atheists Say

Skeptics strongly debate the accuracy of the Bible’s timeline and often point out conflicts of dates and events according to traditional history. As the Bible walks readers through the initial days of creation to the revelation of Jesus’ return, skeptics struggle to accept the Bible’s timeline as accurate and believable.

Atheists outright reject the timeline of the Bible and claim it’s both historically and scientifically incorrect. They believe that adhering to the Bible’s timeline requires people to forego both rational and intellectual thought. And because atheists take a firm stance against any existence of a higher power, they certainly don’t accept the Bible’s timeline as inspired by God or useful for mankind.

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What The Bible Says

Practically speaking, the Bible’s a collection of individual books combined together to make a whole. Instead of being compiled in chronological order, the books are categorized into literary sections such as the law, history, poetry, and prophecy.

This particular order doesn’t invalidate the Bible or make it less accurate. In Psalm 33:4 we read, “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all he does.” The truths of God’s word remain the same whether we read them according to the historical timeline or not. In fact, the more someone studies the Bible the more familiar they become with the way things are arranged. They begin to see a certain ebb and flow of the Bible’s text which makes more sense over time.

It’s interesting to note that while most Bibles are arranged topically, there are now chronological Bibles available that maintain dates and events in historical order. Whichever version you study, when questions arise about the timeline of the Bible, readers are invited to ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Perhaps a closer look at the timeline of the Bible in the context of God’s wisdom will help clear up confusion and inspire you to dig deeper into its fascinating accounts of Biblical history.

What would happen if you embraced the possibility that the God of the Bible really did create the world and really does care for you?

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We believe that life is better lived in an authentic community of people who appreciate the connection to others, we’ve created a variety of environments that make it easy for you to meet new people and initiate new relationships. Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, you’re welcome to explore, learn and grow with us.

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Pascal's Wager

In the seventeenth century, a famous philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, encouraged people to make a wager when it came to belief in God. If a person chose to believe in God and God did exist, that person would gain everything (eternal life). If a person chose to believe in God and God did not exist, that person would lose nothing. On the other hand, if a person chose not to believe in God and he was right, he would lose nothing. But if that person did not believe in God and he was wrong- he would lose everything (lose eternal life).

This wager can be said another way:

Based on this logic, Pascal suggested the rational person would choose to believe in God as believing offers a person everything (eternal life) while losing nothing. Wherever you are in your faith journey, would you consider taking Pascal’s wager? If the good God of the Bible exists, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by believing in Him today.

Real Life Skyline Church
11330 Campo Rd. La Mesa, CA 91941
Tel: 619-660-5000

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Life can feel truly overwhelming for everyone at times, which is why people so often use prayer - or simply put, a conversation with God - to ask for hope, strength, guidance, or circumstantial change in difficult times. "Putting it in God’s hands" when we’re facing any number of obstacles can provide great comfort and peace in a world that we know is out of our own control.

The Bible teaches us that prayer is powerful and effective, both in communicating with God and in bringing peace to those who pray. We consider it an honor to be able to talk personally with the God who created us, with confidence that He listens and cares. No matter your faith background, and whatever the challenges you’re facing, we’re eager to pray for you, your family members, or any of your loved ones. There’s nothing we’d love more than to present your requests to God and pray with you.

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