4.54 Ga?

Matt Miles • April 18, 2019

How old is the earth? This question seems to be straight forward, but your worldview impacts how you answer it. An evolutionary worldview states the earth is 4.54 giga-annum (billion years old). On the other hand, the Biblical record indicates it is roughly 6,000 years old. These two dates are, as you can see, diametrically opposed to each other. However, only one can be correct. Let’s look at this conundrum.

The traditional evolutionary date for the earth is 4.54 Ga and is basically derived from presuppositional ages for each layer of rock. The supposed ages of the rocks give a date range for the fossils in each layer, and then the fossils are used as a cross-reference to determine the age of the layers. Yes, that is a circular pattern for the age of the geological column (rock layers). Most people who ride on this dating belief will refer to radiometric dating as the end-all method to affirm said dates. Yet, as has been observed numerous times, this dating method is fraught with problems and potential errors. Thus the entire evolutionary dating system is worldview (belief) driven and not empirically scientific.

On the other hand, the Bible indicates an age of about 6,000 years old. Based on the genealogies and history in the Genesis text, we can arrive at this reasonably accurate age. The immediate opposition to this age comes from the appearance of the fossil record. Each of us have a worldview of how old we think the fossil record appears. However, none of the fossils have tags to state how old they are and thus how old the earth is. Genesis 7-8 records a judgement against sin that affected the earth globally during the flood. This flood event would have impacted every square inch of our planet and, based on the text, would have been very geologic. In reading the account, we understand large scale volcanism, earthquaking, and of course hydrological devastation would have been involved. This event can and does explain the layers of rock around the world on every continent with the presence of now dead life (fossils), and without the need for long periods of time.

            The earth’s history or appearance of old age must be viewed in light of Genesis’ record. Then and only then will we have a sufficient foundation to start an empirical study of the rock record, not of great ages but of a great judgement that stands as a testimony for a future judgement.

Blessings to you and your family as you seek the Lord through His Word. When we start there, the world around us will testify to the truth in the Bible. Then the promises from the Word about our eternal destiny will empower our faith with hope. Thank the Lord Jesus Christ today for the record of earth history contained in both the Bible and the earth!

Signing the Mayflower Compact by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, 1899
By Ryan Cox March 19, 2026
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
model train engine
By Matt Miles March 19, 2026
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.
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