Why Bible History Matters (and the timing of the Fall and Ark-building)

The history book of the universe

The Bible is a collection of 66 books of many types, including poetry, biography, romance, instruction and theology. And it was written over 1,500 years, by many types of authors: e.g. kings, generals, fishermen, prophets, scholars, a tax-collector and a doctor. But over-arching all this, the Bible is the true history of the universe,¹ showing how God glorifies Himself all the way from Eternity Past to Eternity Future. And a central theme is Heilsgeschichte (German for ‘salvation history’): God’s eternal plan for His Son to take on human nature as the Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). His death and resurrection would enable the salvation of those written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world.²

So it’s not surprising that the Bible is full of historical information including timing. The great preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones said:

“Our Christian faith is based entirely upon history … .It is quite unique because it is teaching which is based upon history … Our Christian faith is entirely different [to Buddhism, Hinduism, etc.]. It calls attention to facts. … the garden of Eden … Do you remember the history of the flood? That is fact. That is history. Then God gave a new start … . Tower of Babel … Abraham … the facts about our Lord … .”³