Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 25, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 33.

“Enquire and make search and ask diligently.”

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

851. When Created.

(1) WERE the sun, moon, and stars created during the six days of creation week? or did they exist before that time and were at that time made light-bearers? (2) Were there worlds with beings on them at the time of Lucifer’s rebellion, prior to this world’s creation? B. D.

1. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1); “In six days the Lord made heaven and earth” (Ex. 20:11). Would not this indicate that God created, or brought into existence, the matter, “in the beginning,” whenever that might be, but on the six days He made, formed, and finished it? Evidently, on Fourth Day, God made the sun and moon light-bearers to this earth. The Word of God reveals at least two day stars, or morning stars, namely, “Lucifer [day star], son of the morning” (Isa. 14:12, margin), and Christ, the Son of God, “the Day Star,” “the Bright and Morning Star” (2 Peter 1:19; Rev. 22:16). At the time of man’s creation Lucifer had fallen; but when “the foundations of the earth” were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” This points to a time previous to the work of the six days. See article on last page of the SIGNS of July 7.

2. The angels were at least in existence, and must have had a habitation. Then who were “the sons of God”?

852. Before Man. Gen. 2:5.

“And there was not a man to till the ground.” Gen. 2:5. Does this mean that Adam was not yet created? or does it refer to the earth outside the garden? J. D.

Adam was not then created. You will see that Gen. 2:4 begins a detailed account of the creation, leading up to that of man. The creation of man is given in verse 7.