The Flood: The waters were on the face of the whole earth

(Gen. 8:9). In addition to ample archaeological evidence, the many and varied  flood stories from around the world,  attest to the existence of an ancient and widespread flood. Interestingly the stories become more mythical the further away one gets from the possible birthplace of humanity. There's no need to forsake a literal interpretation of this morning's verse, to understand that the flood might not be global (as in covering Antarctica,  for example).  We only need to understand that while Genesis was written for us (Romans 15:3),  it was not written to us.  And to the early reader,  the whole earth would be all that they knew, to them their geographic area would represent the whole earth. In any case “the whole land,” or even “the whole ground” are also valid translations!  

I realize this interpretation is controversial,  especially among Bible believing Christians. But one Bible study method that I use,  is the inductive method. It asks three questions 1. What does it say? 2. What does it mean?   And 3. How does it apply? The need to distinguished between 1 and 2  is is seen when Jesus said “Unless you hate your mother and father you cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). The problem comes when people confuse what the Bible says with what they think it says, in other words with their interpretation. Perhaps my interpretation is wrong, what would be certainly be wrong would be for me to say that my interpretation is what the Bible says. If I'm wrong I'll be forgiven (James 3:2)! If the flood was indeed not global,  then Christians who claim that the Bible says it was, are putting an unnecessary road block in the path of unbelievers! In this way, in a no doubt a genuine attempt to defend Scripture, they unwittingly turn many honest seekers away from even considering faith.

Hugh Ross (Questions in Genesis pp. 142, 142),  comments that even if the flood was not global,  then by the principles that govern God's judgement set forth in Scripture, we can respectfully conclude that  it touched all the creatures God reached out to judge, no fewer and no more.  He believes the human race had remained localized to the environs of Mesopotamia at that time. He says “that was the only place God needed to flood  – the region that constituted the whole world to the antediluvians” (p 142). I had to look that up, it means the pre-flood population!  

I don't agree with everything Ross says, but then I don't agree with the me of twenty years ago! We need to be growing in the wisdom and  knowledge of God!  There is usually some truth behind every error! And if I dismiss other views out of hand, I am likely to miss insights that can be gained. I certainty don't want to make agreement with my interpretations of the early chapters of Genesis a test of whether you're a Christian or not! Unfortunately many do!  There are many places where we need to take a stand, but in my book the interpretation of the early chapters of Genesis is not one of them!

Father, give us the humility to realize there are many things we don't  know or understand. Forgive us Lord when we have judged those with whom we disagree,  and let our errors (mine too) fall to the ground.  Help us to study to be approved unto You,  and we'll give You the Glory in Jesus Name Amen