In the Midst of the Waters

Genesis 1:6
“And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.”

What was the Earth like before the Flood? Bible believing scientists are giving us some surprising answers about the incredibly beautiful Earth God originally created.

In Genesis 1:6 we read that God divided the waters, leaving waters above and below the firmament. The firmament spoken of here is our atmosphere. We can easily understand that the waters below the firmament are the oceans. But what are the waters above the firmament?

One theory offered by Bible believing scientists is that the waters above the firmament may have been a water vapor canopy. A water vapor canopy above most of the atmosphere would have had the same effect as the roof of a greenhouse does today. The Earth would have been a warm, tropical place, with very even temperatures from pole to pole. Under such conditions there would be no storms nor winter as we know it. This theory, say creation scientists, would explain why we find evidences of tropical plants and animals even in the far north and on the Antarctic continent.

Creation scientists who hold to this theory have suggested that Genesis 7:11 may be referring to the collapse of this canopy when it says that the windows of heaven “opened up.” Yes, the Bible offers us a believable history of major events that can be accounted for in only thousands of years instead of millions!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank You that Your Word is trustworthy and true. Let its truth be evident to all so that more may join their voices in glorifying You! Amen.

Notes:
Bixler, R. Russell. 1986. “Does the Bible speak of a vapor canopy?” Bible Science Newsletter, Nov. p. 1. Photo: The vapor canopy theory was proposed in The Genesis Flood by John C. Whitcomb and Henry M. Morris.