Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionDeliberate forgetfulness of Creation and the Flood refers to the intentional disregard or denial of the biblical accounts of the world's creation and the global flood as recorded in the Scriptures. This concept is addressed in the New Testament, particularly in the context of warnings against false teachings and the importance of remembering God's past acts of judgment and salvation. Biblical References The Apostle Peter addresses this issue in his second epistle, highlighting the tendency of some individuals to willfully ignore the historical acts of God. In 2 Peter 3:3-7 , Peter writes: "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is the promise of His coming? Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.' But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world of that time perished in the flood. And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." Theological Significance 1. Creation: The account of Creation, as described in Genesis 1-2, is foundational to the Christian understanding of the world and humanity's place within it. It affirms God's sovereignty, power, and intentionality in bringing the universe into existence. Deliberate forgetfulness of Creation undermines the acknowledgment of God as the Creator and the inherent purpose and order He established. 2. The Flood: The narrative of the Flood, found in Genesis 6-9, serves as a historical demonstration of God's judgment against sin and His provision of salvation through Noah and the ark. The Flood is a testament to God's righteousness and mercy, offering a foreshadowing of future judgment and redemption. Ignoring this event dismisses the reality of divine judgment and the necessity of repentance. Contemporary Relevance In contemporary society, deliberate forgetfulness of Creation and the Flood can manifest in various forms, including the rejection of biblical authority, the embrace of secular worldviews, and the denial of historical events recorded in Scripture. This forgetfulness often leads to moral relativism and a diminished sense of accountability to God. Warnings and Exhortations The biblical warnings against deliberate forgetfulness serve as a call to remain steadfast in faith and to uphold the truth of God's Word. Believers are encouraged to remember and proclaim the mighty works of God, as seen in passages like Psalm 78:4 : "We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed." Conclusion While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that the deliberate forgetfulness of Creation and the Flood poses a significant challenge to the Christian faith. The biblical exhortation is to remember and affirm the truth of God's creative and redemptive acts, standing firm against the scoffers and false teachings that seek to undermine the foundation of Scripture. |