Definition:
The Gap Theory, also known as the Ruin-Reconstruction Theory, is a theological concept that suggests a temporal gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Proponents of this theory propose that an indeterminate period exists between the original creation of the heavens and the earth and the subsequent six-day creation account. This theory attempts to reconcile the biblical creation narrative with geological and fossil evidence suggesting an ancient earth.

Biblical Basis:
The Gap Theory is primarily based on the interpretation of the first two verses of Genesis:

· Genesis 1:1 : "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
· Genesis 1:2 : "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters."

Advocates of the Gap Theory argue that the phrase "the earth was formless and void" (Hebrew: tohu wa-bohu) implies a state of chaos or desolation, possibly due to a cataclysmic event. This interpretation suggests that the earth became formless and void, indicating a judgment or destruction that occurred after the initial creation.

Theological Implications:
The Gap Theory allows for the possibility of an ancient earth, accommodating scientific findings related to geology and paleontology. It suggests that the original creation in Genesis 1:1 could have included a fully developed earth with life forms that were subsequently destroyed, possibly due to the fall of Satan and his angels (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17).

· Isaiah 14:12-15 describes the fall of Lucifer, which some proponents link to the destruction that led to the earth becoming "formless and void."
· Ezekiel 28:12-17 provides a lament over the king of Tyre, often interpreted as a dual reference to Satan's fall.

Historical Context:
The Gap Theory gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly through the work of Thomas Chalmers and the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible. It was an attempt to harmonize the biblical account of creation with emerging scientific theories of the time, such as uniformitarianism and the geological time scale.

Criticism and Alternative Views:
Critics of the Gap Theory argue that it imposes an unwarranted interpretation on the biblical text, suggesting that the plain reading of Genesis does not indicate a gap. They assert that the Hebrew grammar and context do not support a temporal gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Additionally, some theologians believe that the theory undermines the doctrine of a young earth as traditionally held by many conservative Christians.

Alternative interpretations include the Young Earth Creationist view, which posits that the earth is approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years old, and the Day-Age Theory, which interprets the "days" of creation as long periods.

Conclusion:
The Gap Theory remains a topic of debate among theologians and scholars. While it offers a framework for integrating scientific observations with the biblical creation account, it also raises questions about the interpretation of Scripture and the nature of the creation narrative.Genesis 1:1-31
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:2
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters.
Topicalbible.org

Exodus 20:11
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: why the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 45:18
For thus said the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.
Topicalbible.org

Jeremiah 4:23
I beheld the earth, and, see, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 2:4
These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:3
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 1:31
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Topicalbible.org

Seventh Tractate. On Complete Transfusion.
... any gap, if, that is to say, each substance must be divided within itself through
and through for complete interpenetration with the other. Their theory is ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/seventh tractate on complete transfusion.htm

Appendix ii. Conflation and the So-Called Neutral Text.
... X includes what is in Y and Z, upon the face of the theory either X ... Neither of these
instances therefore fill up the gap, and are accordingly not included in ...
/.../appendix ii conflation and the.htm

What did Moses Write?
... actor in it, such a gap is inexplicable. There is a reasonable way of accounting
for it, as we shall see, but it cannot be accounted for on the theory that the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm

The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at ...
... internal connection, feature to feature in the portraiture of the Divine Redeemer,
supplies the gap in the ... As signally does the mythical' theory break down. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the second visit.htm

Fifth Tractate. Problems of the Soul (3). [Also Entitled "On Sight ...
... some kind of contact with them by means of whatever may bridge the gap. ... tending to
check or block or enfeeble that sympathy; this theory, especially, requires ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fifth tractate problems of the.htm

The Surprised Church.
... old Book there is a handy sort of explanation largely in use that applies all that
can be fitted into the theory in hand ... It fits into a gap in the kingdom plan. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the surprised church.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... This theory is confirmed by discoveries in the prehistoric cemeteries of the Viminal
and Esquiline ... saw it in 1699, it was intact, save a breach or gap on the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

Title and Position.
... G. Jahn, in his note on Daniel 3:24 (Leipzig, 1904), considers the gap between vv ...
And the same may be said of G. Jahn's theory that some mention of the singing ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/title and position.htm

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ...
... Only one other theory on the subject requires notice: that the writer of the Fourth ...
Bethany, [4782] is described as he whom Christ loved.' What a gap of untold ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the death and.htm

Appendix xiv. The Law in Messianic Times.
... sacrifices did at once and absolutely cease - only caused a gap; just as ... Further,
the favorite modern theory as to fundamental opposition in principle between ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xiv the law in.htm

Does the Bible say anything about a pre-Adamic race? | GotQuestions.org

What is the first earth age? Is the concept of a first earth age biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What is the definition of enmity? | GotQuestions.org

Gap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus