Is the first earth age concept biblical? What is the idea of the first earth age?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The biblical text nowhere supports the first earth age concept. When pressed, proponents often cite special understanding of specific Hebrew and Greek words. Scholarly understanding of those languages does not support such translation. According to first age ideas, thousands or millions of years ago, God created earth, but it was corrupted by the fall of Satan, they say. Those beings, or souls, who decided to stay loyal to God became the "elect" and were promised eternal life. This is based on misunderstandings and misrepresentations of Genesis 1:1, Jeremiah 4:18, and 2 Peter 3. These texts do not support first age ideas. First age ideas are rooted in the unproven gap theory. The gap theory has neither Biblical support nor scientific support. First age beliefs that people existed first as spiritual beings contradicts 1 Corinthians 15:42-47.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• A first earth age (intelligent beings prior to Adam and Eve) is not mentioned in the Old Testament. Neither is a realm of pre-existing souls.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The belief that people existed first as spiritual beings, then physical, contradicts passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:42–47:
• "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Belief in a “first earth age” is relatively narrow. This erroneous idea stems from false teachings and doctrinal errors. These errors raise red flags, and anyone pursuing first earth ideas should use Biblical discernment.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not teach a "first earth age" or a pre-human existence of souls.
• The idea of a first earth age contradicts passages like 1 Corinthians 15:42–47, which state that the physical body comes before the spiritual body.
• Proponents of the first earth age theory rely on misinterpretations of Genesis 1:1, Jeremiah 4:18, and 2 Peter 3, none of which support this concept.

REFLECT

• How does understanding that there is no biblical support for a first earth age influence your view of biblical teachings on creation?
• Have you encountered teachings or ideas that misrepresent biblical passages? How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
• What steps can you take to ensure your beliefs are rooted in sound biblical interpretation and not speculative theories?

ENGAGE

• How do passages like 1 Corinthians 15:42–47 clarify the biblical sequence of physical and spiritual life, and what impact does this have on the first earth age concept?
• Why do you think some people are drawn to theories like the first earth age despite the lack of biblical support?
• How can you engage with those who hold unbiblical views about creation while maintaining a respectful and truth-centered dialogue?