Genesis 1:1 - 31
ESV - 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
If one accepts the timeframe calculated by Bishop Ussher, in which the days of creation as mentioned in the Bible refer to literal 24-hour days, and the passage of time since then corresponds to the lifespans of individuals as given in Genesis and elsewhere in the Bible, humans have been on earth just over 6,000 years. Secular estimates of human existence (based upon such evidence as the discovery and dating of tools, the fossil record, and analysis of geologic strata) commonly indicate that humans have been on earth considerably longer, with a figure of 200,000 years often being used. However, as I understand it, even those estimates speak of "civilization" as having first appeared approximately 6,000 years ago.
I would like to add to the answer already given on this question. All of the techniques used to calculate the age of ancient fossil remains, the dating of tools, etc., are based on the assumption that climate conditions on earth today are identical to the day Adam was created. Considering the Flood of Noah's day and the description of that event, it is clear that the climate conditions on earth today are not identical to Adam's day. In addition, the book of Revelation 20:1 tells us Satan is imprisoned for 1,000 years. Why? So that when Satan is released, those resurrected to life during the 1,000 years can face the same tests of integrity Adam and his descendants faced and 'come to life' - the real life, eternal life. There appear to be three groups of individuals who are alive upon the release of Satan: the 'great multitude' who survive the 'great tribulation' just as the Messiah predicted (Read Matt 24:21, 22); then there are those who are resurrected who died and never heard of the Messiah, therefore were unable to exercise faith in his 'shed blood'; and then there are those who are born during that 1,000 year reign of the Messiah. Might be something to consider. Peace.
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.