Epigenetics – Where the Physical and Spiritual Worlds Meet

February 18, 2023UncategorizedJohn Smith

Strong Ties

You are a magnificent creature, wonderfully made; you live in a physical world, but have strong ties to the spiritual world. One of these ties to the spiritual world is what the scientific community calls “epigenetics.”

Background

When DNA was discovered, it appeared that our destiny was fixed and determined wholly by our DNA. We were led to believe that since our DNA was locked in at conception, we were slaves to our ancestry. However, we knew that this couldn’t be true. It would invalidate the promises and principles in the Bible. There would be no reason to pray, no reason to believe, and no purpose for life. We knew that there had to be more than just DNA. So, we patiently waited, by faith, and our patience has been rewarded by what is now called “epigenetics”. Not only does epigenetics solve the “slave to our ancestry” problem, but it shows us how God’s creative genius connects us to the spiritual world. It is genius, and very, very complex ¹.

So, epigenetics is the study of how DNA is expressed by switching genes “on” and “off” as directed by our environment. We humans have an environment which is diverse: diet, atmosphere, stress levels, fear, music, love, microbiome, belief system, prayer, and faith. All these elements of our environment have the capability of switching our genetic switches “on” and “off.”

Diet and Epigenetics

DNA provides the genes, and epigenetics decides which genes are expressed and to what level. This epigenetic expression is dependent on how the DNA is packed in the cell. For instance, take the ant; pack his cells one way and you have ant larva; pack them differently and you have a worker ant; pack them a third way and you have an ant with wings that can fly. The DNA is the same, but the expression is quite different. Epigenetics switches determine which ant version is expressed.

The worker ants attending the larva know when the time is right, then they prepare a potion of fungus. When this fungus potion is fed to the larva, the larvae’s switches are positioned to pack the DNA to produce wings and a flight control system. Each cell works in unison with the others to produce the intended creature, in this case, a flying ant.

Social Environment

Researchers are just beginning to connect epigenetics with social environment. We have all known that our circle of friends, parents, and community made an impact on our mental health, but now we are seeing the epigenetic mechanisms that affect our physical health. Researches have correlated gene expression with social influences ². We, at Genesis and Genetics, are very interested in the results of these laboratory results knowing how the Bible warns about joining with those who practice evil.

The Nurturing Rat

Then there is the rat. It has been found that if the mother rat licks and grooms her babies, they do better mentally and physically. If the pups are not licked and groomed, they suffer both mentally and physically. This means that the rat DNA has genetic switches that are turned “on” or “off” responding to the environment of nurturing and grooming³.

Fear and Trauma

Another study where a small mouse was traumatized repeatedly ⁴, the small mouse did poorly mentality and physically. Again, there were switches that were being turned “on” and “off” depending on the packaging, but the interesting point is that the trauma was sometimes passed on to future generations ⁴ of the traumatized mouse. Some secular scientists are referring to this effect as the Biblical “sins of the father” effect ⁵. If you please, type, “sins of the father epigenetics” into your favorite search engine and you can read all about it.

Summary

You have nearly 40 trillion cells in your body, and how your DNA is packed in each one of these cells matters. This packaging can switch select genes “on” and switch other genes “off.” This switching can affect your overall mental and physical health. The mechanism for packing the DNA in your cells is not yet understood, but we now have evidence that the packing affects our physical and spiritual identity. Therefore, know that you are not a slave to your DNA, your DNA is a slave to you and the environment you provide.

You are empowered by your faith in harmony with the Bible to harness and exploit your DNA. How? Simply by supplying a proper physical and spiritual environment. Your epigenetics is crying out to fulfill its vocation to find, bind, and wind your genes so that you and your children after you for 3 and 4 generations may do well.

Dear friends and children, it is true, the Bible got it right, our physical bodies respond to faith and prayer.

References:

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Epigenetics – Complexity of Biblical Proportions

February 11, 2023Biology, Creation, DNA, Genetics, originsJohn Smith

Hot Topic in Modern Research

The discovery of DNA has greatly enhanced our understanding of life and its complexities. However, understanding DNA is just the beginning. DNA orchestration and expression are of mind-blowing, Biblical, proportions of complexity. This orchestration is a field of study called epigenetics, a term coined in the 1940’s and currently one of the hottest topics of research. Epigenetics may very well be the most important scientific discovery of our generation.

How it Works

Consider a nest of eggs. The DNA is fixed in the nucleus of each egg. After a month or so, the eggs will incubate and transform themselves into chicks. These chicks all look alike but no longer resemble the egg from which they came. Their DNA has not changed. Every cell in their body, in collaboration with every other cell, has expressed itself as this baby chick. After a few weeks they increase in size and grow bigger wings, their fuzz turns into feathers, and muscles become toned for flight.

At each stage, the babies, in this case, robins, all look alike; their DNA is expressed in like manner for each of the chicks; every cell is expressing itself differently, but in concert with every other cell, doing its part to produce a fledgling.

Amazingly, the robin’s DNA does not change, but the robins do; they change a lot. They all grow at the same rate and fledge at the same time. Finally, we have mature birds, all approximately the same size and approximately the same physical appearance. The DNA is fixed from egg till death, but the expression of the robin’s DNA is changed drastically from one stage to another. Everything is performing with perfect orchestration and expression.

Mechanism

So, the question is, what mechanism produces this orchestration? It is explained by epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of how DNA is packed into the cell and with which chemicals it is packed. The result of this packing regulates which genes are expressed and to what extent. Each time a cell divides, it is subject to new packing arrangements. Each cell is different and each cell packs in concert with every other cell; each doing its part. This is a miracle. Every stage of growth and development is a miracle.

An extreme example of epigenetics is the butterfly. During metamorphosis, the larva changes to a butterfly, totally different from the larva in appearance and metabolism. And, it happens very quickly. The cell divisions act in unison with all cells to regulate gene expression and produce what looks like a totally different creature even though the DNA remains fixed.

Epigenetics is a system of turning genes off and on. We humans have just over 20,000 genes in our body and each of these genes can be expressed or not depending on how tightly it is wound and with which chemicals it is packed. Therefore, with the butterfly, one combination of genes is expressed to build the larva and another combination of genes is expressed for constructing the mature butterfly. No matter how the DNA is packed, it cannot construct a moth, a bird, or a chimpanzee; it can only express the various stages of that species of butterfly.

Human Epigenetics

Now let’s look at human epigenetics and make it a bit more personal. What regulates and orchestrates our DNA packing? The answer is, “our personal DNA coupled with our environment determines how our DNA is packed.” This environment includes diet, air quality, stress, friends, attitude, purpose, and spiritual beliefs. The environment triggers receptors, switches, hormones, and electrical signals: these triggers affect how our DNA expresses itself. In summary, not only does your DNA regulate gene expression, but it also influences our physical and spiritual environments. We have a blog (part 2 of this blog) that shows both the physical and spiritual effects of epigenetics using laboratory tests of mice and rats.

Shocking Complexity

Now that we have given the basics, it is time to shock you with the complexity of epigenetics. Consider you. You looked different when you were a fetus and you looked different as a newborn. Then came the toddler years and adolescent years. Every decade you look different. Each cell in your body must do its part in making you, you for each period of your life. Latest estimates are that a human body has 37.2 trillion cells. Each cell contains about 6 feet of DNA. Therefore, you have 6 X 37.2 = 223.2 trillion feet of DNA that must orchestrate your growth, health, and metabolism. If we take this 223.2 trillion feet of DNA and divide by 5280 (feet in a mile) and take that and divide by the distance to the sun (93 million miles), we get 459.07.

This is shocking! This means that if you stretch out your DNA, it is long enough to make approximately 230 round trips to the sun. This is complexity of Biblical proportions. Each of these 6-foot strands must do its part in the orchestration with all the other 37.2 trillion strands to produce you at any point in your life. Only divine intellect and ingenuity can explain complexity of this proportion.

Dear friends and children, if you believe the Bible you are doing well. The complexity of life is of Biblical proportions and cannot be explained by chaos. When we face the creator, we will be able to say, “we believed your Word, that you created all things.”

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DNA and the Gospel

January 29, 2023Biology, Creation, DNA, Genetics, originsJohn Smith

Amazing DNA

DNA is the code that defines our flesh and blood. It is complex to the extreme, and it contains the information that builds and maintains our bodies; our bodies are filled with little factories that assemble proteins; proofreaders that check instructions; little transporters that deliver building material to the factories and other users; there are gates with gatekeepers; mechanisms that police the body looking for invaders; and more than 90,000 other mechanisms that build, regulate, and orchestrate body functions. All those who study DNA are amazed by it. So, from where did this marvelous DNA come and how did it develop into its present state?

Eternal Genetics

Let’s go back in time approximately 6000 years ago, just before the creation. All things were in Christ, including our DNA. At this point, all things (atoms, molecules, stars,

Jesus had DNA — Jesus had our DNA with Him

animals, and humans) were just an idea, not yet formed or activated. Then, the idea of the creation was released in the form of Word, and on day 6 of the creation, the idea of man was spoken into existence (Genesis 1:26); at the end of day 6, God proclaimed the entire creation to be “very good” (Genesis 1:31), this included our DNA in its “very good” state.

Then, after God rested on day seven (Genesis 2:2), Adam was formed (Genesis 2:7) and he received the breath of life from God, and Adam became a living soul, i.e. functioning flesh and blood. Fittingly, the name “Adam” means “mankind,” so, all of us alive today were in Adam. All of our genes were in him in the form of DNA. It was God’s intention that Adam live forever; therefore, his DNA and ours was intended to be eternal.

Our Corrupted Genetics

However, once Adam was given life, humanity’s DNA became vulnerable, it was no longer safe in Christ, but subject to free will and the darkness (Genesis 1:4); God took a risk. Then, unfortunately, sin did enter the world through Adam (Romans 5:12). We, today, suffer from sin: our sins, our family’s sin, our nation’s sin, and Adam’s sin. Part of this suffering is the result of mutations in our DNA; these mutations, which were planted by Satan (Matthew 13:25), cause disease, deformities, death, and other deteriorations of our flesh and blood.

There is One Copy of Our DNA that is Safe

Our present DNA is corrupted and its destiny is death; but, the good news is that the original copy still exists, safely in Christ; and, all we have to do to be restored to our original day 6 DNA is to also be “in Christ” where we are safe and will live forever, even if we die. Here are some supporting scriptures to this notion:

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:53

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:54 (KJV)

. . . I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:25 (Words of Jesus in red KJV)

Jesus is the Keeper of Our Genetics

This is just one reason, the genetic reason, why Jesus is called the Redeemer: He retains every element of the creation in Him, including our DNA, and He has the power and authority to restore all things to their perfect condition at any time.

John 1:3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:4 In him was life; . . .

In conclusion, our DNA as it exists now, was “in Christ” before the creation, spoken into existence on day 6. Then, after God’s rest, it was activated in the form of Adam; at this point, human DNA was “very good.” Unfortunately, Adam sinned and his DNA became polluted, destined to death; and, since we all came from Adam, our DNA is also polluted. However, the good copy still exists in Christ where it is safe, and we have access to it when we are also “in Christ.” This is the Gospel from a genetic perspective.

Here are some other links with some additional background information:

Adam’s DNA

Genesis Chapter 1 and 2

Jesus’ DNA

The Genetics of Sin Nature

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Keywords: Gospel genetics, eternal life DNA, Gospel according to DNA, In Christ, genetic mutations

Genesis Chapters 1 and 2 – Agreement or Contradiction

January 27, 2023Biology, Creation, DNA, Genetics, Migration, origins, Young earthJohn Smith

Logical and chronological

Genesis chapters 1 and 2 have been a bit of a mystery in that they appear to be in conflict with one another. However, now that we understand DNA, these two chapters converge into one creation account that is logically and chronologically perfect.

Genesis 1 documents the order of creation. Genesis chapter 2, on the other hand, documents the activation of the creation.

Everything was created before the seventh day. However, the plants had not been planted and neither animals nor man had been given the breath of life. The Bible is clear, God rested on the seventh day. If God had given man life on the sixth day, God could not have rested on the seventh. He wouldn’t abandon Adam nor would He want to miss Adam’s first day of life. Then, after God rested, He formed Adam from the earth in accordance with the DNA created and selected on day 6. In chapter 2, God gave Adam the breath of life and he, Adam, became a living soul.

Bara and Yatsar

This notion is further supported by the parable of the farmer who planted his field with good seed and then rested (Matthew 13:24). As the farmer rested, the seeds had not yet started growing, they were still dormant, still in seed form. This is the way it was on day 7 of creation; everything was created, ready for activation, but dormant. Then, in Genesis chapter 2, after God rested, He took the DNA created on day 6 and formed man, and breathed life into him. For those of you who study Hebrew, you will see that the word used in Genesis 1 is different from the one used in Genesis 2. The word used in Genesis 1 is “bara” having the sense of selecting. In Genesis 2 the word “yatsar” has the sense of forming or squeezing into shape much like a potter forming his pot.

Activation

Here is some of the Genesis 2 account of the creation. It shows that the materials were available, the plans were complete, and then came the activation. Please consider the following excerpts from Genesis 2:

When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up–for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, Genesis 2:5

then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. Genesis 2:8

And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 2:15

Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. Genesis 2:19

The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. Genesis 2:20

So, Adam was given life first, then the plants, then the animals. It all makes sense.

This also explains Genesis 5:2 which has been a mystery until now:

Genesis 5:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. (KJV)

The “they” is “we”

He created them male and female and called their name Adam. He called their name Adam. Adam embodied all human genetic variation. Your genes, my genes, everyone’s genes were in Adam. We were all created on day 6 and God called our name “Adam.” The name “Adam” means “man.” It goes on to say “in the day when they were created.” Again, the they is we. Our DNA was created on day six, but we were formed and given life in our mother’s womb.

Dear friends and children, know that the Bible is true and can be trusted. Genesis chapters one and two are logically and chronologically perfect.

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Noah’s Wine Country

January 24, 2023Genetics, Migration, Noah's flood, originsJohn Smith

Backdrop

Some believe that the Biblical account of Noah is a myth. Some say it is an allegory. And some, like the present writer, say it is a true historical account. So far, we have not found Noah’s colossal Ark; maybe it was recycled by our ancient ancestors, covered by an ice cap, or buried by the Mount Ararat volcano; nonetheless, the search for Noah’s Ark continues. Meanwhile, we, at Genesis and Genetics, are looking for evidence of Noah in other places, one of which is searching for Noah’s vineyard. So, let’s combine our knowledge of the Bible with modern science and search for Noah’s vineyard.

Biblical Account

The Bible says that after leaving the Ark:

Genesis 9:20 Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard … (KJV)

Noah planted a vineyard; but, by now, surely all signs of Noah’s vineyard have disappeared. Right? It appears that is not the case; ancient grape seeds (pips) have been found near Mount Ararat. These grape pips have been carbon dated and genetically sequenced. As a result, their DNA has been traced to modern grapes. These results are illuminating, but before we get into the migration of grapes, let’s get a bit more background from the Bible concerning Noah and his Ark:

Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat (KJV).

The Hebrew word “Ararat” is the word for “Armenia.” When Noah’s Ark settled in the mountains of Armenia, the Armenian borders had yet to be defined; however, the Bible is a timeless book and we can assume ancient Armenia included present-day Armenia. Also, going back in history to just after the time of Moses, we find that ancient Armenia included modern-day Armenia, Eastern Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Southern Georgia. Therefore, logically, Noah’s vineyard should be in one of these countries. The Bible states that the Ark settled in the mountains of Armenia; so, it could have landed on Mount Ararat or any of the Armenian mountains. Christian tradition gives Mount Ararat the honor of being the place of disembarkation from the Ark, and it is, for sure, a possibility.

Ancient Vinyards

We find that the modern countries representing ancient Armenia are, indeed, rich in wine history. Here are some facts:

Georgia is touted by many as being the birthplace of wine. It claims to have been making wine for 8000 years. In the days of the Soviet Union, Georgia was known as the Soviet Union’s wine cellar.
Azerbaijan also touts its ancient winemaking. Azerbaijan has much diversity in landscape, some of which are perfect for growing grapes.
Present-day Armenia has a long history of wine culture. Many modern-day Armenians consider wine as the national drink. In Armenia, there are legends that Noah planted his vineyard in the Ararat Valley (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Mount Ararat with vineyards in the foreground

Armenia boasts of having the world’s oldest winemaking facility located in Areni Cave (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Excavations in Areni cave

In addition, Armenia is rich in ancient history. For example, Carahunge, Armenia is a Stonehenge-like site. This Carahunge formation of stones predates the British Stonehenge by approximately 4000 years. Therefore, it dates to approximately the same age as the most ancient Armenian vineyards.

Figure 3 Carahunge, the Armenian Stonehenge predating the British Stonehenge by nearly 4000 years.

DNA sequencing shows that most Domestic wines owe their origins to wild grapes in the Near East.

Since the discovery of DNA, many mysteries are being solved in various fields including horticulture. Worldwide, one of the most valuable horticultural crops is grapes. Therefore, scientists give much attention to grape viticulture. DNA markers (SNPS) are used to connect domestic grapes to wild species and trace their migration from country to country. According to an article in PNAS (proceeding from the National Academy of Science), grape domestication began with the wild grape Vitis vinifera sp. Sylvestris. Modern domestic grapes have DNA most closely aligned with these wild grapes from the Near East (reference 1). Therefore, the origin of domestic grapes is coincident with Noah’s wine country in ancient Armenia. This, of course, does not prove the Biblical account of Noah, but it shows the scientific evidence is consistent with the Biblical narrative.

Carbon Dates

We at Genesis and Genetics consider carbon dating good science in principle; however, we have concluded that the calibration curves, based on the uniformitarian model are not correct, and carbon 14 values must be corrected for the Biblical flood effects (Reference 2, To access our carbon 14 date calculator click here). The oldest evidence of winemaking dates to 5900 B.C. Correcting 5900 B.C. for flood effects gives us 2141 B.C. Since the flood receded approximately 2348 B.C., the oldest grape pips found so far lived 200 years after disembarkation from the Ark. Therefore, the oldest vineyard found thus far is probably not Noah’s original vineyard, but they are vineyards planted by Noah’s near kin.

Figure 4 shows some of the ancient Armenian vineyards found so far. They probably are those of Noah’s offspring and show the earliest stages of human migration. The present findings are good corroboration of the Biblical narrative and show that (1) Noah’s Ark settled in what is now known to be wine country, (2) there is evidence of ancient winemaking where Noah landed, and (3) that ancient Armenia is the origin of modern domestic grapes.

Figure 4 Some of the Ancient Armenia vineyards found so far (the red W’s denote ancient vineyards and the white A shows the location of Mount Ararat

Summary

The Biblical narrative and archaeological evidence meet in ancient Armenia. Now it is clear that Noah and his offspring planted vineyards in some of the best wine-producing country in the world. Also, Noah’s wine country is the origin of modern domestic grapes. Our findings are not proof of Noah’s account but show clearly that the Bible is, once again, consistent with scientific evidence. So, next time you enjoy a glass of wine, grape juice or a handful of raisins, consider giving Noah a little credit. Give him a bravo for saving humanity from annihilation and for good grapes.

Coming Soon

Soon we will release a blog concerning the migration out of Noah’s vineyard. We have found that only a portion of Noah’s family “came from the East” and settled in the Land of Shinar (Mesopotamia). We will also identify the historical Nimrod.

References:

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Noah’s Ark – a Fresh Look

January 19, 2023UncategorizedJohn Smith

Background

The account of Noah’s Ark is central to our faith. It shows that God has power and authority over all creation and all life. He used his power and authority in a spectacular way: a global flood. This global flood is explained in detail in the book of Genesis. One point of curiosity is: how did God keep so many animals alive for so long on the Ark? In this blog, we will look at what we know about the Ark and God’s toolbox to see if we can solve this mystery.

Divine Wisdom

If one studies the detailed description of the Ark, with three decks and one window, it first appears that the Ark was best suited for growing mushrooms. However, we know God wanted to deliver more than mushrooms to the new world. And we know that God perfectly understands His creation since He is the author of life. Indeed, He delivered all those on the Ark to the new world without losing one (Genesis 8:18-19 ); and, amazingly, they were on the Ark for over a year. To do this took divine wisdom, but how did God chose to do it?

Divine Deep Sleep

First of all, the name Noah means quiet, rest, and comfort. This may be a key. Maybe the voyage of Noah’s Ark was quiet, restful, and comforting. Maybe God put the creatures in some sort of deep hibernation. If we check the Bible, we see that God has something in His toolbox that would accomplish this, and that is “Deep Sleep,” in Hebrew, tardemah.

History of Biblical “Deep Sleep”

We see tardemah used several times: once for alleviating pain, when Adam had his rib removed to form Eve (Genesis 2:21); once for revealing the future to Abraham, as he was entering into a new covenant with God (Genesis 15:12); and, once for protecting prey from the predator, when Saul and his army of 3000 had David surrounded (1 Samuel 26:12). The Ark had all three of these needs: (1) God needed to prepare the creation physically for the new ecosystem which included eating meat, shorter life expectancy, and a different climate; (2) God was initiating a new covenant and needed to brief the creation on what to expect as well as comfort them; and, (3) He needed to protect the prey from the predators. It all fits and make sense. Not only did the deep sleep suit these needs, but also solved all the problems concerning workload, air quality, fresh water and food requirements, light, and space.

Quiet and Peaceful – Safely Delivered

Even though the Ark carried many creatures, the Ark would have been quiet, and peaceful, and restful, just like the meaning of Noah’s name. So, here we can see a comforting picture: Noah’s Ark on the ocean with all the creatures asleep, knowing that they would be delivered safely to the new world, the new ecosystem, and the new covenant. When the time was right to disembark from the Ark, they would go their separate ways, and, for the first time, see the rainbow of promise.

For references and technical information, please read The Genetics of Kinds – Ravens, Owls,and Doves

For Additional reading , please consider: Noah’s Ark Hermetically sealed and Safe

Key words: Deep Sleep; Noah’s Ark; Number of animals on Noah’s Ark; Global Flood; and new post-flood world

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Noah’s Ark – Hermetically Sealed and Safe

January 6, 2023Migration, Noah's floodJohn Smith

Background

In a previous blog (Noah’s Ark – A Fresh Look), we made a case for the notion that all the creatures on the Ark were in a Biblical “deep sleep.” As we continued our study of the Ark, we came across a very interesting couple of verses:

Genesis 8:5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen.
Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:

One Closed Window

These above verses state that the one window (Genesis 6:16) on the Ark was closed during the voyage and not opened until near disembarkation (10 months + 40 days, i.e., approximately 340 days out of the approximate one-year voyage of the Ark). Imagine tens of thousands of animals and eight humans living on an Ark, each having an active metabolism. And they lived there for nearly a year with the only window closed! Wouldn’t someone open the window? So, knowing that the window was closed brings us to the strong likelihood that the passengers were in a deep sleep in a hermetically-sealed Ark.

Logic

Let us reason together and consider the possibility that the Ark was, in fact, hermetically sealed. Consider:

The Bible states that Noah sealed the Ark inside and outside with pitch (Genesis 6:14). Sealing the Ark outside and inside keeps air/gases or liquids from coming in or going out, i.e. hermetically sealed.
During the flood, many creatures died outside the Ark causing health hazards such as gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cholera. These diseases propagate through the air, water, and insects. The passengers on the Ark would be vulnerable to these diseases. Had the Ark not been sealed, it would have been a colossal mess, with possible death to all.
Hermetically sealing the Ark would also help soundproof the Ark. This creates a comforting mental image of the Ark in the center of the most significant catastrophic event of all time with the passengers resting in a Biblical “deep sleep” peaceably and quietly. Don’t forget that the name “Noah” in Hebrew (Noach) means “rest” and “quiet.”
The obvious question is: how could all of those on the Ark survive without oxygen? The answer is that the Ark had plenty of oxygen, but the deep sleep process recycled it. Recycling oxygen is not a problem for God; even humans can do it in our space station.

Conclusion:

The hermetically sealed Ark provided a safe and peaceful environment for the animals that were in a deep sleep.

How many animals were on Noah’s Ark according to DNA

January 5, 2023Biology, Creation, DNA, Genetics, Migration, Noah's floodJohn Smith

DNA Power

One lingering mystery concerning Noah’s ark is: How many animals were on board? Since DNA has a very good reputation for solving mysteries in the courtroom, now it’s time to unleash its powers and reveal Noah’s passenger list.

Species/Kinds

As we look about the earth, we see a multitude of animals reproducing after their kind, each retaining their distinction as a kind/species. How does this happen? Two things are required for kinds/species to remain distinct:

(1) They must have the desire (instincts coded in their DNA) to mate with their own kind/species and

(2) They must have the ability (compatible DNA) to produce viable offspring like themselves.

These two requirements are the basis for both the Biblical and secular scientific definition of species/kinds. The words species and kinds are synonyms, but usually “species” is used by the secular scientific community, and “kinds” is used by the Biblical community. Nonetheless, both words should define the same creatures, and we conclude that they do. Our position is as follows:

Fundamentally, all of the species currently defined by modern science were on the Ark or in the sea

Examples

Consider humans; we have the desire and ability to produce more humans like ourselves. Even if we have the desire to reproduce with a pig or a chimpanzee, we cannot because we do not have the genetic ability in our DNA to do so.

Next, consider the great horned owls, they desire to mate with other great horned owls, and they can produce other great horned owls. However, their DNA does not produce the desire or the ability to create a bluebird, a barn owl, or even an eagle owl which is the same genus as the great horned owl.

Past Work

We wrote a technical paper, The Genetics of Kinds – Ravens, Owls, and Doves, and found that not one of the owl kinds/species we examined could produce any other owl kinds/species. That is also true for the ravens and doves. They differ from one another by having too much genetic information. We also wrote a technical paper, A Study of Biblical Kinds Using 62 Species of Mice; which showed the various species/kinds of mouse DNA differed from one another by significant amounts with distinct DNA gaps between the kinds/species. It would be impossible to bridge these gaps using any natural processes.

Just Mice

Our study of the mouse was very interesting in that we found that there are more than one hundred mouse kinds/species and they all remain distinct. How do they do it? They have been magnificently designed with the desire and ability to reproduce after their kinds. Here are a few facts: They can read each other’s genetics like a barcode ^{(Ref 1)}. They mate only with their own species^{(Ref 2)}. They don’t breed with close relatives ^{(Ref 3)}, and the males do not mate with underaged females ^{(Ref 4)}. All of this is coded in the DNA and not only does it preserve their distinctiveness, but also maintains good genetic health. You may read all about it, get all of the references, and gain access to all of the DNA sequences at A Study of Biblical Kinds Using 62 Species of Mice.

If only a few kinds would have been on the Ark, there would only be a few kinds now. The scriptures are clear: “every” kind was created (Genesis 1); “every” kind was loaded on the Ark (Genesis 6:19-20); and “every” kind disembarked from the Ark (Genesis 8:17-20). The kinds were distinct and remained distinct.

Conclusions

Our conclusion would necessitate that on the order of 6000 amphibia, 10,000 birds, 6,000 mammals, and 8,000 reptile kinds/species were aboard the Ark. Accounting for pairs, sevens of clean animals, and those that have gone extinct since the flood, the total number aboard the Ark would be on the order of 100,000. This would be no problem for the very large Ark with all of the animals in Biblical “deep sleep” ^{(Ref 5).}

As we look at this glorious creation, we see that the kinds are distinct. They are distinct because they have both the desire and ability to mate with their kind and produce offspring of like kind. God always does things right, and to replenish the earth properly, He gave every kind a berth on the Ark. All of the passengers were peacefully asleep being transported to a new world filled with adventure and hope.

Keywords:

Animals of the Ark, Species on the Ark, Kinds on the Ark, Noah’s Ark, Noah’s Ark, species vs. kinds, and DNA Noah’s Ark

Additional Suggested Reading:

Noah’s Ark A Fresh Look

Noah’s Ark Hermetically Sealed and Safe

References:

1. Beynon, R.J. and Hurst, J.L., 2003. Multiple roles of major urinary proteins in the house mouse, Mus domesticus., Biochem Soc Trans. 2003 Feb;31(Pt 1):142-6. PMID:12546672.

2. Lane, R.P., Young, J., Newman, T., and Trask, B.J., 2004. Species specificity in rodent pheromone receptor repertoires. Genome Res. 14: 603-608. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

3. Sherborne, A.L., Michael D., Thom, M.D., Paterson, S., Jury, F., Ollier, W.E.R., Stockley, P., Beynon, R.J. and Hurst, J.L., 2007. The Genetic Basis of Inbreeding Avoidance in House Mice, Current Biology 17, 2061–2066, December 4, 2007.

4. Ferrero, D.M., Moeller, L.M., Osakada T., Horio, N., Li, Q., Dheeraj S.R., Cichy, A., Spehr, M. Touhara, K. Liberles, S.D., 2013. A juvenile mouse pheromone inhibits sexual behaviour through the vomeronasal system.
Nature, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/nature12579

5. http://www.genesisandgenetics.org/2013/07/20/122/

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Y-chromosome Validates the Bible

November 2, 2022Biology, Creation, DNA, Genetics, Human phylogenetics, Migration, Noah's flood, Y-chromosomesJohn Smith

Foreword

Those who believe the Bible accept it by faith; however, there are many accounts in the Bible that are testable scientifically. One of these accounts is that of Noah having three sons and these three sons repopulated the entire earth after the flood . This paper provides scientific evidence that all men alive today came from one of three ancient ancestors. Our findings are based on Y-chromosome analysis. The analysis is simple, straightforward, and repeatable; anyone can understand it and repeat it. The data is fully documented herein and generated from mainstream scientific community sources (Reference 1 is the browser and Reference 2 contains the sequences used).

The Bible made the following proclamation thousands of years ago, and now we have the genetic tools to test its validity:

Genesis 9:19 These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread.

Genesis 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

Background

We know that the Y-chromosome is passed from father to son, and, in general, each generation passes on a few genetic variants to the next generation. These variants provide genetic markers which are highly valuable for tracking ancestry. Geneticists sort people into groups called haplogroups because they contain like genetic markers. The haplogroups form a family tree for all humanity and allow us to trace ancestry back to our most ancient ancestors.

Former Work

We, at Genesis and Genetics, made a preliminary evaluation of Y-chromosome DNA genetic markers and discovered that all human men on earth came from one of three ancient ancestors (Reference 3). We found that any human man could trace his genetic markers back to one and only one of three ancient ancestors. Any man with a marker ‘A’ at rs9786139 is from one ancient ancestor, a marker ‘A’ at rs17306671 is from another ancient ancestor, and a marker ‘G’ at rs3900 is from the third ancient ancestor. It was easy to associate these three most ancient ancestors with Ham, Shem, and Japheth by looking at Biblical history of migration and nations. Ham had the ‘A’ at rs9786139; Shem had the ‘A’ at rs17306671; and Japheth had the ‘G’ at rs3900.

This former research was based on a study of 57 modern human men. All the men had one and only one of the three markers stated above.

Note: We use the terms “mutations,” “variants,” and “markers” interchangeably.

Confirmation

Since our original study, we have looked at many more sequences, a total of 1233 Y-chromosome genomes, and found they all conformed to our original findings. Reference 4 documents the 1233 human genomes and which ones are from each of Noah’s three sons. All 1233 humans had one and only one of the three markers. There were no exceptions. This paper confirms our original findings and compares our Biblical ancestral family tree to that of mainline science.

Comparison to Mainline Science

In general, our analysis agreed with mainstream science concerning haplogroups. Therefore, our family tree uses the same haplogroups as our friends in mainstream science. But they are rooted differently. Here is the secular science tree followed by our family tree. There are several versions of the secular trees (called phylogenetic trees), but we, generally, used the one generated by the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, ISOGG (Reference 5).

As one can see, the two trees are similar, but the root and flow of genetic markers are different. The secular tree is rooted in haplogroup A, and the Biblical tree is rooted in Noah dividing into three separate haplogroups; one from Ham; one from Shem; and one from Japheth. We do not present Noah’s DNA, but it is simply his three sons’ DNA less their genetic markers.

Finding the Tree Root

Armed with these 1233 diverse genomes, we began our search by noticing that a few mutations/genetic markers, were common in the population; some were up to 52 percent of the population. It is quite logical to assume that the higher the mutation’s frequency, the better chance that it is at or near the root of our family tree.

For example, if a mutation is in 1/2 of the population, it probably originated when the population was approximately 2 men. If a mutation is in 1/10th of the male population, it probably originated when the male population was approximately 10. And if a mutation is in1/1,000,000), it probably originated when the world population was 1,000,000.

So, we decided that any mutation with a frequency of more than 5 percent could be one of Noah’s three sons. This assumption would allow for some genetic drift and the inability for our 1233 subjects to exactly match the whole world population distribution.

All Men came from three ancient ancestors

Next, we took each of the mutations with frequencies higher than 5 percent and used them to form genetic groups, i.e., haplogroups. Quickly, we realized that every mutation belonged to one and only one of three ancient ancestors.

It appeared that we found Shem, Ham, and Japheth. There was a Shem haplogroup, a Ham haplogroup, and a Japheth haplogroup. All 1233 genomes fit into one and only one of the three. There were no exceptions. The three root mutations had frequencies of 10%, 38%, and 52%. And, as expected, they added up to 100% of the population. Furthermore, Shem, Ham, and Japheth were associated with the three ancient ancestor mutations easily by looking at the geographical locations of each group and comparing them to Bible history. Ham went south and east; Japheth went north and east, and Shem populated the Near East and Europe.

Noah’s Y-chromosome is impossible to find directly. The reason is that he is the origin of all male humanity and he had, by definition, no genetic markers. Therefore, the way to find Noah’s Y-genome is by determining the genomes of his sons and deleting all their mutations.

The true root of humanity was Adam. Adam’s DNA went through the bottleneck of Noah. So we all came from Adam and we all came from Noah. Adam is the root of all humanity, and Noah is the root of post-flood humanity.

Genetic Mutations/Markers Flow in One Direction

Just as water flows downstream, so do genetic markers. Genetic markers flow from most ancient ancestors to modern ancestors. For instance, your great grandfather passed markers to your grandfather who passed additional markers to your father. Your father passed his additional markers to you,. And if you are a man, you too will pass new markers to your sons. Lineage flows downstream. More and more new markers appear in offspring as the generations pass. However, the original markers of your ancestors remain in your genome. A key point here is that as the markers flow away from the root, the new markers divide the offspring into sub-haplogroups. This dividing into sub-haplogroups shows the direction of the genetic marker flow. Distant branches have only the markers close to the root, but are missing many of the markers in their cousins, second cousins etc.

Therefore, as expected, the data shows that markers flow from Noah’s three sons to their sub-haplogroups. Consider just haplogroup K, everyone from haplogroup K has the rs3900 G marker. Likewise, the sub-haplogroups have additional markers that show they are later generations forming smaller haplogroups such as M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, and T etc. T must come from K, but K cannot come from T.

Since genetic mutations/markers flow downstream, it is not possible that the root of the Y-chromosome family tree is rooted in a marker with a small frequency. In order for that to happen, it would take many bottlenecks, overwrites, drift, and other genetic contortions.

Full Population Representation

The three adjacent haplogroups, IJ, IJK, and K contain 100 percent (Ham 38%, Shem 10%, and Japheth 52%) of the 1233 genomes analyzed. In other words, they are the source of all modern humanity. Take any other combination of the other haplogroups and mix and match them, they do not represent all humanity; they do not add up to 100 percent. The only way you get one hundred percent is to use IJ, IJK, and K.

Biblical and Secular History

The haplogroups IJ, IJK, and K are comprised of people from Mid-East, West Asia, and Near East. According to the Biblical narrative, all humanity came from the Armenian mountains which which are in West Asia and close to the Near East and the Mid-East. In short, these haplogroups locations fit nicely into Biblical history.

The historical age began in Mesopotamia, shortly after the flood. These earliest writings document a worldwide flood and the world populated by the survivors of that flood. Nowhere do these legends and writings record mankind originating from any other part of the world.

Summary

The Y-chromosome DNA is the perfect vehicle for scientifically testing the portion of the Bible that says all modern human men were born of three ancient men. The Y-chromosome data of 1233 genomes corroborates the Biblical account. We now have a Biblical family tree and can trace our ancestry to the Biblical sons of Noah.

Future Work

We are in the process of identifying the DNA of Noah’s 16 grandsons in the family tree.

References:

http://useast.ensembl.org/info/about/publications.html
https://www.genome.gov/27528684/1000-genomes-project
https://www.genesisandgenetics.org/2021/04/16/y-chromosome-migration-and-the-biblical-phylogenetic-tree-or-finding-ham-shem-and-japheth-via-y-chromosome/
https://www.genesisandgenetics.org/Ancient.xlsx
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y0GXjhazYa46u0EpPA9b0Y0RVWuh5lDzww_o979mbjQ/edit#gid=1904113265
https://useast.ensembl.org/index.html

Jesus’ DNA

November 2, 2022Biology, DNA, Genetics, Human phylogenetics, originsJohn Smith

Overview

Our DNA was on the cross with Jesus

In previous blogs, we discussed Adam’s DNA and Eve’s DNA. This blog is purposed at showing that Jesus’ DNA was the same as Adam’s DNA and, like Adam, embodied all human DNA. Also, that Jesus is the keeper of our original DNA which we will receive in a “twinkling of an eye.”

I Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed

I Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality

What we Know

What do we know about Jesus’ DNA? (1) He was born of the virgin Mary. (2) He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And (3) He was the last ‘Adam.’

Matthew 1:20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 15:45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

We also know that the Bible refers to only two humans as “the Son of God:” Jesus and Adam. Since we are from Adam and the body of Jesus, we are, indeed, the children of God.

Luke 3:38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

Adam and Jesus had the same DNA

If we put the above scriptures together, I think we can conclude that Jesus had exactly the same DNA as Adam. It had to be; just as Adam embodied all the genetic variations of humanity, Jesus had to do the same. He had to represent all human genomes so all of us would be included in the “Body of Christ.” Therefore, His death and resurrection would apply to everyone.

The Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in Mary’s body. The Holy Spirit conception was necessary for two reasons: (1) so that Jesus would be the perfect unblemished sacrifice; and (2), so Jesus would represent and die for all humanity. If it had not been for the Holy Spirit’s conception, Jesus would have had genetic mutations and not quite all the gene variations of Adam. Therefore, when Jesus went to the cross, there would have been some humans left out, i.e., not represented by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

This is a fascinating concept. When Adam sinned, we all went down with him, but when Jesus was resurrected, we all were resurrected with Him, and if we believe and accept this, we will all live with Him forever.

This principle clarifies many scriptures. Here are just a few:

The Image of God

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

This scripture takes on new meaning. Jesus, being the last Adam had the likeness of Adam. But, in truth, it isn’t that Jesus looked like Adam, but that Adam looked like Jesus. Adam was created in the image of God (Jesus).

Jesus shared his DNA with Adam. All the animals looked like their kind, but Adam looked like God (Jesus).

The Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.

The Body of Christ was created on day six through Adam and was perfect with no sin and no mutations. We are Adam; we are the body the body of Christ.

And the Word Became Flesh

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh . . .

When you study DNA, you see that it is a language. We are part of the Word of God, part of the Body of Christ.

With Him – Part of Him

Romans 6:8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (ESV)

We, being part of the Body of Christ, died with Him. When He was hanging on the cross, we were there. We were in the tomb with Him, in Hades with Him, and were raised up with Him. What He did, we did. When He is with the Father, we are with the Father.

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (Words of Jesus – KJV)

Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Dear friends and children, know that we are in Him, He is in us, and we are indeed part of the “body of Christ.” He is in us, in our DNA. And we are in Him, in His DNA. And now we know that the literal meaning is true scientifically. We have lost our day-6 DNA to mutations, deformity, disease, and, someday, death, but the good news is that Jesus has our original day-6, perfect DNA, in Him. It is safe. And soon, He will give it to us “in a twinkling of and eye.”

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