The evidence for a young earth just keeps pouring in! Today, it’s the Lazarus bacteria DNA.

Our last of the “10 Best Evidences from Science That Confirm a Young Earth” from Answers in Genesis is:

#10 DNA in “Ancient” Bacteria

“In 2000, scientists claimed to have “resurrected” bacteria, named Lazarus bacteria, discovered in a salt crystal conventionally dated at 250 million years old. They were shocked that the bacteria’s DNA was very similar to modern bacterial DNA. If the modern bacteria were the result of 250 million years of evolution, its DNA should be very different from the Lazarus bacteria (based on known mutation rates).

In addition, the scientists were surprised to find that the DNA was still intact after the supposed 250 million years. DNA normally breaks down quickly, even in ideal conditions. Even evolutionists agree that DNA in bacterial spores (a dormant state) should not last more than a million years. Their quandary is quite substantial.

However, the discovery of Lazarus bacteria is not shocking or surprising when we base our expectations on the Bible accounts. For instance, Noah’s flood likely deposited the salt beds that were home to the bacteria. If the Lazarus bacteria are only about 4,500 years old (the approximate number of years that have passed since the worldwide flood), their DNA is more likely to be intact and similar to modern bacteria.”

I found it interesting that they chose a biblical name with a biblical resurrection story to name their bacteria. It’s a bit ironic. Let’s read the passage about the REAL Lazarus:

³⁸ Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ³⁹ “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
⁴⁰ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
⁴¹ So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. ⁴² I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
⁴³ When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:38-44

That completes our look at evidence for a young earth. Of course, the best reason for believing is because God said that He created the heavens and the earth and all that are in them in six literal days. Who are we to say any different?

Tomorrow, we will look at some passages that corroborate a literal six-day plan. For today, let’s praise the Lord for His infinite wisdom, power, and love!

Abba, I praise You for Your infinite wisdom. You knew exactly what You were doing and what we needed. You are still providing answers to man’s questions. It seems that each invention provides new evidence that Your Word is true! May we extol Your mighty works, O Lord. And to think that it’s all because You love us and want a personal relationship with us! May we fellowship with You today corporately. Amen.