In the last few decades we have been blessed to realize that the first chapter of Genesis accurately corresponds with the descriptions from science concerning the origin of the universe and the sequence and descriptions of various stages of development on the earth. It is important to understand that Genesis 1 does not record many of the events that may be interesting to us, such as the origin of cellular life in the oceans. However, for the events that Genesis 1 does mention, then the sequence of these events correspond beautifully with the sequence of these events as discovered by science. Having such a close correspondence between Genesis 1 and science is unprecedented for any ancient text. This website describes this correspondence between Genesis 1 and science on numerous pages, including the Genesis 1 timeline and all of the individual yoms / days of creation.
It would be extremely curious indeed if the Creator of our vast and complex universe did not have such a correspondence in mind when the writer of Genesis was inspired to write chapter 1. But it is also true that new perspectives take time to be accepted, processed, and embraced. This has certainly been the case for many new scientific discoveries such as the confirmation that the sun is at the center of the universe by Copernicus and Galileo or of Einstein’s general theory of relativity for gravity or the theories of quantum mechanics that form the basis of our current revolution in electronics. And although for the Bible our Creator God has been consistent in His standards of truth, holiness, and love, it has often taken God’s people time to really embrace and live out the truths that the LORD has presented to His people. This can be seen in the example of the Israelites complaining in the desert after the exodus from Egypt or the Israelites despair when they were exiled to Babylon. But over time, truth wins out. And those who have the faith, courage, and insight to embrace the truth when it is revealed become a blessing to future generations who can then be more free from confusion and uncertainty. As Jesus said…
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
(John 8:31-32, ESV).