In the recent Christian social media sphere, a lot has been stirred up about climate change. Voices from all corners are demanding us to take action, citing “scientific” studies and dire predictions of an impending global catastrophe. But let’s pause and think—does this narrative align with the gospel we hold dear, or is it another deceptive tactic designed to sow doubt and confusion?

For reference, here’s Gavin Ortlund, one who’s been in the crosshairs recently for pushing his climate change alarmism on the Church:

Ortlund’s views—and the entire climate change alarmism movement—is rooted in the belief that the earth is hundreds of millions of years old, having undergone various stages of climate change cycles throughout its extensive history. This idea is built on speculation, rather than observable, repeatable science.

Evolutionary theory and an old-earth viewpoint—both foundational to climate change alarmism—are speculative constructs that rely heavily on assumptions and interpretations rather than hard evidence. How often have we seen predictions of climate doom fail to materialize, only to be replaced with new ones?

This all rests on the unbiblical view of “old earth” and evolution. According to these beliefs, the earth’s history is a long tale of gradual development and adaptation over eons. But the Bible tells a different story—a story of a young earth, created in six literal days by a sovereign and all-powerful God who called His creation “good.”

This raises a theological conundrum, that if we accept the old-earth premise, we undermine the doctrine of God and the doctrine of revelation—and most importantly, the gospel itself.

A sovereign and all-powerful God, as revealed in Scripture, is not only able to create the world in six literal days but has chosen to reveal Himself tangibly in creation as well as specifically in Scripture. To accept an old-earth viewpoint is to call into question God’s sovereignty and the veracity of His Word. God’s revelation in Scripture is clear and unambiguous, detailing a creation that is recent, orderly, and purposeful.

How can we, in good conscience, reconcile this with the ever-changing, speculative narratives proposed by climate change alarmists?

God’s sovereignty over creation is fundamental to our faith. He meticulously designed the world and set its bounds. The literal seven days of creation are not just a poetic expression—they are a testament to God’s power and intentionality. By declaring His creation “good,” God affirms its perfection and completeness. Accepting the idea of millions of years of evolution and climate change cycles directly contradicts this declaration.

Biblical anthropology teaches that man was created in God’s image, and the fall brought sin, evil, and death into the world. An old-earth view implies that death and suffering existed long before Adam’s sin, which directly conflicts with the biblical account. If death existed before the fall, then it was not Adam’s sin that brought death into the world, but rather a pre-existing condition. This erodes the foundation of the gospel itself. If Adam’s sin did not introduce death, then what need was there for Christ’s sacrifice? The entire narrative of redemption falls apart under the weight of this contradiction.

And here lies the crux of the matter—if death existed before the fall, then Christ’s atoning sacrifice is rendered meaningless. The gospel teaches that through Adam’s sin, death entered the world, and through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of sin and death is broken.

If we accept the old-earth narrative and climate change alarmism, we deny the very essence of the gospel. Christ’s sacrifice for our sins becomes redundant if death was already a natural part of creation.

Taking all this into account, it becomes clear that climate alarmism is nothing more than one of Satan’s tactics to undermine the Word of God and sow doubt among believers. It diverts our focus from God’s eternal power to the ever-changing and speculative theories of man.

Why would an all-powerful sovereign God choose to reveal Himself to us in a way that is not fully trustworthy? If we can’t trust God’s revelation to us, then who can we trust?

I would submit to you that men like Gavin Ortlund and others trust in doctrines of demons over the doctrines of God.

We must stand firm in the gospel and reject these deceitful narratives. The urgency of climate change is a manufactured crisis, a tool used by those who seek to lead us astray from the foundational truths of our faith.