JTTS – Creation

Welcome to the second chapter of Journey Through the Scripture! Today, we embark on a journey to explore the magnificent account of Creation found in the book of Genesis. As you read about this fundamental topic, you will come to understand the nature of God as the Creator, the purpose and significance of human beings, and the overarching theme of God’s redemptive plan.

The book of Genesis, meaning “beginning” or “origin,” sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative. It is the first book of both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. We learn about God’s character, His relationship with humanity, and the origins of the universe by studying Genesis.

Historical Context: Understanding the historical context of the Creation account is key to understanding its significance. Genesis was likely compiled by Moses during the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings, around the 15th century BCE. The Israelites had recently been liberated from Egyptian bondage and were being prepared to enter the Promised Land. The inspired account of Creation was written by Moses to provide the Israelites with a firm theological foundation, to reinforce their belief in the one true God, and to set Him apart from the pagan gods of their neighbors.

The Creation Account: We find a detailed description of God’s six-day creation process in Genesis 1-2. Let’s discuss some of the most important details from this amazing account:

1. The Nature of God as the Creator: Genesis declares unequivocally that God is the Creator of all things. “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, KJV). This foundational truth reveals God’s sovereignty, power, and creativity. As believers, we affirm that God spoke the universe into existence through His Word (John 1:1-3).
2. The Order and Purpose of Creation: God’s creative work is systematically presented in six days, culminating in His rest on the seventh day. Each day, God creates new aspects of the natural world, such as light, the sky, land, plants, celestial bodies, sea creatures, land animals, and, finally, humans. This orderly progression demonstrates God’s wisdom and purpose in His creation.
3. The Creation of Human Beings: As the pinnacle of God’s creation, human beings hold a unique place in His plan. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26, KJV). This divine image includes all of our spiritual, intellectual, moral, and relational abilities. God gave humanity the responsibility of caring for the earth and having a personal relationship with Him.

Relevance to Apostolic Faith: As believers, we uphold the biblical truth of Creation as an act of God’s sovereign will and power. This aligns with the teachings of early Church fathers and modern scholars who affirm the literal interpretation of the Genesis Creation account.

Furthermore, the doctrine of Creation bears significance for our understanding of humanity’s purpose and value. We recognize that every individual, made in the image of God, possesses inherent worth and dignity. God gave humans the duty to care for the earth and to have a close personal relationship with Him.

I encourage you to reflect on Psalm 19:1-2 (KJV) as you consider the profound truths revealed in the Creation account: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.”

Spend some time admiring the world that God has made for you, recognizing His handiwork in every little detail. In the next chapter, we’ll look at the devastation caused by the Fall of Man and God’s plan for redemption. I pray that you continue to grow in your understanding of God’s Word and the beauty of His creation.