Genesis 1: The Foundation of Our Faith and the Truth of Creation

 


The lectionary has brought us back to the very beginning: Genesis 1. As we start this new year, I’ve decided to dwell in the first eleven chapters of Genesis until the start of Lent.

These chapters are not just ancient stories; they are the bedrock of our Christian journey. While some view these chapters as debated territory, attempting to fit human philosophy into the Word of Scripture, we must remember that the Bible does not begin with man’s defense—it begins with God’s declaration.

The Eyewitness Account

There are many cultures with creation stories similar to the biblical account. Critics often claim the biblical writers borrowed from these myths. However, consider this: there was once only one family on earth—Noah and his family—who held the true story of our origins.

As stories are passed down through generations, they often become embellished or changed. But God decided to set the record straight. He provided His version of the story, not through oral tradition, but through the Holy Spirit. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were the only eyewitnesses; in fact, they were the Creators.

Beginning with God: "Bara" and "Elohim"

In Genesis 1:1, we read: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Moses offers no defense or explanation for God’s existence. He simply starts with Him. In the original Hebrew, two specific words stand out:

  • Bara’: This word for "create" is used 46 times in the Old Testament, and it is always attributed to God. It describes a creative action only He can perform.
  • Ex Nihilo: This is the Latin term for "out of nothing." God did not use pre-existing materials; He spoke the universe into existence.
  • Elohim: The word used for God here is plural. Even in the first verse of the Bible, we see the blueprint of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—working in perfect unity.

The Trinity of Trilogies

When we look closely at the text, we see a beautiful order to God's work. He created three fundamental realities in the very first verse:

  1. Time: Past, Present, and Future.
  2. Space: Height, Width, and Depth.
  3. Matter: Solid, Liquid, and Gas.

The precision continues throughout the week, with "trilogies" appearing in vegetation, animal life, and the instructions given to humanity.

Faith, Intellect, and the Issue of Time

A major point of contention in Genesis 1 is the description of time. Many try to justify modern human understanding by stretching the definition of a "day." However, the context of the Hebrew text—mentioning evening and morning—points to a literal 24-hour period.

The struggle people have with this story is rarely intellectual; it is moral and spiritual. You don’t have to "check your brains at the door" to believe the Bible. There are incredibly intelligent people on both sides of the debate. The real "grind" is the submission of our will. To accept Genesis 1 is to recognize that we are created beings accountable to a Creator.

Why Did He Do It?

God was perfectly "fine" in His triune state. He had perfect love, communication, and worship within Himself. He didn’t need us.

So why create us? Though we have often caused Him more grief than satisfaction, the story of Genesis reveals a God who wanted a way to show His infinite love and compassion. He created this world as a place for you to live because He wants a relationship with you.

The Power of "And It Was So"

Throughout Genesis 1, we read the phrase: "And God said... and it was so." God’s Word is powerful. It creates action and it creates new life. That same power is available to us today. Just as God spoke light into the darkness, He speaks truth into our lives:

  • "Believe in Me and you shall be saved."
  • "I will never leave you."
  • "I am preparing a place for you."

If He said it, it will be so.

Originally delivered 2022.01.09

Location: Caldwell, KS 67022, USA

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