THE HISTORY OF CREATION

We begin this Sunday evening, this first Sunday of the year 2020, by opening the first book of the Bible. The book of Genesis contains much of the history of the Hebrew people. More importantly, however, Genesis forms the very foundation of the teachings of the rest of Scripture. Like the foundations of a large skyscraper, if these be destroyed or questioned, the structural integrity of the entire Bible is compromised.

The Journal of Biblical Counseling: Volume 14, Number 3, Spring 1996 How Healthy Is Your Preparation? (David Powlison)

in disarming a person whose anger

We approach this book, then, not as critics, but as humble men and women seeking to understand the mind of God, His purpose for creation, and the ultimate goal of all life and existence. For the next few weeks, Lord willing, we will be examining the first eleven chapters of this book. I hope that it will set a foundation, not only for our understanding of the rest of Scripture, but also for a foundation from which Warrior Creek can proceed with her God-given commission to preach the Gospel to every creature. This first chapter of the book of Genesis, of the Bible, sets forth the standard for our understanding of God, ourselves, creation, and the ultimate goal of human history. To say that Genesis is a remarkable book is to demean its importance to the Christian Faith.

Imagine a medieval tapestry. Those incredible works of art, the stories of Scripture and history stitched in remarkable details, provide a feast to the eyes. Hannah and I love the Biltmore Estate. It is the largest privately owned home in the US. And in one of the hallways of this beautiful mansion are three tapestries. They contain the history of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and then some history. There are people who rush through the house and miss so much detail. I have spent many days there, and each time I spot a new detail when I see the tapestries.

Like those tapestries, we can rush through the Bible and miss the wonders. With that thought, then, let us sit for a few moments this evening and behold the wonderful truths, the beautiful doctrines that help inform our lives even today.

I. THE HISTORY OF CREATION BEGAN WITH A BANG-

Imagine a period in which nothing existed. It is hard. Perhaps you begin to develop a headache by contemplating on something that is quiet beyond our comprehension. There was a time in which nothing existed. There was only God. What was He doing? We do not know. The secret things, as Moses reminds us in , belong to the LORD. However, at some point, God in His goodness and graciousness, spoke. The silence of nothing was broken with the unlimited creative power of God.

The Scriptures break forth in a simple statement that is packed with wonders. It says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” That is, at the beginning of everything. At the point in which nothing existed, God created the heavens and the earth. Interestingly, the word for create is only used of God, and the idea is creation out of nothing. The Latin way to say this is ex nihilo, out of nothing. You and I, when seeking to create something, take something that is already in existence. For example, my mother-in-law took the bare ingredients of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, and a few other items. From this collection of baking ingredients she made a delicious lemon meringue pie. And I mean delicious. But without those ingredients, that pie would only exist in my mind and not my belly. We build houses out of wood and brick. My wife decorates our house with pillows and other items. But no human, however creative, has even spoken something into existence. God created the heavens and the earth with his speech. We serve a powerful God!

II. THE HISTORY OF CREATION DISPLAYS GOD’S CREATIVE ORGANIZATION-

Due to the constraints of time, we cannot delve into detail regarding each day of creation. However, we can provide an overview and see the incredible variety and creative splendor of God.

A. THE FIRST DAY OF CREATION- 1:2-5

This first day of creation, the beginning of our known universe, displays God’s power by bringing into existence light. One theologian describes this beginning day when he writes, “Genesis knows nothing of either conflict or chance in this: only of the watchful Creator who assigns to everything its value (4a), place (4b) and meaning (5a).” God in His goodness provided light for all creatures to see His creative powers in the following days and the rest of creation’s history.

Genesis knows nothing of either conflict or chance in this: only of the watchful Creator who assigns to everything its value (4a), place (4b) and meaning (5a).

B. THE SECOND DAY OF CREATION- 1:6-8

This second day of creation witnesses the separation of space and matter. The description provides an interesting mental image, one of a green house look to the earth. Imagine a shield of ice around the earth. That is what, in effect, is being communicated.

C. THE THIRD DAY OF CREATION- 1:9-13

The third day sees the creation of vegetation. Land and sea is distinguished. God begins setting forth the biological workings of His earth. The fruit trees and other vegetation were to produce after their own kind. These generic designations keep apples within the apple family, but allow for the divergence of different species of apples. All of the immovable aspects of creation were made, and now everything was set for the existence of sentient life.

D. THE FOURTH DAY OF CREATION- 1:14-19

God then sets the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens for seasonal differentiation and navigation. An important aspect to note here is the centrality of earth in the universe. We will pick up this thought more when we seek to apply this Scripture to our present life, but the solar system centers around the earth. The focus of the celestial bodies comes from the earth out, not the other way around. This beauties of the sky would provide rhythm and balance to our lives, and also form the framework of the liturgical calendar of Israel’s worship.

E. THE FIFTH DAY OF CREATION- 1:20-23

Now the spawn of life appears in abundance. The oceans “swarm with living creatures.” God in His creative genius divides these groups of animals/insects into creatures in the sea and creatures of the sky. God blesses them with procreative abilities, the first mention of blessing in the Bible, by the way. These incredible creatures now dot the skies and oceans, displaying God’s benevolent goodness and creative variety. (LEVIATHAN, IF TIME PERMITS)

F. THE SIXTH DAY OF CREATION- 1:24-31

We see the continuing creation of animate life in land animals, culminating with the creation of mankind. Since we will look at man in more detail presently, we will focus on land animals. Basically, God creates “domesticated animals, small creatures and game.” (need reference from GEN: AN INTRO AND COMM) Of course, God creates man, and this finishes creation. As He pronounced each day, so He concludes with the final declaration, “It was very good.”

domesticated animals, small creatures and game.

III. THE HISTORY OF CREATION DESCRIBES THE PURPOSE OF MAN-

APPLICATIONS FOR US TODAY

Creation is about God

God is Eternal

God is All-powerful

God is Good

God is All-powerful

God is Good

God is love

God is love

God is holy

God is holy

Creation is about God

Creation is for us