Chapter 1 Genesis Unveiled

Chapter 1 Genesis Unveiled

It has been said that there is no fixed way to go about the study of the Bible or in what order it should be read. This is indeed true, but a good suggestion would be to start from where it all began. Genesis is the first book of the Bible, which literally means “beginning.”

It is also in line with the Hebrew title, which was coined from the first three words in Genesis, “in the beginning,” which is translated into Biblical Hebrew as Bereshit. In the pages of Genesis lies the beauty of the unique formation and creation ofthe world

The Book of Genesis is one part of a five-book volume referred to as the Pentateuch (or the “Torah” by the Jews – which means “Law”). The Torah comprises Genesis and four other books, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, which will be explored later. The deep history found in Genesis is interwoven with rich lessons that are applicable to one’s life.

The action of the stories in this book, from the Garden of Eden, the fall of man, to God’s chosen people in sin and slavery, and hope for deliverance, clearly depicts a cycle of God’s plan for man.

The teachings of salvation and new birth (often only thought of as being in the New Testament when Jesus hit the scene) began in the Old Testament- right from Genesis. The salvation process, from creation, fall, and redemption, can be described in the modern way as generation, degeneration, and regeneration, which is an intricate part of life.

It is seen in all of nature’s processes, either in plants, animals, or even in aspects of man’s life. There is so much beauty and knowledge to take in from the book of Genesis, so hold on tight as you gain an understanding of God’s divine design from the very beginning.

The History of Creation

The history of creation stretches one’s mind as far as understanding God’s thought processes, and it also leaves an undeniable warmth that stems from his love revealed in every verse. It helps you catch a glimpse at the answer to life’s biggest question, “What’s my purpose?”.

It paints the picture of creation in a completely new light, different from how other ancient texts or history fables described it. It shows creation for what it truly is: the existence of something from nothing.

God didn’t just make; He created, and this can be deduced from the use of the Hebrew word “Bara” in the original text, which means to create, not just make or reform. Creation means bringing something to life that never existed in any other form. This act is unique to the person of God only. It is not born out of inferiority, accident, or chance but an intentional process that reveals and expresses God’s nature

To Life from Nothing- Genesis 1:1-31

In Genesis, you get to see the exceptional working of God’s infinite power. In His creation of the world, He spoke, bringing into existence life and matter solely by the words of His mouth. The significance of this spoken word will be seen later in this chapter, but for now, delve into the whys of God’s order of creation, the potential wisdom that can be gleaned from it, and its relevance in today’s life

• Genesis 1:1

It all began with the creation of the heavens and the Earth. The very first verse introduces the creative process involved in the birth of the world. The first three words, “In the beginning,” show something profound. Although the actual date or time of the beginning is not known or recorded in the Bible, the focus is centered on the creation and the creator, emphasizing that God was there in the time of creation and was responsible for the creation.

This gives more light to Jer. 10:16, which acknowledges God as the maker of all things. An understanding of this first verse is crucial as it sets the stage for the rest of all biblical events. After stating God as the pioneer of life and everything that exists, you are then introduced to the first recorded creation, heaven and Earth.

• Genesis 1, Verse 2

The next verse talks about the state of the world after God created it. There are many existing theories about Genesis 1, verse 2. Speculations have been made by some theologians that there was a world with form and structure before verse 2. They propose that something might have happened, possibly chaotic, that left the world in the formless and empty state as it was described in Genesis 2.

The arguments for their theory and against all others are based on a passage in the Bible in Isaiah 45:18, where the creation of the world is seen as a place formed and established to be inhabited and a place formed not in vain. Their arguments remain that if God had created the world In verse 1, He couldn’t

have created a world without form and void, and the scripture in Isaiah 45 serves as confirmation that, indeed, the world God created was one formed to be inhabited

A deeper look also revealed that the Hebrew word used for the word “Void” in Genesis 1 is the same as the word used for the phrase “in vain” in Isaiah 45. It is then clearly seen in Isaiah 45, where God states that His creation was not made in vain.

A common concept that has spread since the inception of this idea is the “Gap theory.” This theory strengthens the idea that there was a non-recorded chronological gap between the first verse of Genesis and the second. The discovery of old fossils, including fossils in extinction, is used to emphasize this theory, stating that these fossils belong to an existing time not recorded and the fact that something must have happened to the world to leave it in a structureless state.

However, this theory can also be refuted when a keen look is taken at Rom 5:12, which clearly states that death came by Adam, meaning before Adam, there was no death. The presence of fossils means something died. This now leaves a question of how death can be before the existence of Adam, leaving this theory with holes that can not be explained. Regardless of the merit on which it is founded, the gap theory has unsuccessfully linked the existence of fossils to itself

This inconsistency in facts now puts a dent in this theory. If death was absent before the fall of man and Adam came in verse 6, what became of the supposed world in between verses 1 and 2? Regardless of the merit the gap theory is founded upon, which is Isaiah 45:18, the theorists have been unable to use the discovery of fossils as further proof.

As you read on, you see the Bible describing the face of the deep as one covered with darkness. When you think ofthe word darkness, it can be seen as a form of resistance. Resistance to the move of the Holy Spirit, as you will see in the next line. The Spirit of God was present but would not move until the darkness was removed. Every time there needs to be some form of creation or re-creation, the Holy Spirit institutes it; He begins every work of birthing something new. The transforming of the world into something habitable and beautiful began when the Bible tells you, “the Spirit ofthe Lord hovers over the face of the waters”- Genesis 1:2. The state of the world, in a simple word, was l1Chaos,11 and the Holy Spirit needed to move upon it to move it from that fallen state to a state in which it is loved and appreciated.

• Genesis 1, Verses 3-5

Unlike later translations, the Hebrew version does a fantastic job of stating just how wonderful this creation was. It says, “Light be. The light was.” There is no delay; the creation of light was instantaneous. For there to be order, light had to come. The importance of the coming of light first is seen further in 2 Cor 4:3-6. God called it forth by speaking. This shows that light outside of its physical concept has a spiritual dimension;

it’s not as you have come to know it. There was light and darkness long before the sun and moon were created, which are used today as the primary sources of light. When the new Earth and Heaven come, God alone will be the light, as there won’t be any distinction in time, meaning no need for the sun or the moon. This is addressed in Rev 22:5

• Genesis 1, Verses 6-8

Discussions have risen on whether the creation of the world was orchestrated in six literal days or if there is a deeper meaning indicating a time system different from the one acknowledged today. With no fixed conclusion on this or concrete show of proof, it’s safe to go along with the six days as your regular time system. With the presence of light, God goes on to create an atmospheric division. He says,

Thus, God made the firmament and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament, and it was so.” A firmament is seen as a space or an expanse, and with its creation, we see the waters above separated from the waters below. This shows that the water present on land was separated from those in the form of vapor in the sky

• Genesis 1, Verses 9-13

The third day shows the creation of all vegetation as the dry land is divided from the waters. This shows that the whole Earth was covered with water at first, and the separation gave room for life to grow. It is also interesting to know that life started or existed before the supposed “sustenance of life” was formed.

This means that this vegetation didn’t have the sun for their sustenance but rather must have nourished themselves on the light of God-created inverse 3. This verse has also raised a lot of discussions as people question the possibility of vegetative life thriving in the absence of celestial bodies.

In contrast, others use this possibility to refute the claim that the world was created in eons (a very long time or an indefinite period) rather than days.

• Genesis1, Verses 14-19

All creations of God are beautiful, and some might even say magical. In all of creation, the most talked about and researched about would be the creations of the fourth day. On the fourth day, God said,

Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the Heavens to give light on the Earth, and to rule over the day and the night, and to divide the light from the darkness, and God saw that it was good. So, the evening and the morning were the fourth day. In contemporary times, the symbolism of the sun, moon, and stars holds diverse meanings for different people.

Still, in all of these, one sure thing is that, as a Christian, these heavenly bodies were placed in the firmament to serve you for signs and seasons. For as long as possible, mankind has been known to make use of the sun, moon, and stars as a source of direction and for measurement of time.

In certain cultures, you will see the sun serving as a symbol of vitality, enlightenment, and even hope. In others, you will see the moon embody things like mystery, the cycles of life, and sometimes tranquility, but never really peace because when you look at John 14:2 7, it talks about God being the giver of true peace. Multiple symbolisms of the stars also exist today to represent guidance.

The Celestial bodies are still a wide topic today, as they not only influence people’s belief systems, daily reflections, or artistic expressions but do so on a much grander scale. It has been said that the US government invested 100 million dollars in the study of extraterrestrial intelligence. Beyond all of this significance to the world, it shows you the excellence of God’s power.

If the sun had stood some miles closer to Earth than it does, it would have been catastrophic. The same could be said if it stood farther from the Earth. Still, God, in his infinite wisdom, knew the perfect spot, and at the end of this creation, we can see the creator himself, God, acknowledge that it was good. This helps reduce the argument of spontaneous Earth, as nothing left to chance is ever perfect

• Genesis 1, Verses 20-23

The creation of the birds of the air and creatures of the sea shows the crafting of a God who is detailed, precise, and purposeful. By taking a deep look at the diverse species of creatures in the air and, most especially, the sea, some of which are yet to be discovered, you’ll get to see the depth of complexity mirrored in His craftsmanship.

This should also reveal to you God’s interest in the little details of your life. His work is always thoroughly and meticulously done; take a look at the various breeds in existence within a single species. A Beagle will never look like a golden retriever, nor will a Siberian husky look like a bulldog, although they are all dogs.

• Genesis 1: Verses 24-25

A look at the fifth creation and then the first part of the sixth creation should leave anyone who comes across it in awe and amazement. You may wonder why; well, take a look at the giraffe and the platypus. God sure knows how to have fun with diversity. The platypus is an egg-laying, otter-footed, heaver-tailed, duck-billed aquatic creature that’s commonly found in the waters of Australia.

The male of the species is also known to be venomous, and they are one of the few mammals with venom. This is an animal with the features of a bird, a reptile, and a regular mammal.

There are several other animals like the platypus, but a core moral of the story, as seen on the fifth day of creation, is the commandment for them to come forth according to their kind. The constant reiteration of this commandment over time shows the importance of uniqueness to God. Although you will see different variations within one species, it stops or ends within the species.

A dog evolving into a lion is yet to happen- it probably never will! In today’s world, there have been few success stories of cross-breeding between different species, and all of that has only strengthened the proof of God’s commandments. This is seen in cases of a horse and a donkey with a hybrid called a “mule” or that of a lion and a tiger, which has given rise to hybrids called “liger” and “tigon.”

The making of these hybrids did not come without limitations and there’s one crucial limitation: A major characteristic of living things is the ability to reproduce and procreate, but this important function of any living thing is lacking in these hybrids as they are either infertile or incapable of mating with a fellow hybrid, showing an end to any continuation of such species. This understanding tells you to be you at all times and only aspire to embody God’s unique characteristics for you and not something else.

• Genesis 1, Verse 26

Although the creation of man took place on the sixth day as well, you must take a look at this separately, as the creation of mankind and the instructions given to him apply to you directly. The opening statement by God, to create man in His image, is worth focusing on, as it simplifies the question on the lips of most people, but definitely in the heart of everyone, which is “What’s my purpose?” or “Why am I here?”. A solid understanding ofverse26 will provide that answer.

Verse 26 says you are created in God’s image, and, at each point, He addressed himself in the plural form, explaining the concept of the Trinity, which is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This we know because they were present at the time of creation

To understand who you truly are and why you are here, you must first know who created you. A knowledge of God is a knowledge of yourself. Life finds meaning and purpose when you know who created you and for what reason you were created. It’s like staring into a clear stream or looking into a mirror; you are His replica, so when you see yourself, you see Him.

Mankind alone has a different order from any other created being as only they possess a personality, spirituality, and conscience, which is their morality. Beyond this, they were also given the sole instruction and power to dominate. This is no coincidence; It is a consequence of being formed in His image. For this reason, His likeness is given to you as well.

The lessons in the story of creation are yet to be exhausted as fresh insights are being garnered daily. A continuous look into that chapter of the Bible will open you to new revelations that will influence your view on life and your everyday experiences

The Garden of Eden: Adam and Eve

The Garden of Eden holds a lot of significance as it sets the stage for the events that played out later. Think of some of the most beautiful places in the world today: Machu Picchu, the Caribbean islands, Gobekli Tepe, etc. As beautiful as they are, they are nothing compared to the grandeur of the Garden of Eden.

The Garden of Eden is much more than an oasis; it is a symbolic representation of the perfect harmony and beauty that should exist between God and mankind. It is a physical representation of our relationship with God, one of peace, love, joy, and unending happiness.

Moment of Reflection

1. What does the story of creation mean to you?
2. What are your thoughts on God’s order of creation?
3. What aspects of God’s creative process resonate with your personal beliefs or values?
4. How does knowing that you were created in the image of a supreme God influence your mind?
5. How do you view nature and other forms of life all around you in light of the story of creation?
6. After studying the lives of Adam and Eve, would you say you are like them in some ways?
7. When you think of what the Garden of Eden symbolizes, how do you relate it with what you understand perfection or paradise to be?
8. On topics like choices, temptation, and consequences, what lessons and insights did the story of Adam and Eve reveal on that?
9. Do you think you would have eaten the fruit if you were Eve? If yes, why? If No, why?

According to the Bible, the first-ever humans, Adam and Eve, were made on the sixth day of creation and placed in the garden to tend to it. From the creation story, upon mankind was the ability to dominate and subdue the Earth.

At first, this was an instruction they continued without understanding. However, at the point of their temptation, they caved due to a lack of understanding, which reveals that deception is possible only in the face of ignorance. Although there are many other factors at play, the coming ofthe serpent to tempt Eve brought about the fall of man