Understanding Genesis and Its Message About Creation
The Book of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, tells the story of how God created the world. It describes how God made light, land, plants, the sun, moon, stars, birds, fish, animals, and finally, humans. After each step of creation, Genesis says, “God saw that it was good.” When God finished making everything, He looked at all His work and said it was “very good.” This simple phrase holds deep meaning and gives us a lot to think about.
What Does “Good” Mean in Genesis?
When the Bible says God’s creation was “good,” it means everything was perfect, just as God wanted. It was free from flaws, mistakes, or anything bad. God made the world with a plan, and everything fit together perfectly. The word “good” shows that creation was finished, beautiful, and working the way God intended.
After God created:
· Light and land — He saw that it was good.
· Plants and trees — He saw that it was good.
· Sun, moon, and stars — He saw that it was good.
· Fish, birds, and animals — He saw that it was good.
· Humans and everything else — He saw that it was very good.
This final “very good” shows that God’s creation was perfect and finished.
Paul’s Words About Creation in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reminds us of this truth. In 1 Timothy 4:4-5, he says, “For everything God created is good.” Nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. Paul confirms that God’s creation is good in its essence, and we should be grateful for it.
The Importance of God’s “Good” Creation
So why is it important that God called creation “good”? Here are a few reasons:
Original Design
God’s words show us that creation started out perfect. Everything was made to fit God’s design and serve His purpose. It was as good as it be, without any evil or problems.
Standard of Perfection
When God reviewed His work and called it “very good,” He gave us a standard. In its original state, the world met God’s standards exactly. There was no evil, no pain, and no suffering.
Understanding Evil
This idea is important to understand where evil comes from. Evil did not exist in God’s original creation. It appeared later because humans chose to use their freedom in the wrong way. God did not create evil; He created everything good.
Comparing God’s Work To Ours
When we look at our own work, it’s easy to see that we make mistakes. Sometimes, what we do is not so good. But when God finished His creation, everything was perfect. Everything was as it should be. That’s why the Bible encourages us to bless God, to worship and thank Him for His power and goodness.
The gospel of Christ—a message about God’s love and forgiveness—is also something to thank God for. The Bible says that if we are “new-created” in the image of God, we are promised a new heaven. We will one day enter a new heaven. This new heaven and new earth will be a place filled with goodness and righteousness.
The Six Days of Creation: Order and Meaning
Genesis divides creation into six days. At the end of these days, God reviews everything and approves it. Humans, like everything else, were “very good” when God made them. Their goodness had not been tested yet. They had the potential to be good. They needed to show it through their actions.
The six days of creation can be grouped into pairs:
· Days 1 and 4: God deals with darkness, first on earth, then in the sky.
· Days 2 and 5: God organizes water and air, then creates living beings for those areas.
· Days 3 and 6: God brings out land, plants, and then animals that live on land.
The first three days focus on creating a space; the next three days fill those spaces with life.
Creation and Worship
Genesis teaches us that worshiping anything created—like the sun, moon, stars, plants, animals, or even humans—is not wise. These things are all made by God. Only God, the Creator, deserves our worship and respect.
Humans in Creation
Genesis also tells us that humans are special. We are made in God’s image, which means we have a unique role and ability. We are placed as “lords of the earth,” second only to God. We can study nature, think about how things work, and even have a relationship with God.
The Right Way to Understand Genesis
When reading Genesis, it’s important to try to understand what the author meant. We should look at the words as they were used at the time, and try to see the big picture. The story describes God’s creative work step by step, using simple language that anyone can understand.
Consistency With Science
Although Genesis is a religious text, its description of creation also fits with many observations in science.
· The order of light, land, plants, and animals matches some scientific ideas about Earth’s history.
· The mention of stars and planets corresponds to what we know from astronomy.
· The description of land appearing from water is akin to geological events.
· The creation of plants and animals aligns with facts from botany and zoology.
Genesis doesn’t give modern scientific details. Nonetheless, it describes creation in a way that makes sense. It matches what people observed in nature.
Creation Stories in Different Cultures
Many cultures have their own stories about how the world began. Genesis is unique because it shows one God making everything with order and purpose. Other stories imagine many gods or use different ideas, but Genesis stands out for its simple, clear message.
Why Genesis Speaks To Everyone
Genesis is written in a way that people from ancient times and today can understand. It uses simple words and images, so anyone can read it and learn. When we put aside our modern ideas and read the story as it was meant, it speaks to us clearly.
Conclusion: Blessing and Wonder
The story of God’s creation in Genesis is meant to inspire us. It shows us that the world began with goodness and purpose. It encourages us to thank God for His work and to think about our place in creation.
We learn that our world was made for good. Even though evil came later, God’s original plan was for everything to be blessed and beautiful. We can look at nature and marvel at its beauty. As we study the earth, it reminds us of God’s creation. When we consider our own lives, we remember that God’s creation was—and is—“very good.”
Let’s take time to appreciate the world around us. Thank God for His gifts. Strive to live in a way that honors the goodness He put into creation from the very beginning.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 