Creation
When we open our Bibles, the first thing we read about is creation.
The basic facts are these
this universe is not self-existant or eternal. Gen 1 vs 1, 1 Cor 8 vs 6.
it derives its existence from the true God alone. Gen 1 vs 1, Rev 10 vs 6.
He made all things of nothing, by the power of His Word. Gen 1 vs 1, Psa 33 vs 6,9.
He did not need to do this; it was an act of His free and sovereign will. Acts 17 vs 25, Rev 4 vs 11.
He did it for His own glory. Col 1 vs 16, Rom 11 vs 33-36
Some points to notice about Genesis 1 vs 1 - 2 vs 3.
some things God 'created' - they were fundamentally new. Gen 1 vs 1,21,27, 2 vs 3.
all else He 'made' - fashioned or formed. Gen 1 vs 7,16,25, 2 vs 3.
He did the whole work in six days (a day = 1 revolution on its axis).
the whole work was perfect - precisely what God wanted it to be. Gen 1 vs 31.
Facts about the creation of man.
this was preceded by a divine counsel. Gen 1 vs 26.
man was God's crowning creation - and distinct from the animals. Gen 1 vs 26.
he was made in God's image. Gen 1 vs 26.
he was male and female from the beginning, and the whole human race has descended from a single human pair. Gen 1 vs 27, 2 vs 4-25.
upon him rested a blessing; and to him was given a mandate. Gen 1 vs 28.
to him were given the creation ordinances of procreation and marriage; the Sabbath; and labour. Gen 1 vs 28 - 2 vs 25.
he had a sufficient knowledge of God's will. Rom 1 vs 19, 2 vs 15, Gen 2 vs 16-17.
he was capable of obedience, but also of falling. Gen 3.
Some points to notice from other parts of the Bible.
it was through Christ that everything without exception was made. John 1 vs 1,3,10, Col 1 vs 16, Heb 1 vs 2
He also holds the whole universe together. Col 1 vs 17, Heb 1 vs 3.
yet the Holy Spirit is the Agent of creation. Gen 1 vs 2, Job 26 vs 13, Psa 104 vs 30.
from the very beginning the things God has made he has displayed His eternal power and deity. Rom 1 vs 20.
in the final analysis we believe all this on no other ground than the fact that God has revealed it. Heb 11 vs 3
And we rejoice to be able to say 2 Corinthians 4 vs 6 !!