The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1).
It is important to note that these words, penned by Moses, ultimately have their origin with the Holy Spirit. This is the account of the beginning of the universe, given by the Creator Himself. Men may claim that physical evidences trump the Genesis account, but this is mere perception. If the evidence seems to contradict this historical narrative, then the interpretation of the data is in error. There are many scientists who can and do successfully put data derived from astronomy, geology, physics, etc., within the construct of the supernatural creative acts described in the Genesis account. “…Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).
The Biblical account of creation reveals six days of activity, culminating in the creation of man. Humanity is revealed to be God’s master work. In Genesis 1:26-28, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Man is special. As stated in the KJV of Genesis 2:7, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Contrary to popular thought, God created the universe as a place for man. He gave man dominion over the animals, and created man in His own image. Man is like animals, but he is not an animal. Man is unique, made in God’s own image.
It is important to know that God had His plans for man’s redemption in place even before the creation happened. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:4 that the elect had been chosen by God “before the foundation of the world.” This means that God knew when He created man that the liberty of choice He granted would result in man sinning. The reality of this was manifested early in man’s history, as Adam and Eve took and ate fruit forbidden by God (cf. Genesis 3). Regarding this, Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).
All humans (men and women) are created in the image of God. As such, we are special. God created us upright, but in response “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Our unwillingness to serve Him perfectly (we sin) separates us from Him. In order for reconciliation to happen, our redemption must be secured.
The problem is, the penalty of sin is death. The guilt of sin is too great for us to earn our standing with God. So, it is necessary that God effect our redemption. He did this by sending his Son to this earth, that through His death we might be saved. God loves us. We are special!
