“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
In the beginning
Genesis 1 describes God creating the world in six days, speaking light, land, seas, plants and animals into being, and pronouncing each “good.” On the sixth day He made human beings: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27).
The Bible presents creation as the deliberate work of a loving Designer, not the result of chance. That's why it can say every person has value: you were made on purpose.
Made in God's image
Being made in God's image means humans were created to reflect His character: to love, create, reason, choose and care for the world around us (Genesis 1:28; 2:15). It also means real freedom. God created Adam and Eve perfect, with the ability to choose to love and trust Him. Love that isn't free isn't love.
Creation and the rest of the Bible
Creation isn't a side topic. It is the foundation for much of what follows. The Sabbath is a weekly memorial of creation (Exodus 20:11). The gift of marriage began in Eden (Genesis 2:24). Jesus pointed back to “the beginning” when teaching (Matthew 19:4). And the Bible's last chapters describe God re-creating a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).
Wonder and worship
Living in British Columbia, it's not hard to feel what David felt: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalm 19:1). In this study we read Genesis 1–2 together and talk honestly about the questions people bring today.
Questions for reflection
- What does God say about His creation at the end of each day in Genesis 1?
- What do you think it means to be made “in the image of God”?
- How does Exodus 20:8–11 connect the Sabbath to creation?
- How might believing you were created on purpose change how you see yourself and others?