Most of us know the very first words of the Bible, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." But do you know the details of creation and why He created the earth?
The Facts
The second verse of Genesis 1 states that God existed before the creation of heaven and earth. That means God is THE Creator, nothing created God, God created all.
In the third verse, it states that God spoke and it was so. "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light." This demonstrates the power and authority God has. He speaks and it happens.
In the fifth verse, it states "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." Some believe, incorrectly, that the Bible is not clear about if it was actual days or just symbolism. There are times when humans can get so wrapped up in thinking, that it leads down a rabbit hole into sin. We are not to dive deep into things that A) are out of our mind's capacity (believe what God says, and leave it at that, don't try to explain it because we cannot.) and B) take what God says and overthink it causing a twisted notion to appear. We are to study God's Word and meditate on it, but splitting hairs or misunderstanding gets us nowhere but trouble. When God said "and there was evening, and there was morning - the first day", it means He created light on day one, in one day. The world and everything in it was created in six literal days and God rested on the seventh.
In verse fourteen - eighteen, God created the stars, moon, sun. These are to not only give us light, but also to tell time, and seasons. We are not to worship these creations, as they are just creations. Instead, we are to use them in the way God has given them to use and marvel at how awesome God is for creating such beauty (worship the Creator).
In verse twenty-six, God says, "Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and overall the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." Notice that it says "Let Us make mankind in Our image." This is the first time it mentions the Trinity. God is three in one (many people use a triangle to explain this). Just as we are one body with three parts (soul, body, spirit), so God is soul (God the Father) body (Jesus Christ, the Son), and spirit (Holy Spirit). We are made in His image.
God made one man and one woman, the bible is clear that only one man and one woman are to marry and produce children. Anything contrary to this is an abomination to God, ourselves, and nature.
In verse twenty-eight, God gives mankind dominion over all the fish, birds, over every living creature. We are to care for God's creation and take care of it, but we are higher than animals, insects, fish, and birds, and we are not designed the same. Unlike animals, humans have a soul, giving us free will to choose either to accept God and be adopting into His family, or reject God and forever be separated from Him.
God saw everything He made and it was good, He is a good God, a holy God, and a perfect God. God does not make mistakes, errors, or anything evil. All good comes from Him and is given to us for our enjoyment and to glorify and honor Him.
The Reason
So why did God create this world, nature, animals, and humans? Two simple reasons: 1) to bring Him glory and honor; 2) to have a creation that chooses freely to love and serve Him.
Everything God made is a reflection of His character and is created to point to Him. "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16). Creation displays the artistic, perfectly thought out, and awestruck craftsmanship of God Almighty. Take for instance a sunset, the beautiful colors, different shapes, and wonderous scope of the natural beauty God created is breathtaking. Or look at a human eye, the variety of colors, design, and intriguing mechanics that God formed with dirt (men) and a rib (women). Stars, the bright luminosity, and twinkle that bring a captivating art show during the night. Leaves, the colorful array of seasons, veins that closely examined remind us of our nervous system. There are endless examples of creation pointing us to the masterful Creator.
God has angels that were created to obey Him and proclaim His glory. He wanted a creation to choose freely to love and obey Him and proclaim His glory. A creation that takes after His image. Just as a couple long for a child that takes after them in appearance, who loves them and learns from them, God is our Father. His love for us goes beyond anything we could ever experience or imagine. The love you have for your child, spouse, parent, grandparent, or friend does not come close to the love God has for us. We experience love only because God first loved us. He lets us get a taste of the love He has and freely gives to His children. Everything good in life, God gives us through His wondrous mercy and grace. We don't deserve it, we can't earn it, we can't buy it.
This year, choose to study the Bible and gain wisdom and truth to witness to others. These are dark days full of misguidance, falsehood, and evil. But we are to look up! Keep our focus on our Creator, on the goodness He shows us. Look at nature and be reminded of God's grace, holiness, power, and artistry. Look at the faces of your loved ones, and remember God's joy, peace, comfort, and eternal hope. Look at what God has done in your life, the many blessings He provided and bestowed upon you. Don't let the darkness that is filling this world corrupt your eyes and light inside. Keep your gaze on Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and the eternal home we will soon experience together with our Savior forever.