The first plot movement in the storyline of Scripture is that of Creation. The main account of Creation is found in Genesis 1-2. From that passage I think there are a couple of ideas that should be noted. Already, in one of the posts on the importance of Scripture, I pointed out how the story found in Genesis 1-3 can help explain the world we see. So, I am not going to spend much time on the things I already wrote about, but I do think that there are certain aspects of the story that should not be missed:
God is Lord over all (Genesis 1:1-2). Right from the beginning of Scripture we see that all that we know is known on account of the Lord. He has created and He is sovereign.
The world was created good (Genesis 1:31). This is important as it explains why we have a concept of good things and why we find goodness, pleasure, and joy in this world. The reason why people stop in the middle of the CWR field and take pictures of the setting sun is because the world was created good. The reason a boy will pick flowers for a girl is because the world is good. The reason why it is relaxing to sit under the stars while feeling the gentle rock of the boat as it is nudged by the waves is because God created the world good. While some pose the problem of evil as a challenge to the existence of a good God, I think it should be more often noted that without God it is difficult to explain the presence of so much good in this world.
God made man and woman (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:4-25). Not only did God create man and woman, but He also made them in His image. There are all sorts of implications from this. There is an intrinsic value to being human. The life of a person is worth something. It is also seen that people were made for community, companionship, and love as a reflection of the God who exists in perfect fellowship as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is why God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” People were made to be together. There is a fellowship to be had with other people and a relationship to be known with God.
Man is to be fruitful and multiply and exercise dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28). In the account of Creation we see God placing man in a good and fruitful land. And He set people up to take care of things. The world was meant for people to live their lives on. We were meant to rule as the regent kings and queens of the Emperor-King (as we one day will). In the Garden of Eden we see a harmony and peace in the created order. God placed man at the top of that order. As one continues through the storyline of Scripture it is interesting to see just how often the work of the Lord is connected to how He promises to bless or curse or redeem man’s relationship to the land.
There was a command to be obedient (Genesis 2:16-17). From the beginning there is a demand to live a good life. Obedience meant a life of goodness. Disobedience meant a life that has a knowledge of both good and evil. So, as will continue to be the case throughout Scripture, there are promised blessings for obedience and promised cursings for disobedience.
That’s a look at Creation, next, the Fall...
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