![[#01] Genesis 1:1 – In the Beginning](https://redeeminggod.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/One-Verse-150x150.jpg)
Today we are going to look at the very first verse in the Bible, Genesis 1:1. This text is one of the most debated texts in the Bible—at least when it comes to the subject of creation and evolution. But we are going to see that this debate is tragic, because Genesis 1:1 is not about creation vs. evolution at all.
The Text of Genesis 1:1
Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
In this discussion of Genesis 1:1, we look at:
- Genesis 1:1 is a battleground text over the scientific debate regarding creation and evolution. This is quite sad, for Genesis 1:1 is not a scientific text.
- But the creation debate is not the only debate in Genesis. There are dozens others. These debates reveal the problem with studying Genesis.
- If we get bogged down in debates, we will never understand Genesis.
- The point of Genesis is introduced by Genesis 1:1 – the author of Genesis wants to introduce us to God.
- Do you have Questions about God? Genesis 1:1 is the place to start.
Resources:
- Logos Bible Software
- Creation-Myths-Johnston
- Creation-Myths-Hess
- Genesis-Cosmology-Hasel
- My View on the JEDP Theory and Genesis 1
- Subscribe and Leave a Review on iTunes
Downloadable Podcast Resources
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Why is Genesis 1:1 only about who God is? Why limit the Scriptures? Why can’t we apply the who, what, when, why, where and how to all of Scripture? We need to know the Scriptures to avoid error. Mat 22:9 To read Genesis 1:1 and say that it teaches God is powerful -and nothing more, to me is to shortchange your listeners.
I am not sure what you are saying, Kerry. You want me to ask “who, what, where, when, why, and how” of Genesis 1?
Ok … where did Genesis 1:1 take place? When? How did God create? Why?
Some of these questions are unanswerable, others are just nonsense.
Thank you, Jeremy for reading and replying to my comment. I have just relistened to your podcast. I didn’t mean to infer that you should have applied the 5 W words and how. My understanding of what you were saying in your podcast is that God is powerful. If I want to understand what the verse says myself I apply those questions. That is what we are taught in Australia to find out the meaning of something. Who is the verse about? God What does it teach us about God? That he was there at the beginning, so he pre existed before the beginningof creation and that he made all things. He is the Creator. Where? Outside of his creation. When? At the beginning of time and because he preexisted God is outside of time. How did he create? Whilst it is not mentioned in this verse, it shows how vital it is to read in context of surrounding verses, chapter, book, whole of Bible. The following verses say God said Let there be … And there was. So God created the heavens and the earth by spoken word as confirmed by other Scriptures. (Inc Psalm 33:6).
So this verse introduces us to a powerful Creator God, with that power seen in his creating and creation. I agree it doesn’t speak of evolution but I can’t see how it is not evidence of creation.
I don’t feel confined by religion in reading the Scriptures this way and I don’t make judgements on your beliefs. I don’t feel angry at you, but did feel compelled to share my thoughts. Thanks again.
Good point. Thank you. In my mind there is no debate between science and the Bible. I have studied both and see no conflict. God is so much bigger than anything we can imagine. Bigger than Creation. Bigger than Evolution. The whole point of Scripture is to point us toward God, that we may know Him, not to prove Him nor His works. Such debates are meaningless. Imao.
Right. The Bible is not a science book, so if we understand the Bible as it was meant to be written, Scripture and science do not contradict, but both can be used to bring glory to God.