Genesis 1:1-31
Welcome to Genesis! The meaning of the word Genesis is: origin of formation; beginning. With a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts from the New Testament, be confident in your journey through the Old Testament. Although both Testaments ultimately corroborate each other, they each have their own personality.
Through the new Testament, we (and many before us) have come to understand our relationship and communication with God as direct and personal. Yet it took awhile to develop that conception of personalized spirituality and that "awhile" is comprised of the stories within the Old Testament (OT).
As you will soon come to discover, the manifestation of God (spirit, divinity) on earth in the OT came through appointed prophets, souls who had a natural capacity and yearning for this philosophy of compassion. Throughout history, humanity's ability to think has changed in depth and complexity. Therefore, the Old Testament is very much written in a story-telling mode.
As with all of scripture, the core concepts of the stories of the lives of the individuals written of here can be understood as actual, factual events or as parables and metaphors (depending on the comfort of the student).
The OT makes up the most of the Bible, the books and chapters are lengthier but begin assured, it is a beautiful and informative journey: OT Chapters: 929; NT Chapters: 260.
1:1 This is perhaps one of the most opportune times to speak of God, divinity in a pantheistic form.
Pantheism: a doctrine that identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God. Pantheism is a concept which dates back thousands of years, but has been strictly and vehemently rejected by (at least one of) the major religions of the world.
Essentially, the belief in a pantheistic God allows for the conception of divinity to seem more realistic in nature. It is a belief in divinity as science, wisdom, energy and creation. For more, read: Our Pantheistic God.
Much of the world believes (and disbelieves) in an anthropomorphic god. Anthropomorphism: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics. Yet in the consideration of the nature of our bodies, earth and universe, it would seem that a much more omnipotent and omniscient entity would be necessary to create such intricate life.
Journey to Proverbs 8 where "Wisdom" is speaking. As we are discussing the creation of the Earth, humanity's home, it is important to know how it was created. The answer: Wisdom. Wisdom is the creative, energetic force of life. Wisdom is all of the things humans have created the field of Science for and more. Wisdom is life-giving energy with divine intention.
Wisdom as we know it on earth is the fundamental life's knowledge we gain through edified experience. Yet at its core in both manifestations: wisdom is sagacious truth. Thus, the Earth was formed with an inarguable, infallible, and interminable element conscious of life and compassion.
Proverbs 8:22-31
22 “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,Return to Genesis.
Before His works of old.
23 I have been established from everlasting,
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth.
24 When there were no depths I was brought forth,
When there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled,
Before the hills, I was brought forth;
26 While as yet He had not made the earth or the fields,
Or the primal dust of the world.
27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there,
When He drew a circle on the face of the deep,
28 When He established the clouds above,
When He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
29 When He assigned to the sea its limit,
So that the waters would not transgress His command,
When He marked out the foundations of the earth,
30 Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;
And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him,
31 Rejoicing in His inhabited world,
And my delight was with the sons of men.
1:2 The proper translation of this verse is that the Earth became (rather than "was") without form and void. In Isaiah 49:19 we learn that the earth was created to be inhabited. Therefore we know that the creation of the Earth was in preparation for humanity. As scientific study has made us aware: the earth is billions of years old. Wisdom works with patience and perfection. The Bible does not challenge science; the earth was not made in merely seven days. The intricate and complex systems of atoms and molecules, elements and compounds is Wisdom and develops at a pace barely tangible to our human conceptions of time.
1:3-4 The manifestation of Light on earth is the distinction between not only luminosity and darkness, but also wisdom from ignorance. Light and Darkness are a dichotomy on Earth among humanity; there is opportunity here for either. Light on the earth established God's presence here. Light is wisdom, life and compassion: the elements of our creator.
1:5 Remember from the New Testament that time is irrelevant, immeasurable with God, represented by 2 Peter 3:8.
1:6-7 The development of the atmosphere which surrounds and protects the Earth. In just a few verses we are covering billions of years of developments and formations.
1:9-10 The development of the waters and landmasses on Earth. Our planet has undergone a miraculous journey of growth; it has been perfectly tailored to support the vessels here we call our bodies. Our Earth is often taken for granted and its beauty and meticulousness is neglected. If ever a person has difficulty conceiving of God, they need only observe the nature of our planet to find reverence in something bigger than themselves.
1:11-13 Plants developed on the earth; our source of nourishment. The plants around us house all of the vitamins, nutrients and even proteins that we need to survive here. This planet was formed for our benefit, our well being.
1:14-15 The conditions with which we would create our society were set in place: seasons, days and years.
1:16-19 The creation of the moon and the sun and the stars.
1:20-21 The birth of living creatures, the animals we share this planet with.
1:22-23 The establishment of procreation; a world full of plants and animals able to replenish themselves and continuously produce.
1:24-25 The creation of the animals with which humanity would come to farm.
1:26-27 The creation of humans: body (for earth) and soul (of spirit). Males and females created by God with the ability to think, create, and dream. The beauty of being creation in the likeness of God is that humanity was given the blessed opportunity to be impactful here. The ability to be conscious and aware.
1:28 Humanity is given the ability and permission to procreate. The minds with which to have dominion over the rest of the animals on this planet. A new and complex form of life.
1:29-30 Plants identified as our sustenance. And, metaphorically, this experience given to us as a journey of self-growth and spiritual nourishment.
1:31 Creation observed Earth and decided it was good. A beautiful, temporary home for our souls living in these earthly vessels, our human bodies.
