WHO IS GOD?

The opening chapters of the Bible present the beginning of life from two perspectives. In fact, the title of the first book of the Bible, Genesis, is taken from the very first word in the original Hebrew language, meaning “beginning” or “origin.” Chapter 1 of Genesis is a grand, sweeping overview, as though a camera were zoomed out as far as we could imagine, drawing closer and closer as creation grows increasingly complex. In chapter 2 we jump to a close-up scene within the story that we’ll examine in more depth tomorrow. For now don’t rush past the opening chapter. Don’t even rush past the opening words. This isn’t an introduction you can omit to get to the real story. This is the opening scene of the same story you’re living in today. This is where it all begins—literally.

Record Genesis 1:1 either from memory or after looking it up.

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What’s significant about this first sentence in the Bible? Record all this sentence teaches us about God, ourselves, and life in general.

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God:

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Ourselves:

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Life:

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Use the space below to record what God created on each day in Genesis 1.

Day 1 (vv. 3-5)

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Day 2 (vv. 6-8)

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Day 3 (vv. 9-13)

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Day 4 (vv. 14-19)

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Day 5 (vv. 20-23)

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Day 6 (vv. 24-31)

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Has it ever occurred to you just how unthinkable it is that light was created on the first day, but the sun, moon, and stars weren’t created until the fourth day? Light existed before what we consider the sources of light. But in God’s infinite wisdom even His creation revealed information about Himself to us (see Rom. 1:20). The first three days established natural domains, and then God gave living creatures dominion to “be fruitful, multiply” (Gen. 1:22), filling each of those environments.

What does the repeated pattern of “Then God said. … And it was so” teach you about God, ourselves, and life in general?

God:

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Ourselves:

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Life:

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What does the repeated declaration of “It was good” teach you about God, ourselves, and life in general?

God:

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Ourselves:

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Life:

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What does the repeated blessing of “Be fruitful, multiply” teach you about God, ourselves, and life in general?

God:

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Ourselves:

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Life:

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You can’t know who you are without first knowing who God is. The Bible starts with the account of creation, not merely for the order of events but also for the foundation of truth. He isn’t just the Creator. He’s your Creator, and you’re His good creation.

Conclude today’s personal study by reflecting on the following prayer from God’s Word. Take a moment to praise your Creator for who He is and for how much He loves you.

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ …, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ." - EPHESIANS 1:2-3