Before we discuss Genesis 1 in detail, we shall attempt to lay a firm foundation for our study in Genesis. Here are a few of the presuppositions we shall be working from: 1) Genesis 1&2 is accurate, 2) God is honest, and 3) Genesis 1&2 is clear.
- Genesis 1&2 is Accurate. Genesis is historical narrative and should be interpreted like other historical narratives (Exodus, Leviticus, etc.). This means that it is wise to believe that what is recorded in Genesis 1&2 is just as accurate as what is recorded in Exodus 1&2. Therefore, God inspired Moses to write what God wanted Him to write and God wanted Moses to write what actually happened. It is also important to note that the Bible interprets Genesis 1&2 as historical narrative in four key places outside of Genesis: 1) 1 Chronicles 1 in the genealogy, 2) Luke 3 in the genealogy, 3) Paul in Romans 5, and 4) Jesus in Matthew 19. As historical narrative, it is valid to say that Genesis 1 is written accurately because God actually created the heavens and the earth over 6 literal days and if God had done it any other way, Genesis 1-2 would be different than it is in our Bible.
- God is Honest. One reason to believe that Genesis 1&2 is accurate is because you strongly believe that God is honest. You believe God created the world in 6 days because God said He created the world in 6 days. It is also wise to believe that God is able to create the world as He said He created it. Consider for a moment that if God said He created the world in 6 days, there would need to be strong biblical, textual evidence to make you think that He did not do it as He revealed.
Take a human example: If I were to tell you that I washed my car at home and it took me 1 hour, would it bother you to discover that I actually had it washed at Cape Auto Spa? Would you not conclude that I was being untruthful? An honest person always speaks truthfully. God is honest and therefore Genesis 1 is accurate. - Genesis 1-2 is Authoritative. Genesis 1&2 is accurate, God is honest, and it is wise to have the Bible be our authority rather than other sources. Many times, but not always, objections are raised against the belief that God created in 6 literal days is because they seek to accommodate secular arguments and belief. For example, secular scientists are almost unanimous that the world is old, therefore they seek to accommodate and fit an old world belief into Genesis. Christians must resist this because it is the opposite of faithful Biblical interpretation. Faithful Biblical interpretation would only believe in an old earth if the Bible taught an old earth. Over the next few months, we shall interpret Genesis as historical narrative and strive to us the Bible alone as our authority. While we can gain knowledge from other sources, they are not authoritative like the Bible. Let us close with this encouragement from John MacAurthur:
Anyone who takes seriously the authority of Scripture must ultimately set the opinions of men aside and simply trust what Scripture says. The earlier we do that, the better. Frankly, I have never understood why someone who believes in the literal bodily resurrection of Christ would balk at believing all of Scripture, starting with Genesis 1:1.
Do you believe that God is honest and that Genesis 1 is accurate and clear? When you read Genesis 1, do you understand it on the basis of what it says or what others say? Take time this week to read Genesis 1 and reflect on God’s clear truth of Creation.
First Baptist Scott City, MO 