Genesis

A foundation is the base upon which something is built. Genesis 1:1 sets the foundation of the supremacy of God over all things by creating all elements of our existence including the heavens, the earth and all that is contained therein. Without this established supreme identity and role of God, all other scripture would be invalid. It does not prove the existence of God, but simply establishes who He is and what He has done.

As an additional thought, it is the basis for God's statement to Moses in Exodus 3:14; "God said to Moses, "I Am Who I Am." And He said, "Say this to the people of Israel: "I Am has sent me to you." The expression "I Am" indicates a being with no beginning or end. Jesus also expressed His relationship as part of the Godhead in John 8:58, "Jesus said to them, "Truly, Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." (ESV)

Atheism – states there is no God. Genesis 1:1 simply states that God created the heavens and the earth. Atheism is unable to prove the nonexistence of God.

Pantheism – God is in everything. Genesis 1:1 states that God created everything. God is separate and superior to His creation. He existed before and after creation.

Polytheism – Teaches the multiplicity of God. Many ancient people and some modern societies hold to a variety of gods with various roles and powers. Genesis 1:1 simply states there is one God that created all things and is superior to all things.

Materialism – States that matter is eternal and is the only thing that exists. Genesis 1:1 states that matter had a beginning. At some point it did not exist until God spoke it into existence. Materialism cannot prove its eternal existence.

Dualism – States that there are two powers at work; good and evil and their interaction is responsible for all we see. Genesis 1:1 states that what we see was created by God and was created as, "Good." Evil has never been at the same level as God.

Humanism – Teaches that man is the ultimate reality. There is nothing higher or nobler than man. Genesis 1:1 teaches that God, not man, is the ultimate reality since God existed before man and is the creator of man.

Evolution – Teaches that time and chance working on eternal matter is responsible for the universe and all of creation. Genesis 1:1 says that in the beginning (a specific time), God created (not chance) the heavens and the earth. Genesis then goes on to state how God created our world and all within it. God intentionally and with a plan created the heavens and earth as fully developed.

Note: Consider having each student explain these words from their own understanding.

• God
• Created
• Heaven
• Earth
• In the beginning

Together these words form the foundation of our faith and confidence in God as our creator and savior.

Created refers to the unique work of God. It means to call into existence from nothing. Before creation there was no matter, time or space. When God created heaven, He created the element of space. Heavens refers to the place where stars, planets and other elements are located. When He created the element of earth, He created the element of matter. Initially it was not shaped but simply existed. Later He would form the world as we know it. When God performed the actions of creation, He created the element of time. The expression, "In the beginning" indicates a start to time.

Genesis 1:1 states the action taken by God. Genesis 2:4 summarizes the detail contained within God's actions from Genesis 1:1 and serves as a transition into the detail of the creation of man and his environment.

As a side note, Genesis 2:15 states that God placed man in the garden to work it and keep it. This is significant in that it shows the reason why God created man and our role today as servants of our Lord.

It is normal for us to wonder how things began. God provides the answer in Genesis 1:1 and following. He spoke creation into existence. This simple statement forms the foundation of our faith in God as our creator and savior. Genesis goes on to explain how sin entered the world but that because of God's love, He provided a way for us to be reconciled. He stated this in Genesis 3:15. As we reach out to others to show them our Lord, we can speak with authority from God's word concerning His supremacy over all things and all philosophies.