3) Creation
The origin of the universe and life according to the Bible
Where did we come from? How did the universe come into existence? The Bible answers clearly: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” In this lesson, we will study the biblical account of creation.
The New Testament also reveals that all things were created through Christ (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16), in harmony with the Genesis account.
The Creator
Who created the heavens and the earth?
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Answer: God
Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
How did God create all things?
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Answer: By His word: He spoke, and it was done
Psalms 33:6: "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth."; Psalms 33:9: "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."
“For He spake, and it was; He commanded, and it stood fast.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, PP 44.1
The Week of Creation
How long did it take God to create the heavens and the earth?
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Answer: Six days, resting on the seventh
Exodus 20:11: "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
What was God's last creation on Earth?
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Answer: Mankind, created in the image of God
Genesis 1:26-27: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
What did God do on the seventh day?
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Answer: He rested, blessed and sanctified the seventh day
Genesis 2:2-3: "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made."
Mankind
How was mankind created?
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Answer: God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life
Genesis 2:7: "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
What does it mean to be created 'in the image of God'?
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Answer: To reflect God's character, intelligence and moral capacity
Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
How did God evaluate His creation?
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Answer: Very good
Genesis 1:31: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."
“When Adam came from the Creator’s hand, he bore, in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature, a likeness to his Maker.” — Ellen G. White, Education, Ed 15.1
Why Creation Matters
Why should we worship God, according to Revelation?
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Answer: Because He created all things
Revelation 4:11: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
What does the message of the first angel proclaim?
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Answer: Worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water
Revelation 14:7: "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
And Now?
The doctrine of creation is fundamental:
- God is the Creator: Everything exists because He willed it
- Mankind is special: We were created in God’s image
- Creation was perfect: God made everything “very good”
- We are called to worship the Creator: This is the foundation of all worship
My Decision
I believe that God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I recognize that I was created in His image and that this gives me dignity and purpose. I choose to worship the Creator as revealed in His Word.