Lesson 1

THE CREATION AND THE CREATOR

Genesis 1:1–2

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:1

I. INTRODUCTION

    A. Its Author And Purpose.

        1. Moses the human writer. Luke 24:27,44
        2. The Holy Spirit the author. II Pet. 1:21; II Tim. 3:16
        3. The purpose.-- a. That we might know the true history of God's creation.-- b. That we might learn the spiritual lessons. I Cor. 10:6,11

    B. Seven Special Beginnings, In Genesis"The Book Of Beginnings."

        1. The beginning of the material universe: The sphere of the divine revelation of grace.
        2. The beginning of the human race: The subject of the divine revelation of grace.
        3. The beginning of sin: The cause of the divine revelation of grace.
        4. The beginning of divine redemption: The character of the divine revelation of grace.
        5. The beginning of the nations: The scope of the divine revelation of grace.
        6. The beginning of the Hebrew nation: The channel of the divine revelation of grace.
        7. The beginning of the life of faith: The outcome of the divine revelation of grace.--(W. H. Griffith Thomas)

    C. "In The Beginning God" Versus Six "Isms"

        1. It denies atheism with its doctrine of no God.
        2. It denies polytheism with its doctrine of many Gods.
        3. It denies fatalism with its doctrine of chance.
        4. It denies evolution with its doctrine of infinite becoming.
        5. It denies pantheism with its doctrine that makes God and the universe identical.
        6. It denies materialism with its doctrine of the eternity of matter.

    D. God's Stamp Of Perfection On Gen. 1:1 · 2:4.

        1. "Good" appears 7 times. v. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31
        2. "Made" appears 7 times. v. 7, 16, 25, 26, 31; 2:2, 3
        3. "Heaven" appears 7 times. v. 1, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 20
        4. "God" is referred to 35 times. That is 7 x 5 = 35
        5. There are 7 Hebrew words in v. 1. There are 28 Hebrew letters in v. 1. Four is earth's number. 4 x 7 = 28
        6. There are 7 activities: --a. Activity of the Holy Spirit. v. 2-- b. The word of God calling into existence light. v. 3-- c. The making of the firmament. v. 6-9-- d. The bringing forth of the vegetation. v. 11-- e. The arranging of the heavenly bodies. v. 14-19-- f. The storing up of the waters. v. 20-21-- g. The stocking of the earth. v. 24 (Pink & Entzminger)

II. GOD THE CREATOR AND HIS WORLD. v. 1-2

    A. God A Reality. v. 1

        1. "God." v. 1.-- a. Before all things.-- b. The cause of all things.-- c. The explanation of all things.-- d. The destiny of all things.
        2. "In the beginning."-- a. Birth of time.-- b. Birth of matter.-- c. The birth of revelation.
        3. This verse assumes:-- a. The being of God.-- b. His eternity.-- c. His omnipotence.-- d. His absolute freedom and sovereignty.-- e. His infinite wisdom.-- f. His essential goodness.
        4. "God" of Gen. 1:1 is "Elohim" a uni-plural noun.
        5. "Created" is a singular verb and requires a singular subject.
        6. The New Testament reveals Christ as Creator. John 1:1-4; Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17.

    B. Atheism Is A Hoax.

    "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psa. 14:1. Atheism and evolution are both foolish. Can anyone prove there is no God? NO!

        1. Biblical history of creation proves atheism a folly. God's word sets forth the only plausible, plain and believable record of creation. Look at all the myths of other religions on this subject.
        2. The existence of a beautiful world about us reveals the existence of an all wise God. See Psa. 19:1.
        3. The universal belief in God or gods, reveal His existence.
        4. Matter is not eternal.

    C. The Teaching Of Gen. 1:2.

    "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep." There can be "no form and void," with darkness.

        1. A tremendous revelation of truth.

            a. This may be true of matter. Matter is not God and without God it is meaningless, dark and useless.
            b. This may be true of minds. The mind is nothing without God. Too many worship the intellect.
            c. This may be true of the soul.

        2. A tremendous opportunity for change. Under the brooding power of the Spirit.

            a. Matter can be changed.
            b. Mind can be changed. (Mind may have knowledge and yet utter chaos). "If our gospel be hid. . . it is hid unto them that are lost...." "We have the mind of Christ." "Sound mind. "
            c. Soul can be changed.

        3. The earth:-- a. Without form.-- b. Without light.-- c. Without life. Not without God.
        4. The Spirit of God:-- a. Removes darkness.-- b. Imparts beauty.-- c. Gives life.

    NOTE: "Created" is the Hebrew "bara" and it is used only of God.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What does the word "Genesis" mean?
2. Name the author of Genesis. Give proof.
3. Name the writer of Genesis.
4. Which person in the New Testament gave proof of this?
5. State in your own words the purpose of Genesis?
6. Name the seven special beginnings of Genesis.
7. Quote the first four words of Genesis.
8. How many times does "good" and "heaven" appear in chapter 1? What is the significance of that?
9. Does Genesis chapter 1 make an attempt to prove the existence of God?
10. What is the Hebrew word for God in Genesis 1:1? How does this affect the doctrine of the Trinity?

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Lesson 2

THE DAYS OF CREATION

Genesis 1:1–13

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:3

The book of Genesis is already outlined by the word "Generation."

1. The Creation account. 1:1- 2:3
2. The Generation of the heavens and the earth. 2:4 - 4:26
3. The Generations of Adam. 5:1 - 6:8
4. The Generations of Noah. 6:9 - 9:29
5. The Generations of the sons of Noah. 10: - 11:9
6. The Generations of Shem. 11:10 - 26
7. The Generations of Terah. 11:27 - 25:11
8. The Generations of Ishmael. 25:12-18
9. The Generations of Isaac. 25:19 - 35:29
10. The Generations of Esau. 36:1-8
11. The Generations of Esau's sons. 36:9-34
12. The Generations of Jacob. 37:1 - 50:26

I. THE GAP AND DAY-AGE THEORIES DISPROVED.

    These two theories were adopted by Bible believers in order to reconcile the geological ages claimed by many scientists, to the creation account found in Genesis. These two theories are now losing ground with Bible believers. This is due in part to the efforts put forth by scientists who are truly Christian. There are now over 500 scientists with degrees in science, who believe and teach the Genesis account of creation. They are members of the Creation Research Society.

    A. The Gap Theory Refuted.

        1. The theory stated. This theory generally states that there is a long gap between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2. Some who believe this theory, believe that there was a prehistoric race of people and animals that perished in a catastrophic judgment, which came as a result of Satan's fall. This leaves room for the long geological ages claimed by scientists. Some who hold some form of this view are: Gaebelein, Pink, and Neighbour. We do not mean to be critical of these men, but we do think that they were wrong.
        2. The theory refuted.

            a. It contradicts Scripture. Ex. 20:11. This verse is very obviously referring to Gen. 1:1,2.
            b. Sin entered this world as a result of Adam's sin. (See I Cor. 15:21; Rom. 8:20-22; 5:15). This contradicts the theory that the fossil remains predate Adam and his fall.
            c. If a "pre-Adamic" race lived and died, they died without a Saviour.
            d. No Scripture really teaches this theory, including Ezek. 28:16-17 and Isa. 45:18.
            e. The Hebrew words for "create" and for "make" are often used interchangeably in Scripture when referring to God's work. Compare Gen. 1:21 and 1:25. Also compare 1:26 and1:27. (See Studies in the Bible and Science by Henry M. Morris. Pages 31-33).

    B. The Day-Age Theory Refuted.

        1. The theory stated. A lesser number of evangelicals and many liberals believe that each day of creation represented long periods of time rather than 24 hour days. This would involve some form of theistic evolution.
        2. The theory refuted.

            a. This theory is disproved by Exodus 20:9-11. It is obvious that this Scripture speaks of literal days. The Hebrew word for "days" is "YAMIN" and for "day" it is "YOM." "YAMIN" is used 700 times in the Old Testament and always means literal days. "YOM" sometimes refers to an indefinite time, but never when it is accompanied by a definite number.
            b. God pronounced His work to be very good. Gen. 1:31. This certainly does not refer to millions of years of struggle upward through pain, suffering and death, as claimed through the fossil record.
            c. God told Adam to have dominion over everything. Gen. 1:28. If the day-age theory is correct, then much that God had created would have already been extinct.
            d. Adam lived to the age of 930 years. Gen. 5:5. If each day is an age, then Adam lived through the 6th day and the 7th day. Would he not have been thousands or millions of years old?
            e. "Evening" and "morning" are used to describe each day. These words are not figurative and are never used that way in the Scriptures. How could these words be used to describe an age or a long period of time. (See Studies in the Bible and Science by Henry M. Morris, pages 33-38).
            f. Those who adopt this theory usually end up denying that Adam was an historical person. This leads to a denial of the fall of man and the end result is, there is no need for a Saviour.

II. THE DAYS OF CREATION.

    A. The First Day, Typical Of The Salvation Of A Soul. v. 2-5

        1. The moving of the Spirit of God. v. 2; John 3:5-6
        2. The word of God. v. 3. "And God said." Rom. 1:16; I Pet. 1:23
        3. The Son of God enters. "Let there be light." v. 3. See John 1:1-10; 11 Cor. 4:3-6.
        4. The entrance of the Light (Christ) brings division. Light and darkness divided. v. 4-5; See John 3:19; Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:11; I John 1:5; and 11 Cor. 6:14.

    B. The Second Day, Continued Separation. v. 6-8

        1. "Firmament" means an expanse or atmosphere. This is the first heaven where the birds fly, etc.
        2. Waters under the firmament, refers to water on the earth. v. 7
        3. Waters above the firmament, refers to water suspended in space. There must have been much more of this before the flood. This explains why it could rain for 40 days and nights. See Gen. 7:11. We have some water suspended in this manner in the clouds, but not the tremendous amount of vapor as before the flood. Remember that it did not rain until the flood.

    C. The Third Day, Typical Of The Fruitful Life. v. 9-13

        1. The seas formed. v. 9-10. The seas stood as barriers of separation for thousands of years. Ships and planes have narrowed this barrier of separation.
        2. The dry land appears. v. 9-10. Think of the erosion, etc. that may have come about through this sudden division.
        3. The fruitfulness of the earth, typical of resurrection. v. 11-13. Note that each thing was to bring forth after its kind. This refutes evolution.

    NOTE: The following types should also be considered.

    1st Day, typical of incarnation - Holy Spirit broods.
    2nd Day, typical of crucifixion - Cross divides, separates.
    3rd Day, typical of resurrection - Life came forth from dying world.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Briefly state and refute the gap theory in your own words.
2. Briefly state and refute the day-age theory in your own words.
3. Give the Hebrew word for day, and the word for days.
4. Describe the work of the Father, the Spirit, and the Son in Genesis 1:1-3. List each separately.

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Lesson 3

THE CREATION OF MAN

Genesis 1:14–31

Memory Verse: Genesis 1:26

We must remember that the Lord Jesus Christ was active in the creation. See John 1:1-4,14; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1-3.

I. LIGHTS IN THE FIRMAMENT OF THE HEAVEN. 4th DAY. v. 14-19

    This is not the beginning of light. See 1:3.

    A. The Purpose Of The Two Great Lights.

        1. To divide the day from the night. v. 14
        2. For signs, seasons, days, and for years. v. 14. These heavenly bodies are to guide and to be navigational aids to man. Also it divides the seasons Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. They are not for astrology, the signs of the zodiac and for fortune telling.
        3. To give light and heat upon the earth. Life as we know it, could not exist without the sun.

    B. The Spiritual Lesson Of The Two Great Lights.

        1. The sun is typical of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matt. 4:16; John 1:1-10. This will certainly be true at His Second Coming, when He shall appear as the Sun of Righteousness. Malachi 4:1-3; Rev. 21:23
        2. The moon is typical of the Church.

            a. It is a lesser light. v. 16
            b. It's light is borrowed from the sun. John 9:5; Matt. 5:14-16; Eph. 5:8; Rev. 1:12,13,20
            c. It rules in the night of darkness. This world is in spiritual darkness during the Church age!

II. THE CREATION OF LIVING THINGS. 5th & 6th DAYS. v. 20-25

    Up until the 5th day, God has been preparing the earth for the living things and man. Now on the 5th day He begins the creation of living things.

    A. 5th Day: Fish, Birds, And Whales Created. v. 20-23

        1. Creation of fish and ocean life. v. 20
        2. Creation of birds that fly in the sky. v. 20
        3. Creation of whales. v. 21
        4. Each was to bring forth after its kind. v. 21. While there is variety within each species or kind, nevertheless there is no evolution here. One kind does not produce another kind.

    B. 6th Day Creation Of Cattle, Beasts And Creeping Things. v. 24-25

        1. The cattle created. v. 24
        2. The beasts created. v. 24
        3. The creeping things created. v. 24. This means reptiles as well as insects that crawl and leap. See Lev.11:20-23.

III. THE CREATION OF MAN. LAST PART OF THE 6th DAY. v. 26-31

    A. His Creation Different Than All Others. v. 26-27

        1. Man made in the image of the triune God. Image does not necessarily mean a physical likeness, and in this case it does not. Here is where the difference was made, and it forever separates man from the animal world.

            a. Man a spiritual being. John 4:24; Heb. 12:9; Zech. 12:1; Prov. 20:27; Eccl. 12:7.
            b. Man has knowledge and can reason. Gen. 2:19-20; Col. 3:10.
            c. Uprightness and holiness. Eccl. 7:29; Eph. 4:24. Sin caused man to fall from this condition. In fact, sin has changed to some extent, all of these.
            d. Man has a conscience. Rom. 2:15.
            e. Free will. Man now has a will, but it is not free.
            f. Worship and communion with God.
            g. Dignity of presence. Gen. 9:2; I Cor. 11:7.
            h. Immortality of soul. Gen. 3:22.
            i. Capacity for marriage.
            j. Labor apart from struggle for existence. Gen. 2:15.
            k. Power of speech.

        2. These things are not true of any animal.
        3. The physical similarity between man and some animals can best be explained on the basis of having a common designer and creator, much more so than by the theory of evolution. Also, there may be a similarity between creatures that share a common environment. I Cor. 15:39-41
        4. Though sin has marred man's image, it can be restored through redemption and then will be completely restored through the resurrection. I Cor. 15:42-49

    B. The Dominion Of Man. v. 28-31

        1. Man, the climax of creation.
        2. Man to rule over--but sin!
        3. God's preparation for man.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Name the two great lights and their purpose.
2. What is the difference between astronomy and astrology?
3. What or who is the sun typical of, and how?
4. Who or what is the moon typical of, and how?
5. What day did God begin to create living things?
6. What did God create on the 6th day?
7. Man was created in the of God.
8. How can we explain some of the physical similarities between man and animals, in the light of the claims of evolution?
9. Name some of the things man received from God through creation that is not true of animals?
10. Was man created with a free will? What is the condition of his will today?

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