Genesis 1: God Spoke and There Was Light
Genesis 1: God Spoke and There Was Light
Last week we began a new sermon series walking through the opening chapters of Genesis—from creation to the fall. While we started by digging deeply into Genesis 1:1–2, this week we widened our lens to take in the whole of Genesis chapter 1. Because of the richness, depth, and even controversy found in this chapter, we’ll be spending several weeks here. There is simply too much to address in one sitting.
Genesis 1 is foundational. It sets the context for everything that follows in Scripture, and how we read it matters. This chapter raises important questions: Is Genesis 1 meant to be read literally? Is it historical narrative or poetic in nature? Christians have wrestled with these questions for centuries—and faithful believers have landed in different places. As a church, we want to approach these questions with humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Scripture as God’s authoritative Word.
Understanding the Nature of Scripture
Scripture is breathed out by God and written through human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That means the Bible is exactly what God intends it to be—trustworthy, authoritative, and true—while also reflecting different literary styles and genres. Within Scripture we encounter historical narrative, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and apocalyptic writing. Each genre is meant to be read and understood according to its form.
Genesis 1 presents a unique challenge because it displays both structured repetition and rhythm—features often associated with poetry—while also making concrete claims about God’s creative work. This has led to various interpretive approaches, including ideas like the gap theory or the day-age theory. While these views attempt to reconcile Genesis with modern scientific concerns, it’s important to remember that Genesis 1 was not written to answer modern debates about evolution. Its primary purpose is theological.
At its core, Genesis 1 tells us who created and why, not precisely how by modern scientific standards. It reveals God as sovereign Creator and establishes essential theological truths about God, the world, and humanity.
“And God Said” — The Power of God’s Word
One phrase dominates Genesis 1: “And God said.” This phrase appears repeatedly throughout the chapter, emphasizing the power and authority of God’s Word. God does not struggle to create. He speaks—and creation responds. Light pierces darkness. Order emerges from chaos. Life comes from nothing.
This is the heart of the passage. God’s Word has creative power. His speech brings light, structure, and goodness into the world. When Scripture repeats a phrase this often, it’s drawing our attention to something essential: God’s Word accomplishes what He intends.
This creative authority isn’t limited to Genesis. God’s Word carries the same authority throughout Scripture—from the Ten Commandments, to the prophets, to the teachings of Jesus Himself. When God speaks, we are called to listen.
Jesus: The Word Made Flesh
The Gospel of John intentionally echoes Genesis when it opens with the words, “In the beginning…” John tells us that Jesus is the eternal Word through whom all things were made. Creation wasn’t just spoken into existence—it was spoken into existence through Christ.
This connection transforms how we read Genesis 1. The light that breaks through the darkness in creation points forward to the Light of the World—Jesus—who breaks into the darkness of sin, chaos, and death. Just as God’s Word brought order and light to the universe, Jesus brings order and light into our lives.
The gospel is foreshadowed even here, at the very beginning of Scripture. Humanity chooses darkness through sin, but God responds by sending His Word—His Son—to bring restoration, renewal, and hope.
From Chaos to Order
God’s Word doesn’t just create worlds; it recreates hearts. Jesus brings order where there is chaos, light where there is darkness, and life where there is death. This is true not only for creation, but for every believer.
To come under God’s Word is to move from chaos to order. As we trust Christ, He reshapes us, restores us, and gradually recreates us in His image. This process isn’t instant or perfect, but it is real. And it gives us purpose, value, and mission.
One day, God’s work of renewal will be complete. Scripture promises a new heaven and a new earth—creation fully restored. Until then, we live on mission, sharing the good news of the creative Word who makes all things new.
An Invitation
If your life feels marked by darkness or chaos rather than light and order, the invitation of Genesis 1 still stands. God speaks. God creates. God restores.
Jesus is the Word who brings life. And He is still speaking today.
Scripture References
Questions for Reflection:
In your own words, what does it mean that Scripture is breathed out
by God but also written through people?
Why is it important to understand what Scripture is in order to
understand Genesis 1?
What is the Genesis Gap theory and why does it fall short as an
explanation of Genesis 1?
What is the Day Age theory and why does it fall short as an
explanation of Genesis 1?
Why is “and God spoke” repeated and emphasized in Genesis 1?
What does the Word of God creating teach us about His nature and
his power?
How is Genesis 1:2-3 a theological statement that points to the
Gospel?
Find 4 different Scriptures that back up the idea that the Word of
god brings order and light to chaos and darkness?
How has Jesus brought order and light to your life? Be specific in
your answers.
What does it mean that the Word recreates believers and even
nature?
Last week we began a new sermon series walking through the opening chapters of Genesis—from creation to the fall. While we started by digging deeply into Genesis 1:1–2, this week we widened our lens to take in the whole of Genesis chapter 1. Because of the richness, depth, and even controversy found in this chapter, we’ll be spending several weeks here. There is simply too much to address in one sitting.
Genesis 1 is foundational. It sets the context for everything that follows in Scripture, and how we read it matters. This chapter raises important questions: Is Genesis 1 meant to be read literally? Is it historical narrative or poetic in nature? Christians have wrestled with these questions for centuries—and faithful believers have landed in different places. As a church, we want to approach these questions with humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Scripture as God’s authoritative Word.
Understanding the Nature of Scripture
Scripture is breathed out by God and written through human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That means the Bible is exactly what God intends it to be—trustworthy, authoritative, and true—while also reflecting different literary styles and genres. Within Scripture we encounter historical narrative, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and apocalyptic writing. Each genre is meant to be read and understood according to its form.
Genesis 1 presents a unique challenge because it displays both structured repetition and rhythm—features often associated with poetry—while also making concrete claims about God’s creative work. This has led to various interpretive approaches, including ideas like the gap theory or the day-age theory. While these views attempt to reconcile Genesis with modern scientific concerns, it’s important to remember that Genesis 1 was not written to answer modern debates about evolution. Its primary purpose is theological.
At its core, Genesis 1 tells us who created and why, not precisely how by modern scientific standards. It reveals God as sovereign Creator and establishes essential theological truths about God, the world, and humanity.
“And God Said” — The Power of God’s Word
One phrase dominates Genesis 1: “And God said.” This phrase appears repeatedly throughout the chapter, emphasizing the power and authority of God’s Word. God does not struggle to create. He speaks—and creation responds. Light pierces darkness. Order emerges from chaos. Life comes from nothing.
This is the heart of the passage. God’s Word has creative power. His speech brings light, structure, and goodness into the world. When Scripture repeats a phrase this often, it’s drawing our attention to something essential: God’s Word accomplishes what He intends.
This creative authority isn’t limited to Genesis. God’s Word carries the same authority throughout Scripture—from the Ten Commandments, to the prophets, to the teachings of Jesus Himself. When God speaks, we are called to listen.
Jesus: The Word Made Flesh
The Gospel of John intentionally echoes Genesis when it opens with the words, “In the beginning…” John tells us that Jesus is the eternal Word through whom all things were made. Creation wasn’t just spoken into existence—it was spoken into existence through Christ.
This connection transforms how we read Genesis 1. The light that breaks through the darkness in creation points forward to the Light of the World—Jesus—who breaks into the darkness of sin, chaos, and death. Just as God’s Word brought order and light to the universe, Jesus brings order and light into our lives.
The gospel is foreshadowed even here, at the very beginning of Scripture. Humanity chooses darkness through sin, but God responds by sending His Word—His Son—to bring restoration, renewal, and hope.
From Chaos to Order
God’s Word doesn’t just create worlds; it recreates hearts. Jesus brings order where there is chaos, light where there is darkness, and life where there is death. This is true not only for creation, but for every believer.
To come under God’s Word is to move from chaos to order. As we trust Christ, He reshapes us, restores us, and gradually recreates us in His image. This process isn’t instant or perfect, but it is real. And it gives us purpose, value, and mission.
One day, God’s work of renewal will be complete. Scripture promises a new heaven and a new earth—creation fully restored. Until then, we live on mission, sharing the good news of the creative Word who makes all things new.
An Invitation
If your life feels marked by darkness or chaos rather than light and order, the invitation of Genesis 1 still stands. God speaks. God creates. God restores.
Jesus is the Word who brings life. And He is still speaking today.
Scripture References
- Genesis 1:1–31
- Genesis 1:3–5
- Genesis 1:7–8
- Genesis 2:1–3
- Exodus 15:1–8
- Exodus 20:1–17
- Matthew 5:16–18
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- 1 Peter 1:20–21
- Psalm 119
- James 1:19
- Jonah 1:1–2
- John 1:1–5
- John 1:14
- Revelation 21:1
Questions for Reflection:
In your own words, what does it mean that Scripture is breathed out
by God but also written through people?
Why is it important to understand what Scripture is in order to
understand Genesis 1?
What is the Genesis Gap theory and why does it fall short as an
explanation of Genesis 1?
What is the Day Age theory and why does it fall short as an
explanation of Genesis 1?
Why is “and God spoke” repeated and emphasized in Genesis 1?
What does the Word of God creating teach us about His nature and
his power?
How is Genesis 1:2-3 a theological statement that points to the
Gospel?
Find 4 different Scriptures that back up the idea that the Word of
god brings order and light to chaos and darkness?
How has Jesus brought order and light to your life? Be specific in
your answers.
What does it mean that the Word recreates believers and even
nature?
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