Monday 5-10-10

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Before the earth and time even existed. God was. God still is. God will forever be. I love the first four words of the bible, "In the beginning God." How powerful, how truth revealing, how true! Note those four words very carefully, it does not say "In the beginning the big bang," it does not say "In the begging amino acids," it does not say "In the beginning a fish sprouted legs." No it says, "In the beginning God."

Reading those four words ought to evoke in us fear, reverence, love and awe. Why? Because God is our creator (Genesis 1:26-27), our redeemer (Hebrews 10:10-12), and sustainer (John 15:16). We did nothing to create ourselves and according to Genesis 2:19 we are but dust, and will one day return to dust (our bodies that is). Just as we have done nothing to add to our existence, likewise we have done nothing to save ourselves in fact Romans 3:11 says "THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD." And lastly it is simply by the grace and power of God that we are set free from sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). 

"In the beginning God," speaks volumes to me. Because in that one phrase rests the whole entirety of scripture, for if God is either, a liar, and did not create the world, or, He does not exist. Then the whole foundation of redemption, salvation and glorifying God by enjoying Him forever is stripped away, and false. So the very beginning of scripture is just as precious and real as the deepest depths in Romans or Hebrews. We cannot simply look to build upon our knowledge and faith by reading the New Testament, for it is the Old Testament which our whole basis for understanding and believing the New Testament rests.