(a) Narrate the first account of the creation. (b) In what two ways does this account demonstrate the nature of God?

(a) The first account of creation (Genesis 1:1 - 2:3)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moved over the waters. God then created in six days by His spoken word:

• Day one: God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. He separated the light from the darkness, calling the light Day and the darkness Night.
• Day two: God made the firmament (the sky) to divide the waters above from the waters below.
• Day three: God gathered the waters together so that dry land appeared. He called the dry land Earth and the waters Seas, and He made the earth bring forth grass, herbs and fruit trees.
• Day four: God made the sun, the moon and the stars to give light and to mark seasons, days and years.
• Day five: God created the fish and other creatures of the sea, and the birds of the air, and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply.
• Day six: God made the land animals, cattle and creeping things, and finally created man, male and female, in His own image, giving them dominion over all creatures.

God saw that everything He had made was very good. On the seventh day He rested from all His work and blessed and sanctified the day.

(b) Two ways this account demonstrates the nature of God

1. God is almighty and sovereign: He created the whole universe out of nothing simply by His word, showing His unlimited power and authority over all things.
2. God is orderly, wise and good: He created in a logical, purposeful sequence, provided for every creature, and pronounced His work "very good," revealing His wisdom, care and goodness.