Old Testament · event
Creation
The beginning of all things — "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Creation is the starting point of the whole Bible: God made the world and all life by his word, and formed humanity in his own image.
Timeline at a glance
- Days 1–4Light, sky, land and sea, sun and moon (Genesis 1)
- Days 5–6Fish and birds, animals and humanity (Genesis 1)
- HumanityIn the image of God (Genesis 1:27)
- The Seventh DayRest and holiness (Genesis 2:1–3)
Made by the Word
With the word "Let there be light," God called order out of chaos and light out of darkness. Over six days he made the heavens and seas, the land and living things, repeatedly declaring it "good" (Genesis 1).
Humanity in God's Image
At the climax of creation, God made humanity in his own image, male and female, and appointed them stewards to care for the world. Human dignity is rooted here.
Rest
On the seventh day God finished all his work and rested, blessing that day and making it holy. Creation is completed not by work alone but by rest and delight.
Related verses
- Genesis 1:1"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" — the Bible's first declaration.
- Genesis 1:27"So God created mankind in his own image" — the ground of human dignity.
Frequently asked questions
Is Genesis 1 a science textbook?
The traditional reading takes it as a theological declaration focused on "who and why" rather than "how." Its core is that the world and humanity did not arise by chance but from the good will of God.