Today we are beginning a new series called The Story of the Old Testament,
and for the next 10 or 12 weeks or so we're going to be looking at several of
the big moments that take place in the Old Testament. As we do that we hope that
we'll learn more about what happened at these big moments. We want to explain how
all these fit together across the Old Testament and above all we want to see
how it all points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ in the new. Today we
start at the start. Our title is Creation, our text is Genesis 1-1. In the
beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now when we come to Genesis 1
often our attention is drawn to the question of origins. Where did the
universe come from? How old is the earth? What about evolution? And it's
possibly the case that the chapter in the Bible that causes the most
controversy is the very first one and equally I think it's likely that many
people reject the whole book because they reject what they read on the first
page. Can we really believe what the Bible says about the origin of the
universe? Well I don't want to spend the whole sermon on this question but I don't
want to dodge that question either. As I'm sure you know there are lots of
different views about where the universe came from both in the church and in the
scientific world but I think we can summarize these views under three
headings. Number one, all Bible no science. So that basically takes Genesis 1
very literally and if anything in the scientific community contradicts that
then you say well basically science has got it wrong. Number three is the opposite.
All science no Bible. So it begins with a belief that God doesn't exist and the
belief that we can trust our senses and our minds to figure everything out for
ourselves and it accounts for the origin of the universe in purely
naturalistic terms. But number two is Bible and science. This approach avoids
the idea that science and the Bible are enemies and instead both are used to
inform each other. Now within that there's a spectrum so I put the lines
quite far apart because there is a range of views within number two. Some people
weigh the Bible more and interpret science accordingly others will weigh
science more and interpret the Bible in light of that. Two important things I
want us to note. One, none of these have all the answers. Every approach has
strengths and weaknesses and there's elements that are hard to explain in
them all. It's a reminder that the best theologians and the best scientists are
those who are always ready to say there's still a lot we don't yet know.
Interestingly just the other day I was looking at the BBC News website and I
saw an article talking about how Charles Darwin struggled to explain why the
fossil record presented evidence of a very sudden appearance of plant life
during the formation of life on earth and he called that an abominable mystery.
And I read through that and at the end of the article the reporter concluded
by saying has this mystery been solved in a word no and it remains a puzzle.
Now I know that BBC News is not a peer-reviewed journal but neither is it
inclined to do Christianity many favors and it's a reminder that all of
these approaches still have questions none of them has all the answers. So that's
the first thing I want you to remember. The second thing I want you to remember
about all of them is that they all require faith. So one, two and three all
depend on trust either of the Bible or of our senses or of our methodology or of
the work of others. The starting point for all of these is faith which of course
is true for every area of knowledge. I want to ask two questions in relation to
these before we move on. The first one is this, intellectually which of these
three is the least acceptable? For me without hesitation I would say number
three and that is because number three cannot escape being grounded on the
assumption that nothing can produce something and I think that intellectually
it is much easier to conclude that that doesn't happen than it is to try and
claim that it does and interestingly if you look at the great thinkers of
history from Aristotle to Aquinas to Newton to Kant not many of these people
have tried to dogmatically endorse that kind of position. Second question is
theologically which is the most acceptable and for me again without
hesitation I would say number two. Our theology does not place the Bible in one
camp and science in another as enemies. It's the opposite. Our theology tells us
that God is not in a corner that needs to be defended. Our theology is telling
us that God reigns over every square inch of the universe. That means that every
discovery of science, every advancement of technology, everything we learn about
the universe around us is all under his lordship and it's all pointing us to the
God who's created us. Indeed this very chapter in Genesis we see that God
gives humanity the opportunity to intelligently and responsibly explore
the world that he's made. That means that what we discover in science informs the
Bible but it also means that what we read in the Bible sets boundaries around
within which the advancement of science can progress. The key point is that in
terms of explaining the origins of the universe the Bible and science work
hand in hand. Now the precise details of that, of how that balances it out is an
area where we all have different views and there's still a lot to be learned but
the differences in detail don't undermine the principle that the most satisfying
answers to the question of our origins will only come when the theologian and
the scientist listen to each other and work hand in hand. But as I said while I
don't want to dodge that question I don't want to spend too long on it either
and the reason that I don't want to dwell along on that question is because it's
not the question that matters most. If we come to Genesis 1 and immediately ask
the question where did the universe come from then we're missing the most
important question. So what question should we be asking? Well let me give you an
example. I'm going to show you something so wait there.
Okay so here is an object that I want you to look at. Some of you might
recognize it. I hope that most of you won't. Looking at this you could ask
yourself where did that come from? And so you could say well there's wood so
that wood has obviously come from some kind of workshop. Somebody has bought
that wood and cut it into shape. They might have bought it from maybe a
supplier, a sawmill. The sawmill must have got it from a forest because this
must have been part of a tree somewhere if it's made of wood. The forest where did
that come from and so on and so on. So there's wood. There's also metal down
here probably some kind of steel where did that come from? Well again it must have
been like a blacksmith or something but he must have got it from a refinery or
something because originally it would have been dug out of the ground as iron
ore and where did that come from? And so we could ask loads of questions about
where this thing has come from. But none of that is the most important question.
The obvious question is not where did it come from? The far more important question
is what is it? And in this case this is what you call a tarashkar. It's a tool
for cutting peats and so it functions a little bit like a spade but you use it
for cutting peats and laying them beside the bank to dry. Tarashkar, a
garlic word that you should all know. So that's that. Let me put it away. What I'm
trying to highlight is that exactly the same principle applies when we come to
Genesis 1. The most important question is not where did the universe come from?
The most important question is that when it comes to the universe what is it? And
when it comes to humanity what are you? And these two questions are two
headings for the rest of the sermon. So the universe what is it? Well there's
loads we could say. I just want to highlight four key things for which I've
picked out four key words. First word, created. God created the heavens and the
earth. That seems so simple. Why is it important? Well it is one of the most
important statements ever written because it's telling us that the
universe is created therefore it is a creation therefore it has a creator. The
universe is God's handiwork. That establishes two very important things.
One, it immediately states a distinction between the creator and the creation. So
we don't look at the universe and see it as some kind of God with a sort of
pantheistic view. We look at the universe and recognize that its
creator is distinct from it. That means that God is above everything else, above
space, above time, above history. He is the uncreated absolute of all reality.
He's the explanation for all other reality. So instead of arguing that
something came from nothing the Bible is saying that the source of the universe
is the God who is there. And the second thing it tells us is that there's a
relationship between God and the creation. So the universe is the
workmanship of God. It's His design, His construction, His handiwork, His fingerprints
are everywhere. And that instantly gives the universe a meaning and a purpose
that is utterly profound. Second keyword is order. So verse 2 tells us that the
earth was formless and void covered in darkness. But from that point Genesis 1
gives this beautiful description of order being established. Again two things I
want to highlight. One, separation. God creates an orderly universe by separating
things. Light from darkness, day from night, land from sea. Later plants and
living creatures are brought forth each according to their kinds. So the
universe is not a kind of chaotic swamp of stuff just splodged together. And this
separation that we see is of course why we can categorize scientific subjects
like physics, chemistry and biology. Second thing alongside separation is
progression. Genesis 1 gives a beautiful description of progression from
simplicity to complexity. So first the habitats of land, sea and sky are
created and then these are filled with life. That life doesn't just ping into
existence from nowhere. It's formed from the existing materials that are in the
earth. And that's why it is no surprise to the theologian when great similarities
can be observed in the genetic makeup of humans, animals and plants. Nor is it a
surprise to the theologian when science observes evidence of progression in the
formation of life on earth. The universe is a beautifully ordered creation.
Number three is potential. Verse 20 God says, let the sea swarm, let the birds
fly in the sky. Verse 22 He calls for them to be fruitful and to multiply and in
28 the same command is given to humanity. That's telling us that the universe is
full of extraordinary potential. God has not created a fixed monument, he's not
created a static machine, he's created a universe bursting with life and abounding
in potential, potential for growth, for discovery, for advancement. He's created a
place where amazing things can happen. And then our fourth word is good. As each
creative act is done or in the language of Genesis one at the end of each day,
God sees that the universe he's made is good. That means that this universe has
value, beauty and meaning. That's why a sunrise can take your breath away. That's
why it's amazing if you see dolphins jumping in the sea and that's why when
you reach the top of a Monroe on a clear day and look at the view you say wow. The
universe is not random, it's not chaotic, it's not worthless and it's not
pointless. It's good. So if in terms of the universe we're asking the question
what is it, then Genesis one is telling us that it's God's creation, it's
beautifully ordered, it's abounding in potential and the finished work is good.
But if we're asking that question what is it, can we answer that in one word?
Is there a one word answer to the question what is the universe? Well I
think there is but I'm not going to tell it to you just yet because first of all
we need to ask our second question. As humans what are you? What am I? Again
there's a lot we could say. I just want to do exactly what I just did for the
universe. I want to say four things and I've picked out four key words. So word
number one is unique. As you go through Genesis one there's a great sense of
momentum being built up. So you have light and dark, land and sea, plants, sea
creatures, birds, animals, evening morning, evening morning, the momentum is
building but in verse 26 that you have on the screen there you have a pause and
you have a remarkable moment of divine thinking out loud where God says let us
make man in our image after our likeness. And that moment of trinitarian pause to
deliberate is hinting to us that something unique is about to happen. The
triune God, Father, Son and Spirit is about to make the crowning part of his
creation, humanity. And that humanity is utterly unique because it's the only part
of creation, the only part of the universe made in the image and likeness of
God. So if you ask the question what am I, the fundamental answer to that
question is that you are the image of God. Now we need to stop for a moment and
recognize what an utterly astounding truth that is. If you think of God as the
all-powerful creator, the almighty ruler of all, the ground and source of all that
is good, the fact that humanity is made in his image means that the aspect of the
universe that is most like God is you. And we see that in lots of ways. So God is
creative, so are you. That's why humanity alone has advanced so spectacularly and
it's why humanity alone has this vast department of our experience called the
arts. God is self-determining, so are you. So you're able to make decisions and
these are not just animal instincts that you can't control. God makes moral
judgments, so do you. That's why you care about right and wrong. God has a standard
of justice, so do you. God is communicative, so are you. God appreciates
beauty, so do you. And instead of basing our existence on survival of the fittest,
God knows that it is far more important to be ready to defend the weakest. And so
do you. And this unique status is shared by every human, no matter what our race
and no matter what our status is in society, no matter what our beliefs or
opinions are. So if you care about equality, then I hope that you can see
that the very first thing the Bible says about humanity serves to give the most
profound confirmation that absolutely every human is equal. Because we are all
made in the image of God. Second word about humanity is relational. Humanity is
made for relationships. With God first and foremost, He's our Creator. We owe our
existence to Him, but as chapter 2 reveals, God has created us to walk with
Him, to live in ongoing fellowship with Him. And that's why humanity is made to
enjoy a relationship of intelligent and intimate worship towards God. But we also
have relationships with each other. And so within our equality, there's diversity.
Different people are all unique. Verse 27 also highlights the distinction between
male and female within humanity. And these differences are part of what makes
humanity wonderful. It means that we can relate to one another as those who are
equal and who are part of a common group. And yet at the same time, each member of
that group is a unique individual. And we can enjoy wonderful relationships with
one another. And of course, in particular, as these verses hint, a man and a woman
can enter into the most intimate relationship of all as husband and
wife. It's all telling us that humanity is not made to be solitary or
individualistic. We're made for relationships. And that, of course, is why
friendship is so precious and why separation is so hard. The third word is
responsible. So verse 26 is also telling us that humanity has a unique role. We are
given dominion over the rest of creation. Now that does not mean that we have this
kind of tyrannical domination whereby we can exploit everything. It means that
alongside the privilege of being the only part of creation that bears God's
image, we also have the responsibility to look after that creation and live out
our lives as image bearers. So that means that the same care, attention, and
wisdom shown by God in creation should be visible in us as well. We have a
delegated responsibility from God and we rule and care for the earth on His
behalf. And we must never forget that that responsibility is a fundamental
aspect of our humanity. That's why the way we treat each other matters. That's
why we must not exploit our environment for short-term gain. That's why a
criminal will never be acquitted if he stands before a judge and says, you can't
jail me for committing this crime because I was just an animal when I did it. And
above all, it's why for every single one of us there's never a moment when we are
not accountable and answerable to God. The last word about humanity is the word
very. Now that might sound a bit strange but this word is so important because it
confirms the uniqueness of humanity. The whole of creation is good but once
humanity is made, it's very good. That tells us that a fundamental truth about
humanity is that you are precious. To God you are unique, valuable, beautiful,
capable, responsible and so, so precious. And so is every other human being that
has ever lived. That's a truth you must remember when you feel flat and worthless
when you look at yourself. It's also a truth that we need to remember when our
colleagues or neighbors are infuriating. And this of course is why the Bible and
science go hand in hand. Science will teach us a lot about how God has brought
forth life on earth but it'll never tell you how precious you really are. So what
is the universe? It is God's ordered, beautifully ordered creation bursting with
potential. What are you? You are a human. The unique relationship, responsible,
bearer of the image of God. Creation is good but with humanity in it, it's very
good. So these then are our two questions but I want us to come back to what I
said a moment ago. When it comes to the universe, when we ask the question, what
is it, can you answer that question in one word? Is there a one-word answer to the
question, what is the universe? Well I think that is, now this is just just my
suggestion so I'm not saying that this is like absolute you know universal
theological opinion, this is just my suggestion but I hope it's helpful. What
is the universe in one word? It's a homeland. Now I've chosen that word
carefully. I don't just mean a home like a house, I mean a homeland. A homeland is
of course a home so we dwell there and the universe is a place for us to dwell
but a homeland is also a place where we work and the universe that God has
created is a place for us to work and serve and achieve things. A homeland is
also a place of community and the universe God has made is a place for
human friendship and relationships to thrive. A homeland is also a place of
adventure. Think of all the amazing things you can do in Scotland alone. The
world around us is a place for us to explore, to discover and to enjoy. A
homeland is also a place where we worship. Now today many people worship idols in
their homeland or they might even make their homeland an idol. Either way they're
still worshiping and the Garden of Eden created by God was made to be a great
temple where God was worshiped, glorified and enjoyed and a homeland is a place
where we belong and God's creation was made to be just that. A place where we
can be with him and be with each other. A place where we all belong. The
universe, the world around us is a homeland created, sustained and given by
God to you. And this is where we see that the question what is it is far, far more
important than the question where did it come from. In fact the answer to the
question what is it informs the question of origins because if the universe is
created to be our homeland then it's a no-brainer that it has a creator and in
terms of humanity the question when did the first humans live can only be
answered if we first considered the question what is a human. But maybe you
doubt all of that. Maybe you think no I'm not buying any of this. Well if you do
I want you to think about the question what is it in relation to the universe
because really there's only three possible answers. In the 19th century free
church theologians like William Cunningham and Rabbi Duncan presented a
three-fold choice about Jesus. They said he's either deluded or he's an
imposter or he is the son of God. A hundred years later C.S. Lewis made the
same argument he said Jesus is either a lunatic a liar or he is Lord. That kind
of trilemma that people have applied to Jesus also applies to the universe. It is
one of three things. It's either a wasteland where everything is random
pointless and nothing has any real meaning or it's a fake land where the
things that we value like love and kindness and joy and hope family
friendship togetherness these are ultimately just empty fleeting. They're
social illusions that just mask the fact that it's just a big machine that
you're just a cog in. The universe is either a wasteland a fake land or a
homeland created sustained and gifted by God to you. He's given it to be a
wonderful place to live a place where we all belong. There's only these three
options. Every one of us has to make our choice. So what is the universe? It's God's
amazing creation made to be your homeland. What is humanity? Humanity is the
crown of that creation. The creation was made to be our home where we can dwell
together where we can serve worship and enjoy our amazing God. And so the Old
Testament begins by telling us what the universe is and by telling us what we
really are. But from that point what's the story of the Old Testament? It's the
story of rebellion against our Creator. Instead of walking hand in hand with God
humanity shook its fist at him. It's the story of a cursed creation where sin
destroyed the order, beauty and harmony of the homeland that God gave us. It's
the story of disintegration where humanity becomes hostile and bitterly
divided and where the great potential for good in us becomes a tragic potential
for evil that is all too often realized. It's the story of broken people. People
who make terrible mistakes and people who are on the receiving end of awful
actions from others. Where humanity, the best part of creation, becomes capable of
doing the most awful things. It's the story of lostness where humanity becomes
alienated from God from one another and where intelligent worship of God is
exchanged for irrational worship of idols and humanity is left disorientated in
a homeland that now feels like no man's land. In many ways the story of the Old
Testament is a tragic one. But through it all the story of the Old Testament is
the story of a God who will not give up. We must never forget the miracle of
Genesis chapter 4. Now I don't mean a miracle recorded in the chapter that
isn't one. What I mean is the fact that it is a miracle that the Old Testament
doesn't stop at Genesis chapter 3. In Genesis 3 humanity rebels against
God. God could so easily have walked away. But the whole reason we have an Old
Testament is because God does not give up. And everything that God does across the
pages of Scripture from Noah to Abraham to Jacob right through the Old Testament
and into the new with the coming of Jesus Christ is all because despite the
brokenness in humanity and in the world around us God has never forgotten what
he created you to be. He has never forgotten how precious you are and he
will never give up on you. So if you are weary of a broken world around you if
you feel lost and alone if you're confused and frustrated like many of us
are if you feel like you've made so many mistakes and that God and everybody
else has every reason to abandon you if you feel like that then you need to
learn about the God who never gives up. You need to learn the story of the Old
Testament. Amen. Let us pray.
Father thank you for your amazing creation. Thank you for what you have made us
and for the amazing privileges that you've given us. We remember also our
responsibilities and pray for your help to fulfill these. We acknowledge our
sins before you but we thank you so much that you are the God who does not give
up and how we pray that all the precious humans across the face of this earth
how we pray that they would hear that that they would know you and that they
would be saved. Please have mercy on us oh God you are our creator you are also
our Savior and we love you. Amen.