Lesson Learned this Summer: #3
And God saw that it was good. Gen 1:10b (ESV)
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim 4:4-5 (ESV)
Creation Is Good. Another important theme in Genesis 1 is that God’s creation is good. Various individual aspects of creation are so designated (vv. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25) whereas the whole taken together is called “very good” (v. 31). These statements are intended to show not only that what God has fashioned and made to conform to the rule of law reflects his glory and his very nature (cf. Ps. 19:1–11 [12]; 97:6; Rom. 1:20), but also that the fall of humanity described in Genesis 3 cannot be attributed to any flaw in creation. Clearly Adam and Eve cannot excuse their transgression on the basis of a deficient environment because it is both perfect and provides bountifully for their every need (1:29; 2:8–16, 20–25). Neither can God be faulted, for, despite the fact that the serpent which becomes the agent of temptation in this episode is a creature that God has made (3:1), it is a subordinate creature over which humans are to exercise dominion (1:26–28; 2:19–20). Thus their transgression is a consequence of their failure to fulfill the creation mandate.
- Walter A. Elwell. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. electronic ed. Baker reference library; Logos Library System. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997, c1996.
Therefore I can enjoy God's creation and gifts, receiving it with thanksgiving.
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Grace and Peace
Ollie
Jul 2009
And God saw that it was good. Gen 1:10b (ESV)
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim 4:4-5 (ESV)
Creation Is Good. Another important theme in Genesis 1 is that God’s creation is good. Various individual aspects of creation are so designated (vv. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25) whereas the whole taken together is called “very good” (v. 31). These statements are intended to show not only that what God has fashioned and made to conform to the rule of law reflects his glory and his very nature (cf. Ps. 19:1–11 [12]; 97:6; Rom. 1:20), but also that the fall of humanity described in Genesis 3 cannot be attributed to any flaw in creation. Clearly Adam and Eve cannot excuse their transgression on the basis of a deficient environment because it is both perfect and provides bountifully for their every need (1:29; 2:8–16, 20–25). Neither can God be faulted, for, despite the fact that the serpent which becomes the agent of temptation in this episode is a creature that God has made (3:1), it is a subordinate creature over which humans are to exercise dominion (1:26–28; 2:19–20). Thus their transgression is a consequence of their failure to fulfill the creation mandate.
- Walter A. Elwell. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. electronic ed. Baker reference library; Logos Library System. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997, c1996.
Therefore I can enjoy God's creation and gifts, receiving it with thanksgiving.
---
Grace and Peace
Ollie
Jul 2009
