Genesis 1:1
Everyone has a worldview. We all view life through some type of lens. Certain predisposed persuasions or, seemingly, benign biases do, in fact, determine how each of us views our world. Presently the western world is engaged in a huge confrontation between competing worldviews. However, even though worldviews may change across the decades, there is a single constant that does not change. The simple fact is that one’s worldview can be determined by one’s response to the first four words of the Bible; “In the beginning God….” If we believe these four words then we will view our world through the lens of scripture which does not change.
When? (In the beginning)
It should be noted that history does not begin in Genesis 1:1 but back before it, way back in the eternal councils of God. As John begins his gospel, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” So that there be no mistake about whom he spoke, he added, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14).
Who? (God)
The Bible translates the Hebrew, Elohim, here for “God.” The significance is that it is in its plural form. It is a plural noun thus hinting to us in the initial verse of scripture that God is one person pictured in three, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What? (Created the heavens and the earth)
There is a huge difference between “creating” something and “making” something. Many of us have made many things. But, none of us has ever created anything from of nothing. A cabinet maker may make a beautiful cabinet out of wood. However, he is totally unable to create the wood itself. The Hebrew word which we translate “created” in this verse carries with it the connotation that something is created out of nothing.
Make these four words; “In the beginning God…” the lens through which you view your world.