Genesis 1:1-2:3

Have you ever wondered why God created the heavens and the earth? He didn’t need to make it, but he did. And then he created humankind. Again, God was not lacking anything, and he didn’t need to create the Earth or humanity because he was lacking anything. So, why then did God create the heavens, the Earth, and humanity? What was the purpose?

If we are to understand God’s purpose in creating the heavens and the earth, and men and women in his own image and likeness, we need to do so through the lens of what Paul writes in Colossians 1:15–16, that Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Creation was made “for him.” God’s purpose in creation was not merely to display his power and sovereignty, but to create a cosmos for the praise and glory of his Son. 

But God purpose is found also in his design of the universe. There is intent in his design of humanity, in the structure of the natural family, and authority. Truly, without following these designs, we will not serve God's ultimate purpose of glorifying Jesus Christ. Finally, we will see how the design of creation invariably involves a community. From the Trinity, to the family, to the church -- all of these are designed into creation to serve the purpose of glorifying Jesus Christ.

So, let's dive into Genesis 1:1 – 2:3 and take a look at God’s purpose of creation, God’ purposeful design in his creation, and how God purposefully designed community in creation to glorify Jesus Christ.