Greetings: (Slide 1)
Kerry-Ann: Hello Everyone and Welcome to Part 1 of this bible study series called The Story of Creation. I am your host Kerry-Ann Greenland and with me, I have my husband Kerrol Greenland. This is a bible study, however not all bible texts quoted will be read, so we encourage you to pause the video and google these verses so that you can have a good understanding as we move along.
In this series, we will be dissecting the creation story as recorded in Genesis chapter 1. By doing this we hope to show you that the story of creation is not just a record of the history of our beginnings, but also a prophecy of what was to take place throughout the whole history of mankind. It is our intention to show that the objects mentioned in creation can be used to highlight the theme of the great controversy and symbolize different aspects of the battle between good and evil.
Keep your mind open, as we attempt to show you a deeper dimension than what is often seen.
Our focus for today will be Gen. 1: 1-5.
Before we open the word, however, let us pray.
Let us begin (Slide 2)
Read Genesis 1: 1-2
1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Kerrol I have a question.
How does verse 1 start by telling us that God created the Heaven and the Earth and then in verse 2 it tells us that the earth was without form? How did the earth not have a form after it was created?
Kerrol: Wow these are loaded questions. How do I begin? (Slide 3)
O.k. Here is the thing, verse 1 of chapter 1 is simply a title for the chapter.
In the time that the bible was written, this was a common practice. Usually, an author would title his work before writing it. There are still remnants of this concept today, when we read newspaper or internet articles, each article usually has a title.
Consequently, all verse 1 is telling us is what is to be discussed in the rest of the chapter. However, this is not the only thing that the verse does.
It also introduces the realm, where what is to be discussed in the rest of the book, takes place. In addition to that, verse 1 identifies an important title of God i.e. “Creator” which is further developed in the rest of the Chapter.
Kerry-Ann: So then verse 1 tells us who did what, then the other verses tell us how and where it happened.
KerrolExactly!
Kerry-Ann: I understand that verse 1 is just the title for the chapter, but what did the scripture
mean then, when it said that the Earth was without form and void?” (Slide 4)
Kerrol This is a very important question that you have asked. Please note that the bible does not say that the earth had a bad form or bad shape. The scripture says it had no form. That is to say, it had no shape. Now for something to have no form, means this thing did not exist.
Some will argue that the Earth was only water then, but even water takes the shape of the container it is in. (Slide 5)
So let me be clear about this. Up until this time, there was no form or shape to call the Earth. As if that description was not enough the scripture then goes on to use the word void; which means empty. However, this is just to stress the point about nothingness. I hope this is clear.
Isn’t it an amazing thought to know that God uses nothing to create something?
Kerry-Ann: So let me get this straight, there was nothing, at all there. Nothing to refer to as the Earth.
Kerrol That is exactly right! To say that there was something to refer to as the Earth before the first day of creation would be to give the creation a period longer than 6 days, And that’s not what we read in Ex20:11. This verse plainly tells us that God created everything that has to do with this Earth within 6 days.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way I have a question for you.
Kerry-Ann: What’s that?
Kerrol The scripture you just read, verse 2 to be exact, mentions two things that were not
brought into existence during any part of the 7 day creation week. Can you tell me what these two things are?
Kerry-Ann: Wait, am I to understand that there are things mentioned in verse 2 that existed prior
to the 1st day of creation?
Kerrol Yes, that is exactly what I’m telling you, and the earth is not one of them. Can you tell me what they are?
Kerry-Ann: Let me go back to verse 2 and try to identify those things. (Read verse 2-Slide 6).
2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Kerrol Did you see them?
Kerry-Ann: You said two things, but I see more than 2 things here. I see darkness, the face of
the deep, the face of waters, and the Spirit of God.
KerrolWow! You are extremely observant. Most people usually mention 2 things when I ask
this question.
Firstly let me deal with the Spirit of God. God is The Creator, so He should not have even been mentioned. But you are right He was not created, in actuality He is the creator.
Before now I have never heard anyone mention the deep and consequently, I have never given it much thought before. Based on the scripture alone, however, I can say that the deep is a geographical space. I will do some research and give you a more detailed answer later, but for now, I hope we can at least agree that the deep was a space.
The other two things you mentioned, darkness and water are the answers I typically get for my question. I don’t think I have to define these since these things are still present on the Earth today; however, it is important to note that these things were not made during any part of the 7-day week cycle, instituted at creation.
Kerry-Ann: So according to verse 2, the deep, water and darkness are older than the earth.
Kerrol That is correct. In the next video, I will highlight what is the importance of acknowledging that these things pre-dated the Earth.
For now, though, let’s continue reading.(slide 7)
Kerry-Ann: Reads Genesis 1:3-4.
3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
(slide 8)
5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Should I understand that the darkness was contained in the same place referred to as the deep and God caused the light and the darkness to co-exist in the same space?
Kerrol This is another deep question. You are really asking some good questions. Yes, God
made darkness and light to co-exist in that same place, Something that only God alone could do. It is interesting to note that the light did not totally dispel the darkness but instead shared the space.
Kerry-Ann: What!? Usually, if I enter a dark room and turn on the light, the darkness disappears.
How then am I to understand the concept of darkness and light sharing space?
Kerrol The answer to your question is in verse 5.
Kerry-Ann: :
5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Kerrol: God did not put away the darkness but instead used it as part of the definition of a day.
This should not be hard to understand, since we still have darkness (night) and light (day) presently sharing a specific time period.
Kerry-Ann: Alright! I have another question.
Kerrol Let me hear it.
Kerry-Ann: Verse 5 makes mention that the evening and the morning were the first day. Should
I understand that there was no 24 hour period called a day prior to this?
Kerrol Although the answer to your question should be pretty obvious. I’m here to tell you that some don’t think it that obvious. Before I can begin to answer this question, it is
important to understand what time is. Time is simply a unit of measurement allotted to change. Understand that prior to this, change was never measured in any way shape, or form like it is here on Earth; this was in part because the Earth did not yet exist.
(Slide 9)
I like to describe this era/dispensation in heaven before the first day as timelessness, only because the concept that we know of time was not used. To say that there was timelessness in heaven is not to say there was no order or system in place to measure change. This is not what I am saying, all I’m saying is that our system of calculating time did not exist there. Understand that the first day did not exist until the first day was created. Therefore the passage of time before this could not be measured in days, weeks, months, or years since the first day was not yet created. I hope this is clear.
It seems fitting for me to declare that hereafter there will be endless time. Since God started days, this type of time measurement will never disappear. We are told in Isaiah 66:23 that hereafter our measurement of time will continue.
Kerry-Ann: Wow I never would have known that there was so much associated with the first couple of verses in Genesis.
Kerrol Usually when a person is asked about day 1 of creation they just skip over the first two
verses and mention that God created light, however as you have seen, there is more to the first couple of verses in the bible than just God creating light. In the next video, we will go on to inferences about the things that we have here identified.
Kerry-Ann: O.k. We have come to the end of part 1 in The Creation Story series. We invite
you to jot down your comments and questions below.
Slide 10
If you like this video and would like to complete the series please click on the link to be taken to part 2.
You can also click on the blog link below if you would like to read through the entire series.
Slide 11
Don’t forget to subscribe so that you can be notified as soon as the other videos are posted.
Part 2
(Slide 1)
Kerry-Ann:
: Welcome to Part 2 of this bible study series called The Story of Creation. I am your host Kerry-Ann Greenland and with me, I have my husband Kerrol Greenland. This is a bible study, however not all bible texts quoted will be read, so we encourage you to pause the video and google these verse so that you can have a good understanding as we move along.
In this presentation, we will continue to dissect Gen 1:1-5. If you haven’t already watched video 1, it is strongly recommended that you do so before continuing with this video. Some of the definitions, terms, and arguments mentioned in this video may seem confusing unless you are equipped with the foundational information mentioned in video 1. So once again to prevent any possible confusion, it is strongly advised to watch video 1 before proceeding.
To begin proper -LET’s Pray.
Kerry-Ann: (Slide 2) In the previous video, we read Gen 1:1-5 and mentioned some things that
were present before the Earth was created. We said these things were darkness, the deep, and water. We also amplified the miraculous thing that God did, that of placing light and darkness in the same space.
Now we'll go on to question and probe the scripture about these things which were mentioned so that we can glean precious truth.
KerrolTo glean precious truth from scripture, it is important to question what you read, but what are the questions that we can ask?
Kerry-Ann: (Slide 3) The first three questions that pop up in my head are
1. Where did these objects that pre-date creation come from?
2. Why were they created
3. What are they symbolic of?
Kerrol These are excellent questions which can lead us into both interpretation and application of the things mentioned. Up until this point all we have considered is interpretation, however we need to make the distinction between interpretation and application.
Kerry-Ann: : What do you mean?
Kerrol (Slide 4) O.K. let me say it this way. Scripture only has one interpretation. What this means is that when it was originally recorded it had only one meaning to the hearers/readers. However, scripture has unlimited application.
Kerry-Ann: : You used the same words to explain the definitions. I’m still not clear.
KerrolO.K. Let me give you an example. In Gen. 3:15, (Slide 21)
the scripture mentions that “I will put enmity between thee and the woman.” The only interpretation of woman there in that verse is EVE, as the text was speaking directly about her. However, we are told that the representative of a church in prophecy is a woman. You can confirm this by reading Ephesians 5: 22-33. The woman representing a church is what we refer to as an application. As a result of this application most accept that Gen 3:15 is a prophecy about the fate of the church.
Kerry-Ann: O.K. Now I understand.
Kerrol What we plan to do in this series is show how the objects mentioned in the creation story can have multiple applications or meanings. As stated before, it is by asking the scripture questions that we will be able to make inferences/applications.
Please note that application does not change interpretation. That is to say, that the things which I'm about to explain, does not change what physically happened.
Kerry-Ann: So are you going to answer any of the questions which I asked before?
KerrolWhich one would you like me to answer first?
Kerry-Ann: O.K. let us start with the first one. Where did these objects that pre-date creation come from?
Kerrol The objects we previously mentioned were darkness, the deep and water. I will deal with water in great detail as a part of the study of day 2 of this series so I’m going to skip that one for now. However let us look closely at darkness and the deep.
So “Where did darkness come from?” you ask. Well, we find our answer to this question in Isa 45:7. Care to read it for me
((Slide 6)
Kerry-Ann:
7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Kerrol: So the answer to your question is quite simple. God made the physical darkness. Please understand that anything that was made, God was the one that made it. We find further confirmation of this in John 1:3. (Slide 7)
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
Two more scriptures that confirm this are (Col 1:16; Rev 4:11).
Kerry-Ann: O.K. I get that, but apart from the reason that God wanted to, can we say that the darkness had a function? (Slide 8)
Kerrol:: Well we are told in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 that the angels that sinned were placed under the chain of darkness.
6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
It seems to me that darkness was a part of the system which formed the prison for the devil and his angels and they were placed there before the creation of this world.
Kerry-Ann: Hmm, so this explains why the darkness pre-dated the earth! This is some deep stuff! This leads me to my next question.
Kerrol: What’s that?
Kerry-Ann: The bible tells us that darkness was upon the face of the deep. So I understand that the darkness was confined to the space referred to as the deep. However, what was the purpose of the deep?
Kerrol: (Slide 9) If you use the Strongs concordance to look up the meaning for the Hebrew word translated deep here, we see the word abyss. This is the same word used in Revelation 20:1-3., however, it is translated as bottomless pit there.
When the enemy raged war in heaven, he was thrown into the deep, (the abyss or the bottomless pit), and chained by darkness. We are told that after the earth was created, he waged war on man but triumphed over man. This victory over man released the devil from his prison.
When the Earth is silenced after the second coming Satan will once again experience the deep for 1000 years like it was before creation.
I know I kind of alluded to it already but I’m going to ask a question, just for emphasis.
Kerry-Ann: What’s your question?
Kerrol:(slide10) After the war in heaven, Rev 12:8 says that there was no longer a place found in Heaven for the devil and his angels. If the Earth did not yet exist, where were these angels placed?
Kerry-Ann: According to verse 9 He was cast down to the Earth.
Kerrol: But we just established that he was cast out before the Earth existed.
Kerry-Ann: So where then was the devil and his angels placed?
Kerrol: (Slide 11) Let me explain it this way. There is no space that exists that is not a part of heaven, so if God was going to cast the devil out of heaven, he had to prepare a special place for him. This special place was called the Deep. God then covered the Deep with darkness. Hence why the scripture records that there was darkness upon the face of the deep.
Kerry-Ann: I don’t understand. If the devil is in the deep, why would he need to be cast down to
the Earth?
Kerrol:
Slide 12) Understand that the devil was confined to darkness and the deep, but this was the very space in which the Earth was placed. As a result, the devil had access to the Earth. However, it was not until Adam had sinned that the devil gained dominion over the Earth and regained partial access to heaven, when he took Adams' place in the meetings that were held in heaven.. He stole from Adam the title of representative of the earth and plunged this earth into darkness. Consequently he was released from the abyss.
Kerry-Ann: You said the devil took the place of Adam in the meetings in heaven, can you amplify this a little more?
Kerrol: (Slide 13) Yes, we are told about a couple of them in the books of Job 1 and 1 Kings 22: 21-23 ( 2 Chron 18:21-23). God meets with the sons of God, and because Adam fell, Satan came representing the Earth.
(Slide 14) After Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to heaven, He became the new representative of the earth. The devil was thrown out of that Earth’s seat and consequently cast down to the Earth. We read an excerpt of this in Rev 12:10-12
Kerry-Ann:
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
O.k. Now I understand, Lucifer lost access to heaven again when Christ ascended.
Kerrol: Yes the devil was first cast out of heaven and thrown into the deep, then he was cast down to the Earth at Christ's ascension. I hope this is clear.
Originally darkness was the punishment of the Devil and his angels but scripture also confirms that darkness is the punishment of wicked people..
Please read Matthew 25:30 for me?
Kerry-Ann: 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Kerrol: There is also Math 8:12
Kerry-Ann: 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
There is a lot more which could be said about the application of darkness, but I think we would exceed our time constraints if we were to continue.
Kerry-Ann: O. Wow you are right. Where did the time go?
O.K. We have come to the end of part 2 in The Creation Story series. We invite you to jot down your comments and questions below.
Slide 15 If you like this video and would like to complete the series please click on the link to be taken to part 3. You can also click on the blog link below if you would like to read through the entire series.
Slide 16 Don’t forget to click the notification button and subscribe so that you can be notified as soon as the other videos are posted.
Part 3
Greeting:
Kerry-Ann: Welcome to Part 3 of this bible study series called The Story of Creation. I am your host Kerry-Ann Greenland and with me, I have my husband Kerrol Greenland. This is a bible study, however not all bible texts quoted will be read, so we encourage you to pause the video and google these verses so that you can have a good understanding as we move along.
If you haven’t already watched videos 1 and 2, it is strongly recommended that you do so before continuing with this video. It is quite possible that the information in this video may confuse you unless you are equipped with the information from the previous videos. As a result, we strongly advise that you watch the previous videos first.
In Part 2 we discussed the difference between interpretation and application. We also asked some questions that led us into the discussion about the possible interpretational purpose for the deep and darkness. However, the question of application for darkness and the deep was never explored. We seek to do this now in this video.
Before we begin -LET’s Pray.
Kerry-Ann: So last time we established that there was darkness in the beginning but what can the darkness be applied to, or what can the darkness represent?
(Slide 2)
Kerrol: To be clear here, we are now talking about the application of darkness and not the interpretation. Right?
Kerry-Ann: Yes, give me an application of darkness.
Kerrol:Let me first say that there are several applications for darkness. I cannot say I know them all, however, I will share the ones that I have found in scripture.
In scripture, darkness is presented as a contrast with light.
(Slide 3)
Meaning it is seen as the opposite of light. Then is it likened unto
knowledge and ignorance,
right and wrong,
good and evil and it has been used to highlight
the difference between righteous and unrighteous beings
Kerry-Ann: That was 5 applications. Are you telling me these ideas are all alluded to in scripture?
Kerrol: Yes this is true, however since the scripture texts are numerous, I cannot share and explain everyone with you. I will mention a few, but I’m sure if you use a bible app and search for the word darkness, you will see that there are many texts that convey the ideas that I will now share with you.
Kerrol: I think everyone watching/listening can immediately appreciate the fact that darkness is the absence of light. Consequently, it should not be hard to grasp that the expression “being in the dark,” can refer to someone being in ignorance. Bible students refer to the “Dark ages” as the time when men weren’t learned in the word. However, we read the use of this same analogy in John 1:5 (Slide 4)
Kerry-Ann: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Kerrol: Note the comparison between light and understanding? This is a direct inference from creation. Note that John deliberately starts out in verse 1 by using the exact phrase from Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning!” He wanted the reader to remember that there was darkness in the beginning and that God said let there be light. He wanted his readers to know that Jesus was the light that had come to illuminate this dark world. Do you see it?
Kerry-Ann: I guess I’m still in the dark.
Kerrol: o.k. Lets read it.(Slide 5)
Kerry-Ann: 2 Cor 4:6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Kerrol: Do you get it now?
Kerry-Ann: Yeah I guess I’m a little clearer.
Kerrol:o.k. Read this text Eph 4:18.
(Slide 6)
Kerry-Ann: Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Kerrol:It seems this is one of the applications of darkness that has lived on till today. But the bible also describes people living in darkness as foolishness or ignorance. We read an example of this in Rom 1:20(Slide 7)
Kerry-Ann: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Kerry-Ann: I think I understand what some of this text is saying, but I know you're going to explain; right!?
Kerrol: Yes I will explain. Now what I am showing you here was a common inference in bible
times; and as you saw in John 1, he says the people were in the dark because they did not understand what was before them. Similarly, the beings in this text were in the dark because they did not understand. Note the verse says that their foolish heart became darkened.
Kerry-Ann: O.K. I’m really beginning to see the light. What about the application for right and wrong,
Kerrol: Good works are seen as works of light and bad works as works of darkness.
John 3:20 (Slide 8) and Eph 5:8-11 (Slide 9) are scriptures that highlights this.
Kerry-Ann: Do you want me to read those?
Kerrol: I’m not sure we have the time? The readers/listeners can pause the video and read those if they like.
Kerry-Ann: O.k. what texts are there for the difference between righteous and unrighteous beings.
Kerrol: 1 Thes 5:5 (Slide 10)
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Kerry-Ann: Is there any more?
Kerrol: Well this is what I have found. However, there is another question which should be asked.
Kerry-Ann: : What’s that!?
Kerrol: if we make the application of darkness being “misunderstanding” in the beginning. If we accept that darkness is a misunderstanding, then why was there a misunderstanding in the beginning?
Kerry-Ann: Yes, that is a very good question. Why was there a misunderstanding in the beginning? Also, who was it that had this misunderstanding?
Kerrol: O.k. I think we have met the time for this video. So let's answer these questions in Part 4.
Kerry-Ann: WOW just when it was getting interesting. (slide 21)
O.K. We have come to the end of part 3 in The Creation Story series. We invite
you to jot down your comments and questions below.
Slide
If you like this video and would like to complete the series please click on the link to be taken to part 4.
You can also click on the blog link below if you would like to read through the entire series.
Slide
Don’t forget to click the notification button and subscribe so that you can be notified as soon as the other videos are posted.
Part 4
Greeting:
Kerry-Ann: Welcome to Part 4 of this bible study series called The Story of Creation. I am your host Kerry-Ann Greenland and with me, I have my husband Kerrol Greenland. This is a bible study, however not all bible texts quoted will be read, so we encourage you to pause the video and google these verses so that you can have a good understanding as we move along.
In the last video we discussed the applications for darkness. In this presentation, we plan to pick up where we left off.
If you haven’t already watched videos 1,2 and 3, it is strongly recommended that you do so before continuing with this video. As you may leave with some erroneous ideas if you are not equipped with the information from the previous videos.
Before we begin -LET’s Pray.
Kerry-Ann: In part 3, We started to look at the applications for darkness. We vaguely mentioned that it was the punishment for evildoers, the devil included. We also mentioned that it was one way in which scripture labeled someone who is living in ignorance. We mentioned a few verses that describe a person whose deeds were evil however time ran out and we ended with some questions.
Slide 2
These questions were:
Q: “If God is all truth and light, and God was there in the beginning, why was there darkness or misunderstanding in the beginning?
Q: Since man was not created at that time, so who was it, that had this misunderstanding?
That is to say, “Who was it that was in the dark, and What were they in the dark about?”
How do you answer these questions?
Kerrol: These are very good questions, however in order to answer them, we must have an understanding of the origin of sin. So it is necessary for me to make the case for the origin of sin first, then I’ll answer your questions directly. Please read Ezekiel 28:15
Slide 3
Kerry-Ann: : Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
Kerrol: This verse tells us that sin or darkness was first found in Lucifer. Now read verse 16
Slide 4
Kerry-Ann: By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
Kerrol:: O.k. The word merchandise was used as the devil was selling lies trying to get as many angels as possible to buy into his lies. This caused a war to break out in heaven.
We established that there was war in heaven before the earth was created and that the devil and his angels were cast out of heaven into darkness. As to the question of “why the devil sinned!” That is a mystery. Lucifer as he was called before the war, was in a place of magnificence where there was only light and truth. However, when he decided to go against God, Lucifer entered upon darkness. He became the source for darkness. The darkness in this context means misunderstanding.
Lucifer began to tell lies in heaven and this caused a misunderstanding about God, more specifically about His eternal power and Government.
Kerry-Ann: Do you have a Bible text for that?
Slide 5
Kerrol: Yeah, Yeah, remember that text we read Rom 1 verse 20?
Kerry-Ann: Let me read it again for emphasis.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Kerrol:This is a loaded verse. This verse opens up with a somewhat contradictory statement. Think with me. If something is invisible, this means it cannot be seen, right?
Kerry-Ann: Right
Kerrol: But in this verse we are told that the invisible things are clearly seen. How is this possible?
Kerry-Ann: Hmmm, Tell me
Kerrol:: Well the truth is God is past finding out. Rom 11:33. No one not even the angels can find out God by searching. Job 11:7. This is what the scripture means when it talks about the invisible things. These invisible things were things that were about God.
Kerry-Ann: Yes I see that now.
Kerrol: However the very next line in the verse says they are clearly seen by the things that were created. How is this you might ask?
Kerry-Ann: Yes, tell me.
Kerrol: Well you see man was created in the image and likeness of God, and then was placed on this planet as gods. The angelic beings were to look upon man and grasp knowledge about God. Not just any random knowledge though, they were supposed to learn about His Eternal Power and Divine Nature. Divine Nature in this text is translated as Godhead/government.
Kerry-Ann: I’m not sure I see the connection between your answer and the question. Let’s try this again, “If God is all truth and light, and God was there in the beginning, why was there darkness or misunderstanding in the beginning?
Kerrol:The answer is actually in verse 21, but I just wanted to set the stage with verse 20.
Kerry-Ann:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Kerrol: Do you see it?
Kerry-Ann: I understand that by creating mankind, God was shining his light to reveal the truth about his character and government to the angels.
Kerrol: Correct. The devil had gone about spreading lies in Heaven spreading lies about God’s divine nature and His Eternal Power. His lies darkened the understanding of some of the angels and beings from other worlds. Some angels and beings were flat out deceived and sided with Lucifer in his rebellion against God and His Government. Read Revelation 12:9
Slide 6
Kerry-Ann: : And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Let me rephrase what you just said. So there was darkness, meaning misunderstanding, in the beginning because Lucifer had sold some lies about God.
Kerrol: I hope that is clear. Roman 1:21 says that Lucifer became vain in his imaginations and his foolish heart was darkened. The bad thing is/was that his darkness was contagious.
Kerry-Ann: Pause for a moment let me reflect on the answer and the question.
Slide 7
So you’re saying that although God was present the misunderstanding represented by darkness in the beginning was caused by Lucifer. It follows that since man was not yet created, we are talking about the angels and other beings in heaven that were plunged into darkness /misunderstanding as a result of Lucifer’s lies.
Kerrol: Yes, that is exactly right. Isaiah 14:12 may communicate this idea a little clearer.
Kerry-Ann: Let me read it.
Slide 8
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Kerrol: : However, God was not going to allow this darkness to remain. He was not going to allow the nations to be weak. He was going to shed light upon the darkness that Lucifer had caused. In other words He was going to explain. Hence on day 1 God says Let there be light.
Kerry-Ann: O.k. I think I get it now. I think you have answered all my questions.
Slide all 4 questions and answers
Kerrol: Tell me what you got?
Kerry-Ann: O.k. so the darkness represented the misunderstanding that was present; and the angels and other worlds were the ones who were confused. They were confused about God’s Eternal Power and Divine Nature. Man could not have been included in the confusion because he was not created yet.
Kerrol: Yes I couldn’t have said it better.
Kerry-Ann: I think you have already made the case for the origin of sin, I don’t think you have to go into that one again. Unless there is something more to add.
Kerrol: : I can’t think of anything else.
Kerry-Ann: This seems like a good place to stop then.
Kerrol: I agree.
Kerry-Ann:
O.K. We have come to the end of part 4 in The Creation Story series. We invite
you to jot down your comments and questions below.
Slide 9
If you like this video and would like to complete the series please click on the link to be taken to part 5.
You can also click on the blog link below if you would like to read through the entire series.
Slide10
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Part 5
Greeting:
Kerry-Ann: Welcome to Part 5 of this bible study series called The Story of Creation. I am your host Kerry-Ann Greenland and with me, I have my husband Kerrol Greenland. This is a bible study, however not all bible texts quoted will be read, so we encourage you to pause the video and search the web for these verses, so that you can have a good understanding as we move along.
If you haven’t already watched videos 1-4, it is strongly recommended that you do so, now. This will help you obtain a more holistic understanding of the study we are doing. Without any further delay Let us pray.
-LET’s Pray.
Kerry-Ann: In the previous video we made an application for the origin of darkness mentioned in Gen 1:2. We said that Lucifer was the one that caused the darkness in the beginning. Not that he literally created it, but that he allegorically caused all of creation to be in darkness about the government of God. In this video we shall be looking at the application of light that God presented, as the solution to the darkness that Lucifer caused.
Kerrol: If in that last video we made an allegorical reference to darkness, no doubt an application can also be made for light. In this video we shall try to show how it was that light was/is the solution for the darkness that was present.
So let us revisit our scripture reading one more time.
Slide 2
Kerry-Ann: Gen 1:2-5
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Slide 3
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Slide 4
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way, the question now comes. How is light the solution to darkness?
Slide 5 question
Kerrol: The shortest answer I can give is that Light dispels darkness. So on the very surface of this, we can see that God was clearing the matters up that Lucifer had muddied.
Kerry-Ann: I’m not sure I see it. Amplify it for me.
Slide 6 verse 2
Kerrol: O.K. let us start with verse 2 again. The Holy Spirit is here moving over the face of the waters. Now inquiring minds would ask, why was the Spirit and not the Word or the Father documented as moving over the face of the waters?
Kerry-Ann: Wow I didn't even see this.
Kerrol: yes, there is a loose reference to the 3 person Godhead in the first 4 verses of this scripture. You have God the Father that created, The Spirit that moved over the waters, then you have the spoken word that creates.
Kerry-Ann: Wow . O.K. I see that.
Kerrol: Now back to our question. “Why was the Spirit and not the Word or the Father documented as moving over the face of the waters?”
Kerry-Ann: hmmmm, I don’t know.
Kerrol: Part of the answer is found in 1 cor 2:11
Slide 7
Kerry-Ann: O.k. Let me read it
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Kerrol: You see the character of God was what was defamed, and there was no one better qualified in all of heaven than the Holy Spirit to set the record straight.
The verse you just read is telling us that it was the Spirit that led the revelation of truth about God. You can read this in John 16:13
Slide 8
Kerry-Ann:
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will show you things to come
Kerrol: He is the guide of truth, not the father not the son. He was simply fulfilling His God appointed position……Thus the reason why only ‘The Spirit’ is documented as moving over the face of the waters.
Slide 9
So now here comes the point of revelation in vs 3—and God said let there be light.
In other words, let His creatures understand. Wanting to enlighten His creatures God said “let there be light.” Because this was the only way that their understanding was going to be deepened.
God would not allow darkness or ignorance to reign so he said, “Let there be light.The Holy Spirit has led the way and now God declares let there be light..”
The Father initiates the thought, The Holy spirit leads out to make preparation and then the Word accomplishes it.
Kerry-Ann: Ok. That I understand, but what is the application for the light.
Kerrol: In this context God was presenting a solution to the darkness problem, and this solution would be to introduce The Word/Michael the Archangel as the light.
Kerry-Ann: What do you mean? Do you have a scripture for this?
Kerrol: Yes, we have already read this. But let us look at it again in
Slide 10
Revelation 12: 7-8
7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.
No doubt a part of the war mentioned was to defend God’s character against the lies that the devil was spreading in heaven. While one third of the angels were deceived and remained in darkness, two thirds were enlightened and consequently chose to remain with Michael in the light In Genesis 1: 3 we are introduced to Light/Michael that is the mediator between light and darkness.
Kerry-Ann: This is some deep stuff.
Kerrol: There is another important thing to note.
Kerry-Ann: What is that?
Kerrol: Note what verse 4 says.
Slide 11
Kerry-Ann: And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Kerrol: Although God’s light displaced the darkness, he did not totally destroy darkness.
Kerry-Ann: What do you mean?
Kerrol: Since we are used to darkness now as a part of our day, it is going to take an above average mind to wonder why.
Slide 12
Why didn’t God totally dispel the darkness altogether when He made light? We know that God does not do anything partially, but fully and completely.
Kerry-Ann: That is truly a good question.
Kerrol: Our curiosity should be even more deepened as we consider that in New Jerusalem City there will be no darkness there, only light.
Kerry-Ann: You have scripture for that?
Kerrol: Rev 21:25 and Rev 22:5.
Kerry-Ann:
Slide 13
Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Wow you have truly opened these verses up.
Kerrol: Since there is no darkness in the Holy city, and there is darkness here on Earth.
Could it be that there are more lessons to be learned, i.e more truth to be revealed? In 1 Corinthians 13:12 we are told that now we see through a dark glass i.e. the images that we are seeing are not clear. However later on these things will be made plain. i.e. when He comes back.
No doubt Adam and Eve although they were not yet made, would have the choice to make to be children of the light or children of the darkness….as so did every other created being.
Kerry-Ann: So every creature had to choose.
Kerrol: The two roads of darkness and light still exist today, and we can choose one or the other. There is coming a day however when darkness and everything associated with it will be totally dispelled and light shall reign supreme.
Now that the light has come, an age of understanding has dawned, let us not remain in darkness for (John 3:19) says that this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Kerry-Ann:
O.K. We have come to the end of part 5 in The Creation Story series. This marks the end of our study of Day 1 represented in Gen 1:2-5. We invite you to jot down your comments and questions below.
Slide
If you like this video and would like to complete the series please click on the link to be taken to the study of day 2, which is part 6 in this series.
You can also click on the blog link below if you would like to read through the entire series.
Slide
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