What happened on each of the days of Creation?
The Creation Account: A Biblical Perspective on God’s Creative Work
The creation account found in Genesis 1–2 provides the foundation for understanding the origins of the universe, the earth, and all life. This account reveals the sovereignty, power, and authority of God, who created everything by the Word of His command. As Baptists, we affirm the biblical account of creation as central to our faith, emphasizing the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. This lesson explores God’s creative work, day by day, with theological insights grounded in Scripture and a Baptist worldview.
Creation Day 1: The Creation of Light (Genesis 1:1–5)
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day" (Genesis 1:1–5, NKJV).
On the first day, God created the heavens and the earth, initiating the cosmos. The earth was initially without form, empty, and shrouded in darkness. God's Spirit actively moved over the waters, demonstrating His presence in creation. God’s first creative act was the command, “Let there be light,” bringing physical light into existence and dividing it from darkness. This separation established the cycle of day and night, which continues to govern time.
This act reveals the power of God’s Word:
"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth" (Psalm 33:6, NKJV).
Creation Day 2: The Creation of the Sky (Genesis 1:6–8)
"Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day" (Genesis 1:6–8, NKJV).
On the second day, God created the firmament, which refers to the sky or atmosphere. This expanse separated the waters below (on the earth) from the waters above (moisture in the atmosphere). By creating the sky, God prepared an environment suitable for sustaining life.
This act demonstrates God’s intentional design, establishing the earth as a place where His creation could flourish.
Creation Day 3: The Creation of Land and Vegetation (Genesis 1:9–13)
"Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear’; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth’; and it was so" (Genesis 1:9–11, NKJV).
On the third day, God created dry land, distinguishing it from the seas. He then spoke into existence all plant life, creating grass, herbs, and trees capable of reproduction according to their kinds. The diversity and self-sustaining nature of plant life illustrate God's wisdom and provision.
God declared His work good, showing His approval of the beauty and order of creation. This act also foreshadowed His provision for humanity and animals, as plants were designated as their food.
Creation Day 4: The Creation of Heavenly Bodies (Genesis 1:14–19)
"Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so" (Genesis 1:14–15, NKJV).
On the fourth day, God created the sun, moon, and stars. These celestial bodies were designed to govern time, marking days, seasons, and years. The sun became the primary source of light for the earth, while the moon reflected the sun’s light.
The order and precision of the heavenly bodies testify to God’s sovereignty:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork" (Psalm 19:1, NKJV).
Creation Day 5: The Creation of Aquatic and Flying Creatures (Genesis 1:20–23)
"So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ So the evening and the morning were the fifth day" (Genesis 1:21–23, NKJV).
On the fifth day, God filled the seas with a variety of aquatic life and the skies with birds. This was the first time God pronounced a blessing, commanding the creatures to reproduce and fill their respective domains. The diversity and complexity of life demonstrate God’s creativity and care.
Creation Day 6: The Creation of Land Animals and Humanity (Genesis 1:24–31)
"Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind’; and it was so" (Genesis 1:24, NKJV).
"Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth" (Genesis 1:26, NKJV).
On the sixth day, God created all land-dwelling creatures, completing the animal kingdom. Then, in a special act of creation, He made humanity in His image. Unlike other creatures, humans were made to reflect God’s character and were given dominion over the earth.
This act reveals the unique value and dignity of human life:
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27, NKJV).
Creation Day 7: The Sabbath Rest (Genesis 2:1–3)
"Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made" (Genesis 2:1–3, NKJV).
On the seventh day, God rested, not because He was weary, but because His work was complete. He sanctified this day, establishing a pattern of rest for humanity. This day of rest later became a distinguishing mark of Israel’s covenant with God (Exodus 20:8–11).
Theological Insights
The Authority of God’s Word
Creation demonstrates the power of God’s Word, as all things came into being by His command:
"For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9, NKJV).God’s Sovereignty
God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, ruling over His creation with wisdom and authority.The Value of Humanity
Being made in the image of God gives humanity unique worth and a divine purpose.God’s Goodness
Every aspect of creation reflects God’s character, as He declared it “good” and, ultimately, “very good.”
Conclusion
The creation account in Genesis 1–2 reveals the majesty and power of God as the Creator. It provides the foundation for understanding humanity’s purpose, God’s sovereignty, and the order of the universe. As Baptists, we affirm the literal truth of Scripture, rejoicing in the beauty and perfection of God’s work. Let us respond with awe and worship:
"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created" (Revelation 4:11, NKJV).
