Genesis 1:1, 26–28, 31; 2:15–18, 21–25

AFFIRM GOD’S GOOD PLAN
Genesis 1:1, 26–28, 31; 2:15–18, 21–25
Secular people disagree among themselves about how the universe and human life came into existence. Believers debate the degree to which the creation account in Genesis should be understood literally or figuratively. Unhappily individuals in both groups often ignore the central message of Genesis 1 and 2. They miss seeing God’s plan of creating a suitable environment for humans who are created in God’s image. God expects people (1) to appreciate the world He has provided for them, (2) to reflect His character, (3) to exercise a faithful stewardship over the environment and (4) to follow His plan for marriage and family life. In other words, God expects His people to live in accord with His good plan for creation, thus glorifying Him by obedience.

Value the Good Environment (1:1, 31)
The Scripture opens with the strikingly comprehensive statement that the entire universe is the creative work of God. The God who really exists, the Designer of all that exists, spoke and as a result, a suitable environment for humans came into existence. In a series of sequential creative acts, God provided a universe, including a planet precisely fine-tuned for the maintenance of human life. Five times God pronounced His creative work as “good,” that is, precisely fitting His plan. Then, after the creation of humans, God announced His creation as “very good.” What had come into existence perfectly fit His plan. The Earth is an exceptionally privileged planet. We praise God for providing a suitable environment for human life.

Appreciate Humanity’s Uniqueness (1:26–28; 2:15–17)
Not only is the Earth a privileged planet but humans are also the privileged creatures on this planet. Human beings are the only creatures who are said to be created in the image of God. Among other things discussed by theologians, this designation means that humans possess person-ness — God is Person; they are persons. This allows humans to have a unique relationship with God, a relationship not available to other creatures on the planet. Humans can worship God; animals do not build temples or churches. Only humans worship. Being created in God’s image and likeness means that human beings (1) are an extension of God’s life, (2) are capable of expressing God’s character and (3) are an exhibit of God’s power. As such, humans are assigned the responsibility of being God’s vice regents over God’s good environment.

As an initial step in the task of rulership over the earth, Adam was given the work of caring for the Garden of Eden. The work was both a privilege and a responsibility, a blessing from his loving Creator. Adam was placed there to worship God by serving and obeying Him. Humankind’s highest good is to glorify God by obeying Him and enjoying Him forever. As God’s image-bearers, men and women are expected to live in an obedient, worshipful relationship with their Creator and to supervise the environment with kindness.

Respect God’s Plan for Marriage (2:18, 21–25)
In Matthew 19:3–6, Jesus affirmed that Genesis 2:21–25 defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman who are committed exclusively to each other for life. God’s design for this loving, committed union (called marriage) does not include unions between two men or two women. God’s good design for marriage does include the relationship between three persons: husband, wife and Jesus Christ. It also includes three necessary components: (1) leaving one family unit in order to establish another different family unit, (2) husband and wife being joined emotionally to one another as a family unit — a lifelong process and (3) the spiritual and emotional union symbolized and experienced in the couple’s sexual union as a family unit.

It is clear that God’s plan for human families is based on monogamous, permanent marriages. Although permanent commitment to each other is God’s plan for marriage, His grace and mercy are available to those who have not followed His plan and who turn to Him in repentance and faith.