The Gospel BC: Genesis 1 & 2

Day 1: The Creator and His Creation

Summary

God, in His infinite power and wisdom, created everything from nothing. The opening chapter of Genesis teaches us that God spoke the world into existence, revealing both His creative authority and His divine order.

Read

• Genesis 1:1-2
• Psalm 19:1-4
• Colossians 1:16-17

Background

Genesis begins with a profound declaration: “In the beginning, God created…” (Gen 1:1). This foundational truth affirms that everything originates from Him. The Hebrew word for “create” (בָּרָא, bara) is used exclusively for God’s work, signifying an act that only He can do.

Key Words

• Bara (Create) – A divine act of bringing something into existence from nothing.
• Formless and void – A phrase indicating the initial unstructured state before God established order.
• Spirit of God – The presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in creation.

Theological Truths

John Calvin wrote, “We cannot open our eyes without being compelled to behold Him… His power is so evident that we cannot plead ignorance” (Institutes of the Christian Religion). The doctrine of creation points us to a sovereign God who not only made all things but sustains them.

Gospel Connection

The New Testament clarifies that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, was the active agent in creation (John 1:1-3, Col 1:16). Through Him, the world was made, and through Him, it is redeemed. Just as creation was an act of divine power, so is our new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

Questions for Reflection

1. How does understanding God as Creator shape your view of the world?

2. What aspects of creation remind you most of God’s power and beauty?

3. How does knowing Christ’s role in creation deepen your faith in Him?

Application

Take a walk outside today and intentionally observe God’s creation. Reflect on how it points to His glory, thanking Him for His creative work.

Day 2: Made in His Image

Summary

Unlike the rest of creation, humans were made in the image of God. This gives us unique dignity, purpose, and responsibility.

Read

• Genesis 1:26-27
• Ecclesiastes 12:7
• Ephesians 4:22-24

Background

The phrase “image of God” (imago Dei) signifies that humans are set apart from animals. We reflect God’s nature through our moral reasoning, relational capacity, and spiritual life.

Key Words

• Image of God (Imago Dei) – The reflection of God’s attributes in humanity.
• Dominion – The stewardship role given to mankind over creation.
• Likeness – A similarity to God in our capacity for righteousness and relationship.

Theological Truths

Herman Bavinck wrote, “The entire world is a revelation of God, but man is the chief revelation” (Reformed Dogmatics). Our value comes not from what we do but from who we are as image-bearers of God.

Gospel Connection

Sin marred the image of God in us, but Christ restores it. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He makes us new creations, renewing us in His likeness (Col 3:10, Rom 8:29). The gospel isn’t just about saving us from sin; it’s about restoring us to what we were meant to be—reflections of God’s glory.

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean to you personally to be made in God’s image?

2. How does knowing that every person bears God’s image shape how you treat others?

3. In what ways is Christ restoring God’s image in your life?

Application

Honor someone today by treating them as an image-bearer of God—whether through kindness, encouragement, or respect.

Day 3: Created for Relationship with God

Summary

God created us not only to exist but to know Him personally. Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden, reflecting His original design for intimate fellowship.

Read

• Genesis 3:8
• Psalm 16:11
• John 17:3

Background

Before sin entered the world, humanity enjoyed direct fellowship with God. The phrase “walking with God” signifies an unbroken, personal relationship.

Key Words

• Fellowship – A close relationship with God characterized by communion.
• Presence of God – The blessing of knowing and experiencing Him.
• Separation – The consequence of sin that disrupts our relationship with God.

Theological Truths

Jonathan Edwards wrote, “The enjoyment of [God] is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied” (Works of Jonathan Edwards). True joy is found only in His presence.

Gospel Connection

The intimacy Adam and Eve had with God in Eden was lost because of sin, but through Jesus, we are not just forgiven—we are adopted as sons and daughters (Gal 4:4-7). The gospel restores more than what was lost; it brings us into a deeper, eternal relationship with God as His children. While Adam was a son of God by creation (Luke 3:38), believers are sons and daughters through redemption in Christ (Rom 8:15-17).

Questions for Reflection

1. What do you think it was like for Adam and Eve to walk with God?

2. How does your relationship with God today compare to what was lost in the garden?

3. What practices help you cultivate intimacy with God?

Application

Set aside time today to pray and seek God’s presence, not just for requests, but for fellowship.

Day 4: The Problem of the Void

Summary

All humans sense that something is missing in life. This void is the result of sin, which separates us from God.

Read

• Ecclesiastes 3:11
• Jeremiah 2:13
• John 6:35

Background

Since the fall, humanity has been searching for fulfillment apart from God. The Bible describes this as “broken cisterns” that cannot hold water, symbolizing the futility of seeking satisfaction outside of Him.

Key Words

• Eternity in our hearts – The innate longing for God.
• Cisterns – Man-made solutions that cannot replace God.
• Living Water – Christ, the true source of life.

Theological Truths

Augustine famously wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You” (Confessions). Only in Christ do we find true fulfillment.

Gospel Connection

Jesus is the living water who satisfies our deepest longings. Unlike the broken cisterns of the world, He alone gives eternal life (John 4:14).

Questions for Reflection

1. What are some “broken cisterns” you have relied on for satisfaction?

2. How has Jesus satisfied your soul in ways the world cannot?

3. What does it mean for Jesus to be your “bread of life”?

Application

Fast from something that competes for your heart’s satisfaction and spend that time with Jesus instead.

Day 5: The Only Way Back

Summary

Jesus is the only way to restore our relationship with God. He alone bridges the gap between sinful humanity and a holy Creator.

Read

• John 14:6
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
• Revelation 21:3-4

Background

The brokenness caused by sin has only one solution—Jesus. He not only saves us but brings us into restored fellowship with God.

Key Words

• The Way – Jesus as the exclusive path to salvation.
• Reconciliation – The restoration of our relationship with God.
• New Creation – God’s promise to make all things new.

Theological Truths

John Owen wrote, “There is no death of sin without the death of Christ” (The Mortification of Sin). Only through His atonement can we be reconciled to God.

Gospel Connection

Jesus restores what was lost in Eden. Through Him, we are brought back into fellowship with the Father, now and for eternity (Rev 21:3).

Questions for Reflection

1. Why is Jesus the only way to be restored to God?

2. How does being a “new creation” change your daily life?

3. How does knowing the end of the story (Rev 21) give you hope?

Application

Share the gospel with someone who needs to hear how Jesus is the only way back to God.