The creation of the world, and of
the universe beyond, is presented in a very succinct account in the Bible’s
first chapters. The Holy Writ, however,
does not conform to a strict chronological and linear format; hence, scattered throughout this account are other references that point to the source of creation and related topics. Thus, we may obtain further information on this
foundational subject. One such reference
is found in the first chapter of the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim.
He was in the beginning with Elohim.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that
was made” (John 1:1-2). One fact that Genesis chapter 1 makes very
clear is that the creation was “spoken into existence.” The above text, penned
by John, not only confirms but also elaborates on this
truth.
This text links intrinsically the creation, “the beginning,” to Yeshua as the Word of Elohim while later the same writer declares emphatically: “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of Elohim” (Revelation 19:13). The apostle Paul taught likewise about the One who was called the Word, connecting Him to the creation process: “He is the image of the invisible Elohim, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:15-16). These defining statements must therefore accompany us on our journey throughout the creation account, because Yeshua is the Word and “is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
When one thinks of creation, what comes to mind is a tangible reality apprehended through our physical senses. However, upon reflecting on the “beginning,” we are forced to admit that the unseen - the invisible - had to precede the physical and concrete, since Elohim’s presence is in Spirit form and hence is “invisible.” And so we read: “For since the creation of the world His invisible presence is clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and divinity” (Romans 1:20), making the “things that are made” a mere reflection or shadow that allows a glimpse into that which is of the “invisible” and eternal Spirit realm. This unseen reality touches our lives constantly, “…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). As the Living-Word, Yeshua’s presence in the beginning would, of necessity, have been in Spirit form. This does not in any way diminish from His advent on earth, in the flesh body of a man, and His return in the future in His glorified body. Remember what YHVH said to Moses from the burning bush, “I will be what I will be”? (Exodus 3:14 CJB).
At the very beginning of the creation’s description, we are introduced to the condition of the earth (to be elaborated upon later), and to the darkness which faced the “deep,” or “abyss.” However, as pointed out above, at this time these are not physical or tangible elements, but are in the unseen spiritual realm of Elohim. The statement, “and darkness was on the face of the deep” (v. 2), begs the question: What is this darkness? Where did it come from? Why did Elohim institute or permit this spiritual condition?
