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The Bible makes a simple claim that "in six days the Lord made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day:", Ex. 20:11
Behind these simple words is the desire of an Almighty and all-wise God to demonstrate His power, and to form a creation that would bring pleasure to Him. As with all His works, there was a design which was evident, Rom. 1:20. The discoveries of science only serve to show that the order of creation in the first chapter of the Bible was scientifically accurate.
As a result of the first act of creation, the earth was "without form and void: and darkness was upon the face of the deep", Gen. 1:2. It was from this that He formed the earth over the following six days.
The formation of the earth as we know it began by introducing light, and thereby establishing Night and Day. This also ensured that the conditions were right for life to flourish on the earth. No one knew about photosynthesis 3,500 years ago, but the order shows that it was taken into account, Gen. 1:3-5.
This was followed by separation between earth and heaven. The water on the earth was needed to sustain life, while the water above the earth provided protection from the rays of the sun, even before the sun was made, Gen. 1:6-8. Even the "greenhouse effect" was considered!
Next came the seas and dry land, giving a place for plants to grow, Gen. 1:9-13.
On the fourth day, the Sun, moon and stars were made. This allowed for seasons so that the earth would be able to rest between crops and so optimise its fruitfulness.
On the last two days, the animal creation was formed, ending with man in dominion over all that God had made. This was the purpose to which God was working. He never works without purpose, and He never fails to accomplish His plan.
Apart from the scientific implications, the order of creation prefigures the purpose of God for this world. Just as the original creation ended with a man in dominion, so the history of this earth will end with a Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, in dominion.
On five of the six days, we read "and it was good". The exception is on the second day, when God created a divide between earth and heaven. God takes no pleasure in separation from men on the earth, although He cannot allow sin into his presence, Rev. 21:27.
We are all a part of the original creation, but are you a part of the new creation, or will you be separated from God for eternity, Mt. 25:46.
We become a part of the new creation by being born again, which happens when we come as a sinner to the Lord Jesus Christ, believing He died for our sins, and calling on Him to save us, 1 Cor.15:3,4; Acts 2:21.
At the end of the seventh day we read "and, behold, it was very good", Gen, 1:31.
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