25-0112p - Detailed Summary

The speaker delves into a discussion on the creation narrative, particularly focusing on the events described in Genesis chapter 1, verses 1-5.

The speaker explains that before the physical creation as described in Genesis, there was a period where only the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) existed. It is highlighted that the heaven of heavens, a spiritual realm, was created before the earth, supported by references from Nehemiah 9:6 and 2 Chronicles, where it is described as the highest heaven. This heaven of heavens, along with its host (the angels), was created on the first day, emphasizing that all spiritual beings, including angels, are spirits created by God. The discussion also touches on the nature of God as light, as described in 1 John, implying that there was no darkness before creation because God, who is light, had not yet created the physical realm where darkness could exist.

The speaker then references Job 38:4-7, where God questions Job about his presence at the laying of the earth’s foundation. This passage is used to illustrate the timing and sequence of creation, emphasizing that the foundation is laid at the very beginning. This sets the stage for understanding that the angels were already in existence, observing this act of creation.

Further analysis of Job 38 leads to the conclusion that angels existed before what is typically considered the physical creation of the universe. The term "morning stars" in Job 38:7 is interpreted to refer to both Jesus Christ and Lucifer, indicating that these beings were present, singing and celebrating as the earth was being formed. This part of the sermon underscores the idea that the creation narrative includes not just the physical but also the spiritual realms, with angels as observers of the physical world’s inception.

The narrative continues by exploring the implications of the angels' presence at creation, linking back to the plural use of "heavens" in Genesis 1:1, which includes both the physical universe and the spiritual heaven. It’s noted that God created the angels fully functional and aware, paralleling the creation of Adam. The speaker also touches on the concept of light in relation to God, suggesting that the light in the heaven of heavens is from God Himself, not from any physical source like the sun.

The speaker concludes this segment by connecting the creation of light on the first day to the ultimate state in Revelation where there will be no need for any other light source because God will be the light. This part emphasizes the theological significance of light as a metaphor for God’s presence, purity, and the eternal state of those saved by Him. The discussion reaffirms the creation of the earth, heavens, and water before the light, setting a foundational understanding of the sequence and nature of creation from a biblical perspective.

In this segment, the speaker discusses the creation of darkness, referencing Isaiah 45:7, where it is stated that God forms light and creates darkness. The darkness is specifically associated with the creation of the physical realm, which contrasts with the spiritual realm, where darkness does not exist because God, who is light, illuminates it. The speaker introduces the concept of a cosmic battle between truth and lies, with Satan as the father of lies, contrasting with God, whose word is truth. This narrative ties into the broader theme of creation, highlighting that both the spiritual and physical realms were created on the same day, with heaven itself being a created place for God to dwell with spiritual beings.

The discussion shifts to why humans must accept God by faith rather than by sight. The speaker notes that spiritual beings like angels see God directly, whereas humans are confined to faith. This is likened to God’s interaction with Adam, where Adam was created to observe and name animals, showing a deliberate act by God to engage with His creation in a specific way.

Here, the speaker delves into the nature of time, suggesting that time was created alongside the spiritual realm and the angels. God, existing outside of time, is described as being in all times simultaneously, which is a hard concept for humans to grasp because we are bound by time. This segment explores how Jesus’s statement "before Abraham was, I am" reflects His eternal nature in the present tense.

The speaker elaborates on the role of angels as observers of God’s act of creation, noting that they walk by sight rather than by faith. This is contrasted with humans who must rely on faith for salvation. The angels' reaction to creation is described with awe, singing and shouting for joy as they witness the universe being formed. The discussion also touches on how the natural world provides evidence of God’s existence, making it plain for all to see, as described in Romans 1:18.

This brief section introduces the fall of Satan, indicating that by the time he tempts Eve, he has already sinned, leading to his fall from heaven.

Further exploration of Satan’s fall suggests that his act of tempting Eve might be the very act of his sin. It’s noted that unlike humans, who have an opportunity for repentance, fallen angels like Satan do not have this offer of salvation.

The speaker contrasts the treatment of sin between humans and angels. After Adam and Eve sin, they are not immediately punished with death as might have been expected by Satan, but instead, they are covered by God with animal skins, symbolizing a sacrifice. This act surprises Satan, who might have anticipated a similar fate for Adam and Eve as his own.

This part emphasizes God’s mercy towards Adam and Eve by providing them with animal skins, which required a sacrifice, symbolizing the atonement for sin. This act of providing skins instead of immediate death is highlighted as one of the most significant surprises in history, showcasing God’s plan for redemption through sacrifice.

A brief mention of Satan’s realization of God’s different approach to human sin compared to his own, leading to a moment of profound surprise for him.

The speaker discusses why salvation is offered to humans through faith but not to angels, who have seen God directly. This is tied to the nature of human existence, walking by faith, not by sight.

The final part concludes with the idea that upon death, humans enter the spiritual realm where they no longer walk by faith but see God as He is. This is contrasted with angels who, despite seeing God, still sinned, illustrating that seeing God does not necessarily prevent sin. The speaker suggests that this is why salvation is offered only to those who walk by faith.

The speaker concludes the sermon by reflecting on the depth of the creation narrative discussed, particularly emphasizing the events of the first day of creation. He highlights how scripture, when pieced together, reveals more than what is initially apparent in Genesis 1:1, such as the angels observing the creation and the creation of heaven itself. The concept of darkness being created is revisited, explaining it as a means to allow humans to walk by faith rather than by sight, which is crucial for the hope of salvation. The speaker suggests that this setup of creation is fundamentally linked to the theme of salvation, distinguishing between the spiritual realm, where salvation isn’t offered, and the physical realm, where it is. The sermon ends with an invitation to respond, inviting the congregation to stand and sing hymn number 903.