How does Genesis 1:31 affirm the goodness of God's creation? Opening the text “And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31 Key observations • God “saw” everything He had created, highlighting His deliberate evaluation • “All that He had made” covers every realm—heavenly bodies, earth, seas, plants, animals, and humanity • “Very good” (Hebrew me’od tov) elevates the repeated “good” of the previous days to a climactic affirmation • The closing phrase “the sixth day” signals the completion of God’s creative work before the seventh-day rest Seven-fold goodness culminates Day 1: light—good Day 2: sky and waters—good Day 3: land, seas, vegetation—good Day 4: sun, moon, stars—good Day 5: fish and birds—good Day 6 (first stage): land animals—good Day 6 (final stage): humanity plus all creation—very good The richness of “very” • Intensifies worth, completeness, harmony, and purpose • Declares absence of flaw, evil, or disorder at the moment of completion • Confirms that creation perfectly reflects God’s holy character The character of the Creator • Wise—design seen in order and variety • Powerful—speaks worlds into existence and sustains them • Benevolent—provides an environment tailored for human life and flourishing • Truthful—His assessment is accurate, not exaggerated or sentimental Implications for stewardship • Creation possesses inherent value because God calls it very good • Humanity, made in God’s image, receives authority to cultivate, guard, and enjoy creation responsibly • Care for the world mirrors gratitude to the Creator and respect for His verdict of goodness Gospel connections • God’s original very good world provides the backdrop that makes the fall tragic and redemption meaningful • Christ, the second Adam, comes to restore creation to its intended goodness (Romans 8:19-21; Colossians 1:20) • The promised new heavens and new earth echo Genesis 1:31 by reestablishing unspoiled goodness forever Takeaway truths • God alone defines goodness, and His creation meets that standard • The material world is not an accident or blemish but a gift reflecting divine excellence • Recognizing creation’s original goodness fuels hope for its future restoration and shapes daily gratitude, worship, and responsible living |
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