The Completion of Creation refers to the culmination of God's creative work as described in the Book of Genesis. This event marks the end of the six-day creation period, during which God brought the universe and all its inhabitants into existence. The narrative is foundational to the Judeo-Christian understanding of the world's origins and God's sovereign role as Creator.

Biblical Account

The account of the Completion of Creation is found in Genesis 1:31-2:3. On the sixth day, God completed His work by creating mankind in His own image, as male and female, and giving them dominion over the earth and its creatures. Genesis 1:31 states, "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."

Following the creation of humanity, God surveyed all He had made and declared it "very good," indicating the perfection and completeness of His work. This declaration underscores the inherent goodness and order of the created world as it came from the hand of God.

The Seventh Day

The seventh day is significant as it marks the completion of the creation process and the institution of rest. Genesis 2:2-3 records, "On the seventh day God had finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished."

God's rest on the seventh day is not due to fatigue but serves as a model for humanity, establishing a pattern of work and rest. The sanctification of the seventh day introduces the concept of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship, which becomes a central theme in biblical theology and practice.

Theological Significance

The Completion of Creation emphasizes several key theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty and Order: The orderly progression of creation over six days, culminating in a day of rest, reflects God's sovereign control and purposeful design. The declaration that creation was "very good" affirms the inherent goodness of the material world and God's intention for it.

2. Humanity's Role: Created in the image of God, humans are given a unique role as stewards of creation. This stewardship involves responsibility and care for the earth, reflecting God's character and purposes.

3. Sabbath Rest: The sanctification of the seventh day introduces the principle of Sabbath rest, which is later codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). The Sabbath serves as a reminder of God's completed work and a foretaste of the ultimate rest found in Him.

4. Creation's Purpose: The Completion of Creation underscores the purposefulness of the universe. Everything created has a role and function within God's grand design, pointing to His wisdom and power.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the Completion of Creation is a call to recognize God's authority and to live in harmony with His created order. It invites reflection on the balance between work and rest, the stewardship of the environment, and the pursuit of a life that honors the Creator. The narrative encourages trust in God's provision and the anticipation of the ultimate restoration of creation, as promised in Scripture.