Chronological School

1. 📖 Introduction & Context

The book of Genesis opens with the most fundamental declaration in Scripture: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Unlike the myths of surrounding nations, the biblical account presents a sovereign God who creates by His Word, not through conflict or accident.

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This lesson is essential because the doctrine of creation forms the foundation of all Christian faith: it establishes God’s authority, humanity’s identity, and the order of history.                                                                                                                                

Two major misinterpretations often distort this text: the “Gap Theory,” which tries to insert millions of years between verses 1 and 2, and the “Day-Age Theory,” which redefines the six days of creation as long ages.

 

Both views undermine the integrity of the biblical text. Here we will learn why the Hebrew grammar itself refutes these errors.

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2. 🕰 Timeline

Biblical History

4004 BC – Creation |----------- 2348 BC – Flood -----------| 2000 BC – Abraham

World History

3500 BC – Sumer |---- 3100 BC – Egypt United ----| 2600 BC – Pyramids |---- 2000 BC – Babylon

 

3. 🎯 Learning Objectives                                        

1. Understand the biblical account of creation as the literal beginning of history.

2. Recognize humanity’s uniqueness as created in God’s image.

3. Correct common misinterpretations of Genesis 1.

4. Reflect on humanity’s role as steward of creation.                                          

4. 📖 Right Exegesis – Teaching to Correct                     

• Gap Theory (Genesis 1:1–2): Hebrew grammar shows no gap of time between verses 1 and 2. The phrase “And the earth was formless and void” follows directly, describing the state of creation, not a separate era.                                                               

• Day-Age Theory: The Hebrew word yom with a number (first day, second day, etc.) always means a 24-hour day. Genesis repeats “evening and morning” to underline this.                                   

• Exodus 20:11 confirms that creation occurred in six literal days: “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them.”                                                                                                                            

✅ Proper interpretation:                                                                       God created the world in six consecutive, literal 24-hour days, resting on the seventh.                                                                                                                                       

5.📜Grammatical & Linguistic Context (Key Hebrew Words)

1. Bará – “Create” (Gen 1:1): creation ex nihilo, unique to God.

2. Elohim – “God”: majestic plural, singular in action; stresses sovereignty.

3. Or – “Light” (Gen 1:3): created before the sun; God as the ultimate source of life.

4. Raqia – “Firmament/Expanse” (Gen 1:6): order by separation of waters.

5. Yabashah – “Dry land” (Gen 1:9): instantly appeared; no hint of geological ages.

6. Nefesh Chayah – “Living being” (Gen 1:21, 24): life is divine gift, not chemical accident.

7. Tzelem – “Image” (Gen 1:26): humanity uniquely reflects God’s likeness.                                                                                                       

6. 📖 Bible References

• Genesis 1:1–3 – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… and God said, ‘Let there be light.’”

• John 1:1–3 – “In the beginning was the Word… through Him all things were made.”

• Hebrews 11:3 – “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command.”                                                                                                                              

7. 📝 Homework / Revision

Part A – Visuals

• Complete the timeline by labeling the events at each tick mark.

• Draw a simple diagram of the Seven Days of Creation and identify what was created each day.

• Make a comparison chart: Bible’s creation vs. Mesopotamian myths.                                                                                                      

Part B – Quiz (5 Questions)

1. Explain in your own words what the Hebrew term bará teaches about creation.

2. Why must yom in Genesis 1 be understood as a literal 24-hour day?

3. Give one example of how the biblical account differs from pagan creation myths.

4. What responsibilities come with being created in the tzelem (image) of God?

5. How does the pattern of six days of work and one day of rest shape our understanding of time, work, and worship today?