PATH To Finding God: Genesis 1:1 Is The Foundation of Reality and the Invitation to Relationship
The scientific pursuit of understanding is intrinsically linked to the concept of cause and effect. I, Dr. Michael A. Scordato (Ph.D.), younger teen self offer a crucial insight worthwhile of quotation: "Causation is necessary for capability proven through a scientific lens. And that causation at times can be God." This challenges the notion that science and faith are fundamentally at odds. If causation, the driving force behind all observed phenomena, can be attributed to God, then the possibility of miracles is not only plausible, but scientifically possible. As I, the same young Dr. Scordato pointed out in a second quote, "Miracles are only possible scientifically if there is One (capital Deity “O”) or a Cause capable of empowering that miracle to occur." These two quotes opens up scientific inquiry with the power to unravel all that a person once thought they knew. This follows the laws of cause and effect. Therefore….
In the Intelligent Design movement there is only one king player- the Bible. Aliens, other gods, magical entities, nature, something formed through the Evolution Nature Religion, all of these other paths fall short under swift scientific testing and investigation while the Biblical accounts continue to hold up to the testing of truth as the most absolute knowledge. It does frustrate some mainstreamers to the point of striving to block those to even look at the Bible in a scientific manner, to include local science teachers and or TV claimed Atheists. The Bible actually is a science book, as well as a history and ethical living guide. But that is for another time to dive into fully.
But science does not reject the existence of God, it simply seeks to test to understand Him as an existence. For example in history Albert Einstein viewed miracles as a philosophical perspective on the wonder of existence, while C.S. Lewis saw them as specific supernatural events that intervene in the natural order. Einstein suggested that the concept of miracles is a matter of perspective on life's wonders. C.S. Lewis defined a miracle as supernatural interference with nature, miracles as specific, noticeable divine acts within the broader context of God's work in creation. Lewis also believed that miracles supplement, rather than break, natural laws and considered the Incarnation of God (Jesus) as the primary Christian miracle.
With that said, the opening verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, stands as a profound statement of reality, offering a foundational worldview that elegantly addresses the nature of existence: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This simple declaration, however, is packed with scientific, theological, and philosophical weight, offering a compelling case straight away for the existence of God and setting the stage for understanding the relationship between the Creator and His creation. It boldly states upfront that God exists and shows that nature of all that is declares it to be so (Romans 1:20).
The Creation of the Fundamental Dimensions:
Genesis 1:1 establishes a framework for understanding the origins of all things. It can be broken down into three crucial scientifically understandable elements: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
“In the beginning” - The Creation of Time: This phrase introduces the concept of time itself. Before this beginning, there was no measurable time; all was potentially "before." This implies that time is not an eternal, self-existing entity but rather something created, a dimension brought into being by God coming from a place of Himself where all things that is Him happens at once. This challenges the naturalistic view that the universe and its laws are self-sufficient.
“God created the heavens” - The Creation of Space: The "heavens" represent the expanse, the vastness of space. God’s creation of the heavens signifies the creation of the arena in which all physical existence would take place. Space, like time, is not an inherent property of existence but a created reality, a necessary condition for the physical universe.
“And the earth” - The Creation of Matter: "The earth" refers to the physical matter of the universe. The creation of matter is the creation of the tangible, the observable, the substance that makes up all physical objects.
This sequential order – time, space, then matter – is not arbitrary. It suggests a logical progression: God first established the framework of time, then the arena of space, and finally, the substance of matter. This order highlights the intentionality and orderliness of God's creative act. The very structure of the universe reflects a mind of immense intelligence and order. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace." This orderliness, this lack of chaos, is a hallmark of the divine nature and is reflected in the creation itself.
Beyond Time, Space, and Matter:
The implications of Genesis 1:1 extend beyond the physical realm. The act of creation implies the existence of something beyond time, space, and matter. This is where the concept of God, the ultimate origin, becomes critical. There are things that exist outside of the limitations of time, space, and matter, such as the laws of logic, mathematics, and, importantly, the mind. These things are eternal and not bound by the physical constraints of the universe. God, then, is the ultimate reality existing beyond these limitations, the source from which all else originates.
The Uniqueness of God:
The Bible consistently affirms the uniqueness and sovereignty of God. The passage in Isaiah 44:8 is a powerful declaration of monotheism: "Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this to you long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” This verse, and others like it in Isaiah (45:5, 45:6, and 45:21), emphasizes the singular nature of God, rejecting any competing claims of divinity.
The Purpose of Creation and the Invitation to Relationship:
The creation narrative, as presented in Genesis, is not just about the origin of the universe; it is also about the establishment of a relationship. God created humans, beings with free will, to have a relationship with Him. This relationship, however, was marred by sin, as described in Genesis 3. Yet, the promise of redemption, beginning with Genesis 3:15 and culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offers a path to reconciliation. The death of Jesus on the cross provides atonement for sins, past, present, and future, offering the opportunity for a restored relationship with God.
The consistent message throughout the Bible is that God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Numerous verses support this, including 2 Peter 3:9 ("...not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance") and John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"). God's offer of salvation is universal, yet it requires a personal response of faith, as outlined in John 1:12 ("Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God").
Evidence for God's Existence:
The complexity and order of the universe, as observed through creation, provide compelling evidence for a Creator. As Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." The intricate design of the human body, the precision of biological processes, and the finely-tuned constants of the universe all point to an intelligent, purposeful designer. The impossibility of the spontaneous generation of complex systems, as demonstrated by the scientific method, further supports this conclusion.
Even Albert Einstein, a brilliant mind in the scientific community, acknowledged the limitations of human understanding and the possibility of a divine order. While Einstein did not believe in a personal God, he recognized the "order, harmony, and intelligibility of the cosmos." He was quoted as saying, “I believe in Spinoza’s God, who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings.” This really breaks my heart finding these types of people as God states all you have to do is reach out and call for Him and He will reveal Himself to have a relationship with them....people like Einstein simply refused to even look up and see since burned by the religious people around himself, so he did not want to engage into that type of religiosity world. Very sad since hindered truth seeking .
The Open Invitation:
God is not distant or unreachable. The Bible consistently encourages a personal relationship with God. The Apostle Paul, speaking to the Athenians in Acts 17:27, said that God's purpose was for people "to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us." God desires to be known and is accessible to those who seek him. As Jeremiah 29:13 states, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." This invitation to seek God is repeated throughout scripture, including Jeremiah 33:3 ("Call to me and I will answer you, and will show you great and hidden things that you have not known"), Matthew 7:7 ("Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"), and John 14:15-17. So part of the scientific testing for God is seeking and asking Him directly if He exist.
Conclusion:
Genesis 1:1 is not merely a historical account; it is a foundational statement that shapes our understanding of reality. It presents a worldview where God is the ultimate Creator, the source of time, space, and matter. This worldview provides a logical and coherent explanation for the existence of the universe, the order we observe, and the purpose of human existence. It is an invitation to explore a relationship with God, an invitation that is open to all who seek Him with a sincere heart. The journey of faith begins with this profound truth, and the path to understanding and relationship is open to all.
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Battling Objections
Having established the foundational claim of Genesis 1:1 – "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" – and explored its implications for time, space, matter, and the invitation to a relationship with God, it is vital to anticipate and address potential objections.
Objection 1: The Problem of the Origin of God (The Uncaused Cause Problem)
Objection: If everything needs a cause, then what caused God? This argument questions the very basis of the argument for God's existence, seemingly creating an exception.
Counter-Argument: The cause for God’s existence is Himself, as He is everything come together in all time at one time prior to the creation of time. Genesis 1:1 asserts that the universe, being finite and demonstrably having a beginning (as supported by scientific observations), requires a cause. God, however, is the self-existent, eternal being. He is the everything come together that has always existed, is the Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End (Revelation 1:8), and is not subject to the same constraints as created things. God is the necessary, self-existent, ultimate "First Cause." The universe, being contingent (meaning it could have not existed), demands an explanation for its existence, and that explanation is God. God is the beginning. In straightforward terms, God and His mind is all that existed before the creation time-flow, space, and matter began coming together at once and was. God states that there is no other as we saw earlier in Isaiah 44:6 of the essay. He literally is it all. Laws of Logic, Mathematics, and a Mind are all things that can and still exist outside of time, space, and matter.
I know this may seem redundant, but this means that even the fundamental principles of reality; the creation of time, space, and matter, only God and His mind existed. As we've established, God declares Himself to be the sole Creator. Within Him, even before creation, existed the timeless principles of Logic and Mathematics, along with the very capacity for Mind. In essence, before time began, before space existed, and before matter was formed, all that was, was God and His mind. This is consistent with His self-declaration as the sole God.
Objection 2: The Problem of Evil
Objection: If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist? The presence of suffering, pain, and injustice contradicts the idea of a Benevolent Creator.
Counter-Argument: The essay touches upon theodicy (defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil), indirectly focusing on the argument for free will as the core of the relationship between God and humanity. God allowed free will, and sin and evil in the result of choices made by free-willed creatures (Genesis 3). This does not absolve God of responsibility for allowing evil, but it explains the existence of evil without compromising God's goodness. While the essay does not explicitly address the problem of evil, the discussion of sin in the Garden of Eden and the need for salvation acknowledges the existence of problems in the world. John 8:44 identifies Satan as the "father of lies," the originator of evil.
The goodness and beauty of creation, Genesis 1:31: At the end of creation, God looked at everything He made and declared it "very good," highlighting the perfection and harmony of His design - no evil as of yet, no fall of Satan. Ecclesiastes 3:11: God has made everything beautiful in its time, reinforcing the idea that creation has a purpose and order. God's positive involvement and gifts, James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift originates from God, who is the source of all light and goodness. Romans 8:28: God actively works to bring about good for those who love Him, even through difficult circumstances. Receiving creation with thanksgiving, 1 Timothy 4:4: Everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with a thankful heart, because it is made holy through the word of God and prayer. So the true question is not “why does bad things happen to good people”, but instead “why does God do anything good for us bad people?”
God must allow the rejection of what is true and good to enable humans to truly choose Him, not to be mere robots programmed to obey His will. We, as individuals, are part of (the individual cells of) the greater "Bride" of God (Old Testament) and the "Bride of Christ" (New Testament). Each of us must freely choose to enter into a relationship with Him, and it is in this environment that Christ romances us, creating and offering the opportunity to respond "yes" or "no" to His call.
Remember in Genesis 1 and 2 it is stated that God made all things “good” “very good”. Evil came through the choices of freewill of others later, such as through Satan shown in John 8:44 as example, and Satan’s pull of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) and convincing to pride one third of the angels in his fall (Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:12-18, Luke 10:18, Revelations 12:4-9). Satan's fall is attributed to pride, thinking he knows better than God, as he then desired to be equal to God and be worshiped, leading to his new later role as an accuser.
Book of Job shows Satan’s hatred toward men specific, seeing the creation of man as the chief cause that stimulated pride initially because of the status shown in Hebrews 2:7 and Psalm 8:4-6. Jesus is greater than the angels Hebrews 1:4. This verse is a central point of the book of Hebrews, emphasizing that Jesus "as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs". Hebrews 1:5-14 shows in subsequent verses a continuation listing some more reasons why Jesus is superior to angels, stating that angels are merely created beings while Jesus is the divine Son of God who created all things. Man will eventually be greater than the angels Hebrews 2:5-8, 1 Corinthians 6:3 and will even judge the Angels! This section of scripture explains that God has not put the world to come "in subjection to angels". Instead, it has been subjected to man, with the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ. Matthew 19:28 and Revelation 20:4 also state that believers will sit on thrones to judge future tense.
Hebrews 2:9: The verse that follows the mention of man being lower than the angels notes that after Jesus "suffered death," He was "crowned with glory and honor". This is seen as a promise that believers who are heirs with Christ will also share in His reign and rule. The dialogue between God and Satan that establishes Satan's predatory purpose. Job 1:7 Satan tells God he has been "going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it," indicating a widespread search. This aligns with his later portrayal as a predator seeking someone to "devour". Job 2:3 God states that Satan incited him against Job "to destroy him without reason," revealing Satan's destructive goal against the righteous. The New Testament more clearly articulates Satan's destructive intent: 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour". John 10:10 Jesus contrasts His purpose to give life with that of "the thief," who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy".
Objection 3: Scientific Challenges to the Creation Narrative
Objection: The Genesis creation account conflicts with scientific findings, such as the age of the Earth (billions of years), the process of evolution, and the formation of the universe through processes like the Big Bang.
Counter-Argument: The essay argues that the Genesis account is a scientifically supported theological account that conveys truths about God’s nature, creative power, and the relationship between God and humanity. The psudo-scientific models, like the “Big Bang theory,” are still just theories…actually are scientifically already disproven theories clung to since still wanting a way somehow still reject a relationship with God. Like Satan these people are seen fallen to their own pride into a very weak lacking science religious blind-faith position. “The Big Bang”has issues when looking at the physics in the universe, such as the spin and the fact that explosions destroy, not create. The pseudo-science of the ‘long ages’ is a religious faith-based belief system, striving to form a way of worshiping nature as creation god. Long ages is a popular belief, but has long been scientifically disproven by basic common sense, let alone advanced science testing. For example, the helium release rates from basalt lava flows (many claim millions of years old) actually show a reliable 6,000-year age, and how we find blood in dinosaur bones, showing their youth far below the long ages put on them from scientist ignoring the weathering on fossils being in an outdoor environment for thousands of years. The essay's focus on time, space, and matter, can be seen as harmonizing the scientific reality with a theological viewpoint, understanding the "heavens and the earth" as God's creation. The long ages and explosions to create are simply religious view points from a nature religion striving to make a mindless nature itself into God, instead of letting God with His mind sit on creation’s throne.
Objection 4: The Problem of the Lack of Empirical Evidence
Objection: The existence of God is a matter of faith, not empirical evidence. Therefore, the arguments in the essay are based on belief, not provable facts.
Counter-Argument: While faith is essential, the essay does invoke the scientific method. The essay argues that the order and complexity of the universe do provide evidence for an intelligent designer. The appeal to the fine-tuning of the universe (the precise values of physical constants that allow life) not just suggests, but show the need of an intelligent cause. Moreover, the essay uses logical arguments to make its case as well as historical and philosophical arguments. A painting has a painter, a building has a builder. Would you not say I was a fool to tell you that this computer I am typing on created itself, had no creator?
Commonsense overridden by popular peer pressure faith base religious belief is all that the Evolution Nature religion is. As Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." The existence of God is a matter of faith through empirical evidence, not absence of it. Therefore it is based on, concerned verifiable observation and experience rather than theory or pure logic, the arguments in the essay are based on belief, and provable facts. Throwing dynamite into a junkyard does not build sports cars. Someone has to come in with a mind to build something from the junk present there. See, I am not insane…but from what you state therefore are you? Ponder this thought.
Objection 5: The Problem of Religious Pluralism
Objection: The essay promotes a specific religious viewpoint (Christianity) and its interpretation of Genesis. What about other religions with their own creation stories and claims of divine revelation? Why should we accept the Christian account as the definitive truth?
Counter-Argument: The essay presents the Christian perspective. It does not deny the possibility that other religions may have some truth in them. The essay's emphasis on the universality of God's invitation to relationship, and the emphasis on a relationship with God, rather than simply believing a set of doctrines, can be seen as inclusive. The essay's goal is to present a specific truth, and it is the task of the individual to investigate and decide which path to follow. God says He will respond if you reach out to Him. I challenge you to seriously ask Him directly who He is. Proverbs 23:23 plus John 14:6 is the answer. He is the truth, seek truth and you will always find Him.
Objection 6: The Problem of Interpretation and Context
Objection: The essay interprets Genesis 1:1 in a specific way, placing a particular emphasis on time, space, and matter. Other interpretations are possible, and the meaning of the passage can be debated.
Counter-Argument: The essay acknowledges that interpretation is necessary. The essay's interpretation is based on a specific understanding of the text. It uses the text to build its arguments. The essay's focus on the sequential creation of time, space, and matter is a valid interpretation that, when combined with the other arguments, builds a compelling case. We cannot imagine away the connection to time, space, and matter presented directly here. All that you can do is expand on it even further.
Objection 7: It is not popular in today’s world. It is too hard to allow myself to accept this.
Counter-Argument: It may not be easy, but know that God made you as an overcomer, a truth seeker who can find truth and live in it. Proof? Overcoming Bible Verses:
1 John 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." We believe in the power of faith to overcome adversity.
1 John 4:4, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." We remind ourselves of the strength within, empowered by God.
Romans 8:37, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." We affirm our ability to triumph over challenges.
Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." We encourage ourselves to respond to injustice with love and compassion.
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." We accept that God’s Ephesians 6:10-18 prayer applied armor and power provide’s a foundation of courage, love, and clarity with a sound mind meaning a promise of no mental disorder.
Here, you are not alone. You are loved, valued, and embraced as part of our family. Support, Participate, Give, and Help as you move from inaction toward action in your life. Amen.
