The Sixth Day, Part 2
Genesis 1:24-31
Animals and humans are not the same. This is an important fact to keep in mind as we continue our study of Day Six. The concept that “animals are people too” is a growing trend in some circles of our society. Nevertheless, the biblical truth is that animals are not human and humans are not animals. They are two separate creations. Just as on Day Five, there were also two major creations on Day Six. God created animals (verses 24-25) and then God created humans (verses 26-31). Many secular scientists and their followers would have us group animals and humans together as if they are of the same kind. That is an evolutionary view. Others choose to believe what the Bible teaches. According to God’s Word, it is error to believe (or teach) that animals and humans are in the same creative category. They were created on the same day but are two distinct entities. Animals and humans do not fit in the same category simply because animals and humans are not the same.
The reader may be wondering if this is really all that big a deal. Short answer—yes. Here’s why…
When we refer to our household pets or to wildlife as if they are on the same relational level as people, we give an affirmative nod to evolutionary philosophies that are outside the scope of biblical teaching. According to the Scriptures, God designed and created animals and humans to be definitively different from one another. 1 Corinthians 15:39 – “For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.”
So, who was God speaking to in verse 26? This may be the first direct reference to the Trinity! Was Father God speaking to the other members of the Godhead when He used those pronouns? I believe He was. Consider this for a moment. God the Father addresses God the Son and God the Holy Spirit about a given topic—and the Triune God now allows us to listen in! …Wow! What an amazing thought!
As we continue on in verse 26, check this out. “And God said, Let Us make man….” Have you ever wondered why humans were created last of all the creatures God created in Genesis One? At least two reasons come to mind: First, humans were created last so God would have a place suitable for them to dwell. Second, by creating mankind last, God eliminated the basis of any future thought that humans may have helped God in any way with creation.
As we have seen in our study of the first twenty-five verses of Genesis, Jehovah God did all the creating. It was HIS idea, HIS plan, HIS design and by HIS power. Angels, as mentioned earlier, did not do any creative work. Of course, humans had nothing to do with creation either. God did all the creating there was to do because only God can create! Check out Job 38:4. When God was pointing out Job’s attitude problem, God said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” God was reminding Job that God created the universe and that Job had no part in it. Creating humans last prevented humans from foolishly taking credit for any part of creation week, and settling forever any future question on the matter of who should receive glory for the creation of the world and all things in it.
After creating the animals, how long was it before God performed His second creative act of that sixth day? We do not know. What we do know is that the planet God created and prepared was now ready for mankind to take up residence. Still, the earth was devoid of humans. All of God’s previous creative acts had been accomplished. God was pleased with the “good” work He had done. Genesis 1:26 – “Then God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” God as Creator now declares the time is right to create once again—and hints in the verse that this upcoming creation will be His greatest masterpiece.
To be continued…
He can be reached at darrell.nichols@beincommunity.com or on Twitter @_nichols_dimes