Life on the Third Day: A Pattern in Creation That Points to the Resurrection (Gen 1:9-13)

October 8, 2023 • David Schrock • Genesis 1:9–13

For those who are wondering: I am not a flat-earther.

After last week’s sermon, one precocious church member asked if a three-story reading of Genesis 1 suggests a flat earth. In a word, my answer is “no.” (Although, I may say something about the relative flatness of the Dry Land in Gen. 1:10).

Understanding the world as God’s cosmic temple does not replace scientific inquiry or oppose a heliocentric view of the cosmos. Rather, it gives us a sacred understanding of this world and how our planet, which hangs on nothing in space and orbits the sun each year, is more than a natural product of chance. Earth, as we know it, is the place that God made for humanity to live, so that God can dwell with us. In that way, it is a cosmic temple (see Psalm 104).

By nature, we can observe, study, and make hypotheses about his creation. But before that, we must know something about why God made the world. The why is never found in nature alone and can only be found in God’s revelation. And that is why we let Scripture speak to us about creation.

This Sunday, we take one more step to see how God made the Land and the Sea, and how this third day creation will play a role in redemptive history. Indeed, the third day not only tells us something about creation. It also prepares for the new creation and the resurrection of Christ on the third day.

So to prepare for Sunday take time to read Genesis 1, as well as, 1 Corinthians 15. Together, these two texts will help us to see what God made in the beginning and how it prepares the way for the end (Isa. 46:10).

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday and to marveling at the God who made plans for his new creation even from the beginning.

For His Glory and your joy in Christ,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions: Genesis 1:9–13

1. What are the main features of Genesis 1:9–13?

2. How do the events of Day 3 compare to Days 1 and 2? What is the same? What is different?

3. How may the original creation be similar to / different from the world after the flood? How can we know?

4. What does the planting of grains and fruit trees without the sun mean for creation?

5. How does understanding the events of Day 3 compare to the rest of the Bible, especially redemptive history?

6. How do later parts of Scripture speak of the Third Day? How does Paul connect resurrection to the third day / new creation?

7. What do we learn about God and the Bible by reading Day 3 in light of the New Creation?

8. What else does Genesis 1:9–13 teach us about God’s creation and plan for salvation?

More from Creation & Covenant: Genesis 1-3

The Way Out Reveals the Wisdom, Justice, and Mercy of God (Genesis 3:20-24)

March 3, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 1—3, Genesis 3:20–24

The Way of God: A Threefold Curse and Consolation (Gen. 3:14-19)

February 25, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:14–19

He Gets Us: Reimagining the Fallout of Adam and Eve's Sin (Gen. 3:7b-13)

February 18, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:7–13

Dear OBC Family, If I had to outline Genesis 3, it would fall under the following headings. Genesis 3:1–6: The Fall. Genesis 3:7–13: The Fallout. Genesis 3:14–24: The Way Out. In these three steps, we get a sense of what happens to the first man and woman. First, seeking to be wise, they became fools. They broke God’s law, ate of the fruit, and invited judgment. Yet, before death came, God came. He entered the garden to find the fallout of sin. And then, after questioning the couple, he pronounced a judgment. That judgment led to Adam and Eve’s removal from the Garden. Yet, in that good judgment, the Lord God also pronounced good news. In Genesis 3:15 he declared that salvation was coming through the woman’s seed. Next week, we’ll see that promise in full. But this Sunday we must consider the fallout of Adam’s sin and Eve’s deception. And by looking square in the face of wreckage, it will reveal much about our own sin and its effects. Wonderfully, we can approach this Garden with the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yet, we still need to learn afresh how heinous sin is. And so, as you prepare for Sunday, pray for God to see our sin and to hate our sin. For truly, sin is the source of all death, despair, and destruction. And yet, because we are born in Adam, we do not hate sin—our sin!—as we ought. And that is our aim for Sunday. To prepare, go ahead and read Genesis 3. You may also find it helpful if you read Matthew 6, which will be connected to Genesis 3 on Sunday. As the Lord allows, I hope to see you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 3:7 – 13) What does 3:8 reveal about the fellowship with God that existed prior to sin? What does this text reveal about the effects of sin upon mankind’s relationship to God? Consider Adam and Eve’s response to their shame. What is the effect of their clothing? Does clothing allow them to walk with God? God knows all things. Consider then the significance God’s questions for Adam and Eve in verses 9, 10, and 13. Why does God ask questions? In what ways do we seek to hide because of our sin? What happens when we hide? What happens when our sin is exposed? Instead of taking responsibility for sin, consider the blaming that takes place. Who is blamed? Does blaming another remove one’s responsibility? Why or why not? How does God deal with our guilt and shame in the Gospel? What does the Bible teach us about clothing? (Consider how Scripture speaks about clothing from Genesis to Revelation). How ought we to respond to this text?