Monday: The Holy Spirit at Creation
The first major work of God on this planet was its Creation. The Bible clearly mentions God (Gen. 1:1) and Jesus Christ (Col. 1:16-17) as the Creator of heaven and earth and of all that, in fact, was made (John 1:1-3). Yet, the Bible also mentions the presence of the Holy Spirit in the work of Creation.
Copyright Lars Justinen @ GoodSalt.com
Read Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Job 33:4; Psalm 33:6; Psalm 104:29-30. What is the role of the Holy Spirit at Creation? How is the Spirit of God related to the creation of life?
The Creation story in Genesis 1:2 mentions the presence of God’s Spirit at Creation. Job 26:13, Job 33:4, Psalm 104:29-30, and Psalm 33:6 support the active role of the Holy Spirit in the supernatural Creation of the earth. While the Bible clearly mentions God the Father and His divine Son, Jesus Christ, as being active in the creation of the world (see Isa. 64:8; Col. 1:16-17), the Holy Spirit is present also, though in a more subtle manner.
He does not appear as the central actor in the Creation story. Instead, He is “hovering” over the void, and through His moving He is present at the genesis of life on this earth. The Hebrew word for “moving over,” or “hovering” (merahepeth), over the surface of the earth that is used in Genesis 1:2 is the same word that is used in Deuteronomy 32:11, where God is compared to an eagle hovering over its nest of young. The Holy Spirit is intimately involved in the creation of life on this earth and takes care of the newly created living beings as an eagle would do for its young. Psalm 104:30 suggests that the Creation act was possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit and that He played an active part during this process.
| The Holy Spirit was not only present at the Creation of this world, He is also active in the process of our re-creation, where He gives us a new heart and new mind. How are both of these activities related? What does the Sabbath tell us about this work of Creation and re-creation? |
(36)
When studying the lesson for this day it's worth reading Psalm 104:30 in context of the whole chapter. In there we have the foundation of the earth & sky and then a filling with life and sustaining. Everything from the birds, to the lions, from man to the Leviathan wait upon the Lord in Ps 104:27 and they are filled with good Ps 10428.
There is a stark contrast in Ps 104:29 to everything preceeding where in the absence of God's face & breath there is only trouble and death.
Ps 104:30 then immediately accounts for the presence of life, certainly as it was intended at creation, and it is by His Spirit that there is life, satisfaction & goodness. The imagery of the eagle sustaining the life (who also gave it to begin with) of the offspring is a beautiful portrait.
We see the same process today in a world seemingly over-run with trouble & death, even in our own lives. Remembering the application from last week.s lesson where there is life-giving revelation that comes by God's Holy Spirit through His word, there is creation/renewal in our own lives and a peace and satisfaction that follows.
Let us try our possible best to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. The holy spirit is there for everybody. So we need to allow it to work in us.
The Holy spirit was part of creation, part of recreation and in regeneration. So therefore, the holy spirit though not seen played an important role in our lives.
Life; what is life? I've been to wax museums, where they make perfect replicas of famous people of the past. Yet none of them has a atom sight of life in them, even if they put a motor in them. What is the Spirit of God? When he breathed into the nostrils of Adam, it was not just oxygen that was put in there. I've put oxygen in balloons and yet there was no life in it. The breath of God was the Spirit of God activating our being and when we die it is he that ascends to heaven and by nature return to what we really are dust.
Since the Sabbath is a principal, eternal with God, the Sabbath existed before God made the Earth and the seventh day. With this in mind what do you think is the eternal principle of the Sabbath?
Don Litchfield wrote:
“Since the Sabbath is a principal, eternal with God, the Sabbath existed before God made the Earth and the seventh day. With this in mind what do you think is the eternal principal of the Sabbath?” from: Don
If you read the forth commandment carefully, the Sabbath was given as a memorial of creation, the day God rested from His act of Creation. So how do you figure Sabbath existed before creation? I also feel Sabbath is more than just a principal. I feel it's a day to remember/honor our creator.
Evie, the law of God is as eternal and unchangeable as His Character. If the 4th commandment was not in the Ten Commandments I would say the sabbath started at creation. But being an immutable law makes it eternal as God is eternal.
This does not take anything away from it being a memorial of creation.
Then why all the killing in the Old Testament when the law says, " Thou shalt not kill"? Do you have any bible reference for sabbath keeping in heaven.
The Divine Law Giver is Sovereign and alone has the power of vengeance, and "will in no wise clear the guilty". He brought the flood, the fire upon Sodom, and opened the earth to swallow up the rebels in Israel. But God does only what is needed to preserve the faithful in a wicked world. We do not know all the circumstances, but either we trust God or we don't. Seems we must know Him for ourselves. Those who are ultimately destroyed by God have been given every possible warning before hand. See Amos 3:7.
See Isa 66:23 concerning the Sabbath in the New Earth.
Hi, i used to ask this question as well; through Bible study and God's light i realized there is a difference between the "kill" in the 10 Commandments compared to the "Execution of judgement" that was carried out in the Old testament.
Its the same principal in other countries where there are death penalties for some crimes (murder - do not kill)
It is also the same with the doctor who operates on a man to take his cancerous kidney out. Who is the destroyer in this situation? is it the doctor or the cancer?
Of course cancer is the destroyer, while the doctor is the one who is trying to help. To consider the doctor destructive or evil for removing the cancer is wrong. The thing that is destroying that man is cancer; the thing that is destroying humanity is sin. Sin is like cancer, it brings death (James 1:15). God is the One who is trying to save us from sin/death. When a man is holding to sin, it becomes like the cancer inside the kidney, and that man is the agent through which this cancer/sin is spreading.
Perhaps we need to understand just what the "Law of God" is that is "eternal."
Do you really believe that heavenly beings who do not marry had a law not to commit adultery? Did they have a law "Do not covet your neighbor's wife"?
I understand that the eternal Law of God is the law of self-renouncing love that is the very character of God. The 10 Precepts pronounced from Sinai are simply an expression of the eternal Law adapted to sinful humanity.
Jesus Himself demonstrated the Law of God in His life. The eternal Law of God goes much deeper than the words of the 10 Precepts. It motivates those who live by it to the same self-renouncing love that moved Christ to become one of us and die on Calvary for our salvation. Thus, in the light that streams from Calvary, we get a much clearer concept of the character of God and His Law than was possible before.
Evie wrote well regarding the Sabbath: The Sabbath was instituted at the end of creation week. Thus it is closely tied to the creation of this planet and is a reminder of creation and a promise of redemption. It is a part of the eternal law that calls on us to love and worship our Creator God with all our heart and soul and mind.
I guess my only question(s) would be: was the creation "Rest" only instituted with this earth, and not every other world as well? Did God treat our world differently than all the other worlds? How do we know, and if not, are we safe to speculate either way?
God has stated that "all flesh" would worship before Him on the Sabbath once the presence of sin has been removed from the universe. Are we safe to say this only means earth? Is God's view larger than ours? Does He vary how He operates with each world created, or is there a consistent harmony throughout all of creation?
While none of us have definite answers outside of guessing, this line of questions does lead us to an obvious conclusion doesn't it? Jesus prayed that all would be one as He and the Father are one, and I believe His prayer goes beyond the limits of this world. Doesn't Paul expand these limits in Eph 1:10?
Just sharing my current thoughts on this topic.
Don. The 10 Commandments only make sense as originating after God created Adam. Who else would the 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th commandments be for? The animals referred to therein were created the same day Adam was and the people referred to therein (servants, mother, father, neighbor) came only after creation.
God's law of love is eternal, the 10 Commandments came after creation.
Sabbath is not a principle, it a state of being in agreement with God. It is in essence the environment of heaven. The root word \'sabbatismos\' Heb 4:3,5,8,10 for REST means perfect harmony, agreement. Heaven, and Paradise, are in a state of REST - in Sabbatismos - with the will of God. Sin, in essence, brought \'UNREST\' lack of total conformity to the will of God.
In Ezekiel 28, Lucifer is said to have been in the \'Eden of God\', and it is therefore fair to conclude that the garden of Eden, and indeed the Sabbath day are extensions of the REST that permeates heaven.
At creation, in desiring fellowship with His creation, He Himself existing in timelessness, in Genesis 2:3, God STEPS INTO TIME to commune with His creation! What a privilege! God has ever since been faithfully observing the Sabbath, in coming to us to commune with us, shall we join Him in that rest?
Bill, I really appreciate your comment on this subject. I had not thought of it quite this way before, so I owe you a special thanks. 🙂
Yes, indeed, God exists in the eternal "now" and is not subject to the time constraints of this planet. He did step into our time to commune with us His creatures! What a demonstration of condescension and love - even before the cross!
The biblical account clearly ties the seventh-day Sabbath rest to this planet. When we speculate beyond that, we are likely to speculate amiss. For instance, the cycle of days is determined by the earth's rotation on its axis. Thus other planets in the universe with a different rotational cycle would not coordinate with earth days. In fact, even leaving out rotational cycle, just distance from this planet would create a problem in coordinating space seven-day cycles. Then, add to that the fact that it takes almost 48 hours for the Sabbath to make its journey around the earth from its first minute to its last, we can see that any Sabbath beyond this earth would likely have different time constraints. (Even on this earth, the Sabbath comes 17 hours earlier to Australia than it does to my home!)
Thus your reminder that Sabbath is first and foremost a state of being in agreement with God is helpful. For us, the weekly Sabbath is a weekly reminder and celebration of this rest.
To answer Robert's question: We may consider it likely that other worlds have such periodic reminders and celebrations as well. But we can only know for sure what God has revealed - and that is the seventh-day Sabbath for *this* planet.
In this set of verses we might conclude the Spirit and Breath of God as being the same thing(perhaps similar to Jesus calling Himself the Bread of Heaven?). It is possible that our understanding of the Holy Spirit(breath) is not as complete as some might think. We simply cannot define the Godhead in terms that accurately depict this entity fully. Is it a being? Is it some sort of power, like electricity or wind? Is it both? Something else?
It would seem presumptuous to be conclusive in defining the Spirit of God at this time with our limited understanding of the revelations given us in God's Word. However, I would feel justified in saying that we NEED this power/entity in our life in order to be found holy, as God is holy, and it is promised freely to all who ask in faith. Asking in faith is revealed by an entire surrender of the will to the will of God. In a word: repentance.
The activities of creation and recreation would be similar to having your car repaired after it was damaged. Restoring something to it's original form is the purpose and work of recreation. By our honoring of the Sabbath commandment, we are blessed, and acknowledge the work of God in our creation and redemption, which results in being restored to the Image of God in our character and in the promised future; glorified with immortality and all that goes with it.
Asking in faith is revealed by an entire surrender of the will to the will of God. In a word: repentance.
Ok thanx for that word, as I really was wondering how to surrender all, repentance, now I understand, I can do that.
Thanx Robert
Deuteronomy 32:11. The eagle here is depicted offering its protective care to its young; thus those born of the eagle and humble enough to remain in the nest. Those who will grow wings and fly about will not always be within this circle of protection. Thus we too after we are born of the Spirit must separate ourselves from the world. We cannot keep the fellowship of the world , participate in its pleasures and identify ourselves with its precepts and still be the sons of God. 2 Corinthians 6:17,18. The Holy Spirit though ever present with us will not force nor impose a decision against our will. The question is who will stand on the Lord's side in the presence of evil men and good men, in the presence of angels, in the presence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit will only work in those and with those who are willing and working themselves.
I am touched by the comments that are being made, May God strengthen us as we serve Him and with all our hearts, Blessing to every one for 2017,
I thinks sometimes we work too hard to make a case for the Holy Spirit when none is really necessary. In the OT references to God as a spirit, could it just be referring to God as one. I am sure that the three persons of the Godhead work together on most occasions and we don't benefit from assigning roles from rather tenuous references scattered through the Bible.
The Holy Spirit to me is one with God the Creator in the creation of Jesus came the person of the Holy Spirit which is the presence of our LORD Himself in spirit and truth to teach us after the fact when Jesus walk with man... Hopefully this will help someone today Amen.
DEUTERONOMY 32 VERSE 11 "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the LORD ...." takes us back to Genesis 1:1-2 where the important role played by the Holy Spirit at creation is described and we are reminded the fact that like God the Father and God the Son, the Holy Ghost pre-existed. At the time creation was to happen the Holy Spirit was hovering, fluttering over the dark, unorganized, world. He was encircling us, overseeing us, protecting us and hovering over us, in love! Here the Lord is portrayed as hovering, caring, protecting us. This is an example of the amazing parenting instinct God placed in the animals. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. HE SHALL COVER THEE WITH HIS FEATHERS, AND UNDER HIS WINGS SHALT THOU TRUST: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." Psalm 91:1-4
Wow, Robert Fournier, to quote you - 'The breath of God was the Spirit of God activating our being and when we die it is He that ascends to heaven and by nature return to what we really are dust.' has sent my head spinning because it answers for me some of my own thoughts of what we will be in heaven. I have always known we will have 'new' bodies, and could not accept an argument that there will be toilets in heaven because we will be eating a 'heavenly feast'.
Yes indeed life on earth is entirely different to life in heaven and we should never try to reconcile the two, and you have given me the perfect reason why. And also why we should pray for our enemies, because they have the same breath of life as we have, which is a gift of God.
Thank you, Godbless today - through the Holy Spirit, Mrs A Stolz.
The Lesson does not mention in Genesis 1:2, that the word Spirit, is the word "Ruach" in the Hebrew, and here simply means "wind".
Without being "of God", sure we could just assume it was windy. But "Spirit of God" is a different thing isn't it? For lack of a better term in language we could comprehend, this "breath" is much more than a breeze that might cause the trees to sway and the leaves rustle.
Wind inhaled has near magical properties for bringing energy and healing to a body that would otherwise perish while surrounded by winds. We need to inhale for any benefit from the wind. Yes, the Holy Spirit is like that, and so much more.
Its interesting to read Psalms 104:30 BUT in its context, starting in verse 24. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
"The psalmist here plainly says it is the Lord who "made them all" "
Beautifully backed up in previous chapters Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Hebrew - "breath" is ruach which is the same word translated "spirit" in Genesis 1:2
Isa 40:13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?
Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Wisest man ever lived in our world King Solomon ascribed creation to 2 People - Proverbs 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is HIS NAME, and what is HIS SON'S NAME, if thou canst tell? (Father & Son)
Sister White also ascribed creation to 2 people.(EGW, 1SP 24,25)
“After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose, which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in their own image. They had wrought together in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon it. And now God says to his Son, "Let us make man in our image."
Isn't it plain the plural "us" in genesis 1:26 applies to the Father speaking to is Son. Does "us" always mean more than 2?
Holy Spirit, Comforter, Spirit of Truth
- Compare John 16:13 to the verses below
* John 12:49,50
* John 14:10
* John 14:24
* John 8:28
* Revelation 1:1
“The Saviour is our Comforter” 8MR 49
“There is no Comforter like Christ” RH October 26, 1897
“He (Christ) is the Comforter” {RC 200.2}
“The Saviour is our Comforter. This I have proved Him to be” 19MR 293
“The reason why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. He has sought to shut Jesus from their view as the Comforter,” RH, August 26, 1890 par. 11
Jn 14:18, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
Yet Jesus spoke of the Comforter/Spirit of Truth/Holy Ghost as another entity, through whom He(Christ) would both speak to and dwell with us. It is also one of 3 names given by which all are to be baptized.
In Hebrews all 3 are identified as taking part in bringing salvation to this world(Heb 2:3.4).
This subject will exhaust our abilities quickly, but eternity will allow us to learn what we are now incapable of learning. What we can gather is that no means is spared to save sinners.