In Genesis 1:7 we have recorded for us this short and powerful phrase: “And it was so.” The finality in this verse reminds me of God’s declaration in Isaiah 46:9-11, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” This raises an important question to consider, though: If God is all powerful and His purpose is always accomplished, why are things contrary to God’s nature allowed in this world? Why is there evil? If nothing happens apart from God’s will, then why do people suffer senseless acts of violence and cruelty? To answer this question, let us begin with looking at who God is.

“In the beginning—” is the very first phrase recorded in the Bible, but how often do we take time to consider the importance of the account it begins? It is difficult to imagine, but there was a point in time where time itself began. There was and is also existence outside of time: God just is, and He created all that has been and all that will ever be. It is also difficult to picture the earth formless and empty. Not only did God create the material we see, but more than that, He created the very concept of physical existence.