Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 181:722 (Apr 2024)
Article: The Theme Of The Word Of God In Genesis 1 And Its Johannine Reflection
Author: Steven R. Coxhead

BSac 181:722 (April-June 2024) p. 181

The Theme Of The Word Of God In Genesis 1 And Its Johannine Reflection

Steven R. Coxhead

Steven R. Coxhead is a Research Assistant at Sydney Missionary and Bible College in New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

This article argues that the plot structure of Genesis 1:1–2:3 leads to identifying the main theme of chapter 1 as the life-giving power of the word of God. It also asserts that the way the incarnation of Christ is linked in John 1:1–18 and 1 John 1:1–2 with key motifs in Genesis 1 confirms the foundational importance of the theme of the word of God from a biblical-theological perspective.

Genesis 1 has been the primary battleground in the contentious debate over views of creation and evolution among Christians for many decades, but throughout this debate the theology of chapter 1 itself has frequently been overlooked. It will be argued below that chapter 1 presents readers with a key theme and an implied trajectory of God’s plan for the history of the world. The key theme of chapter 1 is that the word of God gives life. The presence and importance of this theme are confirmed by the Johannine reflection on the incarnation of Christ in John 1:1–18 and 1 John 1:1–2, which themselves draw on key motifs from Genesis 1.

Genesis 1:1 As A Mainline Narrative Clause

Before considering the important function of Genesis 1:2 in the flow of the narrative in 1:1–2:3, it is necessary to consider the function of 1:1 because there are four main interpretations of this verse’s function. The content of verse 1 has been taken either as a mainline narrative clause,1 a temporal phrase subordinate to verse

BSac 181:722 (April-June 2024) p. 182

2, 2 a temporal phrase subordinate to verse 3