In the Beginning God Created
Prepared by: Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

The Sixth Day of Creation and the Crown of God's Work

As we continue studying the days of creation, the sixth day stands out as the most remarkable. Not only were the land animals made on this day, but it was the day when God created man—the pinnacle of His creation. The account in Genesis 1:24–31 is brief, yet profound. God declares all He made was “very good.” Everything—plants, sea creatures, birds, and now land animals—was made perfectly and for a purpose. The creation was not haphazard. It was intentional, orderly, and complete.

God created cattle (larger domesticated animals), creeping things (insects, reptiles, small creatures), and the beasts of the earth (wild animals). He made them each “according to its kind.” This phrase shows us that God created them with distinction, boundaries, and reproductive capability only within their kind—a biblical concept broader than the modern word “species.”

But the sixth day wasn’t just about land animals. The true crowning act came next: God created mankind. Genesis 1:26–27 reveals that humans were made in the image of God. This is not a physical resemblance, because God is spirit (John 4:24). Instead, this means we were created with a spiritual nature—a soul, capable of reasoning, morality, love, creativity, and relationship. No other creature was given this divine likeness.

God said, “Let Us make man in Our image,” referencing the plural nature of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity and consultation within the divine nature highlight the special place of mankind in creation. Humans alone are made in God’s image. Animals, plants, and all other life forms were not. We are unique because we have a spirit formed within us (Zechariah 12:1), and we are called to be subject to God, living in relationship with Him.

Man was also given dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:5–8). This authority was not given to exploit but to steward and govern creation responsibly. As God’s representatives on earth, mankind is to care for the world He made.

In Genesis 1:29–30, we learn that the original diet for both humans and animals was entirely plant-based. Meat was not permitted until after the flood (Genesis 9:3–4). This reinforces that God designed a peaceful and sustainable system from the beginning.

Finally, God saw everything He had made and declared it “very good.” That includes you and me. When He made humans, He made us sinless, pure, and holy (Ephesians 4:24). But eventually, each one of us sins (Romans 3:23), and thus we need reconciliation. That reconciliation is made possible only through the blood of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15–20).

Each of us has an eternal soul. From conception onward, we are living souls made in God’s image. That’s why life is sacred and abortion is wrong—it destroys a soul that God formed. Our spirits will live somewhere forever: either in eternal life or everlasting destruction. God gives us that choice, and Christ made the way to return to Him possible. Will you choose life?

Sermon Outline: In the Beginning God Created

1. Creation of Land Animals (Genesis 1:24–25)
   • Cattle (domesticated), creeping things (small creatures), and wild beasts
   • Each created “according to its kind”
2. Man: The Crowning Creation (Genesis 1:26–27)
   • Created in God’s image—not physical, but spiritual
   • Reflects God’s nature: reason, morality, relationship
3. Plural Nature of God in Creation
   • “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26)
   • Evidence of Father, Son, and Spirit acting together
4. Man Given Dominion (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:5–8)
   • Authority to rule over all living things
   • Stewardship, not exploitation
5. Original Diet: Plant-Based (Genesis 1:29–30; Psalm 104:14–15)
   • All life forms were originally herbivorous
   • Changed after the flood (Genesis 9:3–4)
6. Man Has an Eternal Spirit (Zechariah 12:1; Hebrews 12:9)
   • Uniquely spiritual nature distinguishes mankind
   • The soul lives forever
7. Sin, Reconciliation, and the Need for Redemption (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:15–20)
   • Created sinless but all eventually sin
   • Redemption only through Jesus’ blood
8. The Sanctity of Life and Soul (Psalm 139:13–16)
   • Life begins at conception
   • Abortion destroys a soul made by God
9. God’s Creation Was “Very Good” (Genesis 1:31)
   • Everything was perfect, including mankind
   • God’s creation reflected His glory and wisdom
10. Call to Action
    • You were made in God’s image. He gave you a soul.
    • Choose to honor your Creator by submitting to His plan of salvation.
    • Be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and restored to fellowship with God.

Scripture References:

• Genesis 1:24–31 – Creation of land animals and mankind
• Genesis 9:3–4 – Permission to eat meat after the flood
• Zechariah 12:1 – God forms the spirit of man
• Hebrews 12:9 – God is the Father of spirits
• Ephesians 4:24 – Man created in true righteousness and holiness
• Psalm 8:5–8 – Man given dominion over creation
• Psalm 104:14–15 – Plant life given for food
• Colossians 1:15–20 – Christ’s role in creation and reconciliation
• John 4:24 – God is spirit
• Romans 3:23 – All have sinned
• 1 John 1:7–9 – Continued cleansing by Christ’s blood
• Psalm 139:13–16 – God’s intimate formation of life in the womb
• Matthew 19:4 – Jesus affirms God created them male and female