And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness.... Genesis 1:14-19 ESV
When God created the Earth, it was formless, empty, and dark. On the first day of God’s creation plan, there was no sign of light. Then, God created light by speaking it into existence. The first words that God spoke, known to us, were about “the light.” This is significant because it represents God’s nature as light. (1 John 1:5)
After God created light, Moses tells us that on the second and third days of creation, God made the heavens, dry land, seas, vegetation, seeds, and fruits. On the fourth day, He created two great lights: the Sun for the day and the moon and stars for the night (Genesis 1:14-19). A thoughtful reader might stop here and ask themselves, “If God created the Sun and moon on the fourth day, what was the source of light on the first day?” This question is only a problem for those who do not understand the nature of God.
The very first words God of the universe spoke, that is known to us is of “the light”.
Many theologians and apologists have attempted to answer the question of the source of light on the first day of creation, as the Bible does not provide a direct answer. While the validity of their arguments may be debated, it is significant that it highlights that God does not require a source to create light, as He is the light (John 8:12). The mystery of the source of light in Genesis 1 may be further explained through John’s vision of the magnificent city in Revelation 21:22-27, in which he describes a city that needs no sun or moon to shine on it, as the glory of God provides its light and its lamp is the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ (John 1:29).
Since God is light and darkness cannot dwell in him, the first thing he did in creation was to separate light from the darkness (Gen 1:4). This concept is also reflected in the city of God as described by John, where its gates will never be shut and there will be no night (darkness) (Rev 21:25). This serves as a reminder that God’s presence is the source of light and he has overcome darkness.
The prospect of entering the city of God, as described by John, with its gates always open and no night, is a truly awe-inspiring and glorious experience. For those who were once lost in darkness, God has led them out of darkness and into his marvelous light, making them members of his royal priesthood to proclaim his greatness (1 Peter 2:9). In response to this gracious act of God, one can only respond with humility, adoration, and worship.
