The God of Creation: Truth and Gospel in Genesis 1 by Richard D. Philiips is a delightful little book published by Evangelical Press (EP Books). Let me briefly explain why this is a book that I highly recommend.
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The God of Creation: Truth and Gospel in Genesis 1
First of all, Dr. Phillips is an excellent teacher and Bible expositor. He is able to articulate difficult truths so that anybody can understand them, and this book is certainly proof of that. It is true that the conversations on Genesis and creation can get quite complicated, but Phillips has provided the church with an excellent book that all can understand.
Second, the content of this book is simply excellent! There are many books on creation and/or Genesis on my bookshelves, but this is by far one of my favorite books on these topics. Far from being a book that is merely trying to win an argument, Phillips leads the reader to a place of worship of the glorious Creator God that we find in Genesis.
Chapters 2 and 3 will stir up your affections for our Creator as he examines Who this God is that we are introduced to in Genesis.
Chapter 4 examines the relationship between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. He interacts with Thomas Chalmer’s “gap theory” which became widely taught via dispensationalism’s famous Schofield Study Bible.
We see the Trinitarian nature of creation and some great discussion on the Gospel in chapter 5.
Chapter six, on the days of creation, is probably the chapter that most people want to jump to right away. This is where we get into the meat of the debate over Genesis and creation. Phillips handles this section masterfully, providing a brief but substantive treatment on the differing views of the days of creation, providing weaknesses to those views which deny a literal, 24-hour meaning of the Hebrew term yom (day).
The remainder of the book is dedicated to examination of the six days of creation, and even a chapter on the seventh day when God rested. Phillips managed to accomplish much in under 200 pages.
Third, this book covers a lot of terrain (as you can see from above). But I can’t say this enough: Phillips obviously wants the reader to keep both eyes on the glory of God, and he will remind you of God’s worthiness of all our worship. This book is so much more than a bare explanation of creation. Will you better comprehend Genesis 1? Absolutely! But will you likewise find an even greater appreciation and love for the Creator God? Yes and amen!
I am grateful for this book, and I gladly commend it to you. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Evangelical Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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