The concept of the "Beginning of Time" in the Bible is primarily rooted in the opening chapters of Genesis, where the creation narrative unfolds. This foundational event is pivotal in understanding the biblical worldview of the universe's origin, the nature of God, and the place of humanity within creation.

Creation Narrative

The Bible begins with the profound declaration in Genesis 1:1 : "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse establishes God as the eternal, pre-existent Creator who initiates the cosmos. The phrase "In the beginning" marks the commencement of time as we understand it, distinguishing the created order from the eternal nature of God.

The six-day creation account in Genesis 1 details the sequential formation of the universe, culminating in the creation of humanity. Each day is marked by the phrase "And there was evening, and there was morning," indicating a structured passage of time. The narrative emphasizes God's sovereign command, as seen in Genesis 1:3 : "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This divine fiat underscores the power and authority of God's word in bringing forth creation.

Theological Implications

The beginning of time as described in Genesis is not merely a chronological starting point but a theological statement about God's relationship with creation. It affirms God's transcendence and immanence—He is both above and beyond the universe and intimately involved in its formation and sustenance.

The creation account also introduces the concept of order and purpose. The structured sequence of creation days reflects a deliberate design, countering ancient Near Eastern myths of chaotic origins. Genesis 1:31 concludes the creation week with God's assessment: "And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." This pronouncement highlights the inherent goodness and intentionality of the created world.

Humanity's Role

The creation of humanity on the sixth day is a climactic event, underscoring the unique role of humans in God's plan. Genesis 1:26-27 states: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Being made in the image of God confers dignity and responsibility upon humanity. Humans are appointed as stewards of creation, tasked with reflecting God's character and exercising dominion over the earth. This stewardship is a central theme in the biblical narrative, shaping the ethical and moral framework within which humanity operates.

The Sabbath Rest

The seventh day, described in Genesis 2:2-3 , introduces the concept of the Sabbath: "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath rest signifies the completion and perfection of creation, setting a pattern for human rest and worship.

The Sabbath is a reminder of God's provision and the need for humans to cease from labor, acknowledging their dependence on the Creator. It serves as a perpetual sign of the covenant between God and His people, later enshrined in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).

New Testament Reflections

The New Testament reaffirms the themes of creation and the beginning of time, particularly in the writings of John and Paul. John 1:1-3 echoes Genesis with its opening words: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage identifies Jesus Christ as the divine Logos, the agent of creation, emphasizing His pre-existence and active role in the universe's formation.

Paul, in Colossians 1:16-17 , further elaborates on Christ's supremacy: "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This Christocentric view of creation underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, affirming the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The biblical account of the beginning of time is foundational to understanding the nature of God, the purpose of creation, and humanity's role within it. It establishes a framework for interpreting the rest of Scripture, providing insights into God's character, the order of the universe, and the ultimate goal of creation.