The concept of "good" in the Bible is foundational, reflecting God's nature and His intentions for creation. The declaration of "good" is first introduced in the Genesis account of creation, where God evaluates His work.

Creation and the Declaration of Good

In the opening chapter of Genesis, the term "good" is repeatedly used to describe God's creation. Genesis 1:4 states, "And God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." This pattern continues throughout the creation narrative, with God declaring various aspects of His creation as "good" (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25). The culmination of this declaration is found in Genesis 1:31 : "And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good."

The repeated use of "good" signifies not only the quality and order of creation but also its alignment with God's perfect will and purpose. The declaration of "very good" at the completion of creation underscores the harmony and completeness of God's work before the fall of man.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical concept of "good" extends beyond the physical creation to encompass moral and ethical dimensions. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for good, "tov," is often used to describe actions, intentions, and outcomes that align with God's commandments and character. For example, Micah 6:8 states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In the New Testament, the Greek word "agathos" is used similarly. Jesus, in His teachings, emphasizes the importance of goodness as a reflection of God's nature. In Matthew 19:17 , Jesus says, "Why do you ask Me about what is good? There is only One who is good." This statement highlights that true goodness is rooted in God Himself.

The Role of Good in Redemption

The declaration of "good" also plays a significant role in the narrative of redemption. The fall of man introduced sin and corruption into the world, distorting the original "good" creation. However, God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ aims to restore creation to its intended state. Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

This promise reflects the ultimate restoration of "good" in the new creation, as described in Revelation 21:1-4 , where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

Practical Application for Believers

For believers, the declaration of "good" serves as a guide for living a life that honors God. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This verse emphasizes that believers are called to reflect God's goodness through their actions and character.

The pursuit of good is also a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." This passage encourages believers to cultivate goodness as evidence of the Spirit's work in their lives.

In summary, the declaration of "good" in the Bible is a profound affirmation of God's perfect creation, His moral and ethical standards, and His redemptive plan for humanity. It serves as a foundational concept that informs the believer's understanding of God's nature and their calling to live in accordance with His will.