Genesis Series Part 1: The Earth Formless and Empty

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The book of Genesis contains profound meaning about God’s creation of the world. When a musician composes music, a painter creates a picture, or a poet writes a poem, they do not just create randomly. Rather, they express the world that already exists in their hearts through sound, words, or images. Likewise, when someone makes an object—like a radio or a clock—they first form an idea of it in their mind before they bring it into physical reality. In the same way, God created the heavens and the earth. Before God created the world, He already conceived it in His heart.

Today, many people claim to believe in Jesus and attend church diligently, but not many truly understand God’s heart and live in a way that pleases Him. Only when we understand God’s heart can we live a life that satisfies Him.

As I read the Bible, I want to share how God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:2 says, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Before God created flowers, apples, bananas, and all things, the world was formless, empty, and covered in deep darkness. Nothing orderly could be found on such earth.

In the Bible, “earth” often symbolizes the human heart. When God created man, He took a handful of dust, formed a man from it, and breathed life into his nostrils. The apostle Paul said, “We have this treasure in jars of clay.” Here, the treasure refers to Christ, and the jar of clay refers to humans made from dust. Ecclesiastes also says, “Remember Him—before the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecc. 12:7). The “dust” here refers to the human body.

So, when the Bible says “the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep,” it certainly describes the state of the earth before creation; but it also expresses the condition of the human heart. Each person has a heart of their own, yet the condition of that heart is often just like the earth described in Genesis 1:2.

Although the earth in Genesis 1:2 was formless, empty, and dark, God created beautiful flowers, made plants bear fruit, and filled the land with singing birds and roaming animals. He transformed the earth into a beautiful paradise. In the same way, God desires to transform the hearts of those who are confused, empty, and living in deep darkness.

Many people receive fine education, acquire culture, earn money, build beautiful homes, create lovely gardens and swimming pools, or gain power and prestige. But if God does not work within their hearts, those hearts remain confused, empty, and deeply dark. A human heart in such a state can never escape on its own—no matter what the world offers, the heart stays empty and unsatisfied. Without God, even wealth, education, or high status cannot fill the emptiness. Even if one lives in a beautiful home with a lovely spouse, the heart can still remain void. Worldly things may seem to fill us for a moment, but eventually, it is like pouring water into a bottomless jar.

However, when Jesus Christ begins to work in someone's heart and God’s grace enters, that person inevitably changes. Darkness fades, and the heart becomes orderly, bright, and beautiful.

I preached God’s Word for many years in Suwon Prison. One of the inmates had been imprisoned for killing his sister-in-law out of hatred, and he had planned to kill two more people before being caught. He had once lived happily with his wife, but eventually his sister-in-law began taking his wife to nightclubs and teaching her to dance, causing severe conflict in his home. Fights broke out, and in a fit of rage, he stabbed and killed her. Even in prison, he could not let go of his resentment and hatred. He repeatedly vowed, “Once I get out of here, I will kill the others too.” His hatred never disappeared.

But one day, the gospel of Jesus Christ entered his heart. He heard that Jesus truly loved him. He learned that Jesus had died on the cross not only to wash away all his sins, but that Jesus still loved him even at that very moment. As he accepted God’s Word, his heart began to change. His hatred and resentment turned into gratitude and joy.

Before, he tried hard to appear well-behaved so he could become a model inmate and be released early to carry out his revenge. He lived hypocritically to accomplish his purpose. But now, in Christ, he became completely different. He genuinely came to love others, and he felt deeply that Jesus truly loved him. He eventually became a model inmate and was granted parole. His family, terrified that he might come out, even submitted a petition asking the prison not to release him.

After ten years in prison, he was released by God’s grace. Instead of going elsewhere, he went straight to a church. He served there, worked washing cars, and lived faithfully. Seeing his transformed life, the pastor helped him find a job and even arranged a marriage. Today, he has become a truly happy man.

There is no one who cannot change when the precious love of God enters their heart. Is your heart confused? Empty? Do you feel you are in darkness with no joy or hope? Look to God. The God who transformed the dark, formless earth into a beautiful world desires to transform your heart today.

Even if your heart is confused, empty, or dark, when you come to God—seeking, calling, and relying on Him—He will renew your heart. I have seen countless people changed by believing in God.

God is your hope. Seek Him. Call on Him. Depend on Him. Perhaps you have been disappointed by a church, hurt by someone in the church, or wounded by deception. Even so, God still desires to work in your confused, empty, and dark heart and bring true transformation.