What is the spiritual significance of Genesis chapter 1?

Answer 1

Genesis chapter 1, together with chapter 2:1-4a, forms the first creation story and was written by the Priestly Source, based on the creation story he encountered in Babylon. It demonstrates the creative power of God more effectively than the much older Yahwist creation story (Genesis 2:4b-2:20), because it talks of God creating the firmament and the heavenly bodies above, something missing from the second creation story.

By having God create the heavenly bodies, the story demonstrates that they are dependent on God alone and are not the symbols of other gods, nor do they represent the presence of other gods. This story is much more attuned to monotheism than the second creation story.

For more information, please visit: http://christianity.answers.com/theology/the-story-of-creation