1. Is the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2 both literal and historical?

The elements contained in the Genesis Creation story are not merely symbolic or metaphorical; they are an accurate account of the way God created the world for its inhabitants, both animal and human. The author of Genesis refers to literal 24-hour days, each with its night and day, culminating with the seventh-day Sabbath. This was the original model for the unit of time known as the seven-day week.JTL12 1.6

The Creation narrative also serves as an introduction to the history of the plan of salvation, which is the theme of Scripture. We see this premise repeated throughout the Old Testament as other passages follow the general outline of Genesis 1. (See Psalm 8, 19, 104; Jeremiah 32:17).JTL12 2.1

Likewise, we have a responsibility to preserve God’s creation. Earth’s resources are His handiwork. We must care for the environment that He so tenderly and lovingly created for us. God made us stewards over this planet’s created works (Genesis 1:28).JTL12 2.2