Did God make a mistake by creating the plants before creating the sun? Everyone knows that the sun is needed for photosynthesis and heat. How could the Creator of the universe make such an error? Or,,, maybe He didn’t.

First of all, we must realize that Genesis chapter 1 was peer reviewed by Jesus and He accepted it as is; therefore, these Scriptures are correct; vegetation was created on day three (Genesis 1:11-13), and the sun was created on day four (Genesis 1:14-19). So, how does this make sense?

Point one: Photosynthesis and heat were not lacking on day 3 since light was created on day 1.

Genesis 1:3  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Genesis 1:5  And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. (KJV)

Therefore, on day three there was no shortage of light or heat; it’s just that the source was not the sun; it was Jesus.

John 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (KJV Jesus’ words in red)

Point two: At the end of the age, again, there will be light, but no sun. This is clearly stated in the Bible concerning the New Jerusalem:

Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (KJV)

So, concerning the question, “Why did God create the plants before the sun?” the answer is: the sequence of creation of the sun and plant life doesn’t matter, but it highlights what is important, and that is that Jesus is the eternal source of light. So, what is the purpose of the sun? The Bible tells us it is to rule the day, and it is for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years (Genesis 1:14-16). The sun is an important element in the creation, but it is temporal. It supplies light for our brief sojourn here on earth, but one day the sun will cease from shining and Jesus will provide us with not only our physical light needs, but also our spiritual light needs. Jesus is the Light.

Recommended additional reading:

Genesis 1 and 2 Agreement or Contradiction?

Keywords: Jesus is the light; Jesus light; purpose of light; creation of light; creation sequence; creation sequencing; creation of light