This series offers an overview of the chief teachings of the Christian church.
When it comes to the question of origins, be it the existence of the universe, or planet earth, or the human race, the prevalent view for many is a belief in the theory of evolution. I say “belief” because evolution is not proven as indisputable fact. For that matter, neither is creation. While there is solid evidence to point persuasively in the direction of a Creator Who made all things, the Bible declares that creation is a matter of faith. “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)
One’s faith in creation is not based on a gut feeling or some logical conclusion drawn from the way plants, animals, and humans are so well designed. We have the reliable record of Genesis to explain what was made, when it was made, how it was made, and Who is directly responsible for the existence of all things visible and invisible. The first chapters of Scripture lay out in clear language the order of creation that God carried out in six twenty-four-hour days by simply speaking into existence what He chose to make. We can read Genesis 1-2 for more on how it all came to be “in the beginning”: God’s perfect creation of the universe, the earth, and everything on it, including our first human ancestors, who were made holy in the image of God. When God had finished His creation, all of it “was good.”
Other passages in Scripture testify to the truth of God’s creation as compelling reason to honor Him in worship. Give credit where credit is due, we say. The psalm writer says: “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. . . . Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” (Psalm 33:6, 8-9) God’s truth of creation beckons all people to “stand in awe” of Him. Sadly, the widely accepted view of evolution has led in the opposite direction, so that those who were made by God dare to deny Him as Creator and even deny His existence altogether.
As the Lord leads us to confess Him as Maker of heaven and earth and to trust His revealed record in Genesis, He leads us also to make His truth of creation quite personal in claiming the Psalmist’s words as our own: “You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
Such reverent knowledge of God as our personal Creator is never automatic. It is often excluded by selfish fixation on the things God made, viewing them as treasure pursued for our own misguided use. But the God Who made us is the God Who saved us. Though He did not create sin or death, He forged a plan before the world was made to take away our sin and lead us from death into life. Note how the Gospel of John and the Epistle to the Hebrews both begin with Jesus in His divine role as Creator. As the Word Who was with God and was God, as the Son of God sent by God, Jesus would rescue His fallen people by entering the world He made and dying for the people He made. Praise be to the Shepherd Who not only created His sheep, but also was for us the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8)
Steven Sippert is a professor at Immanuel Lutheran College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.