This series offers a brief articulation of the often puzzling beliefs of Christians, and why they believe what they do. The goal is to provide clarity to the Bible and explain its teachings about certain subjects. The hope is that you, the reader, will come to perceive Christianity with a deeper understanding into the mysteries and counsels of God, and to know the joy and love that is faith in Jesus Christ the Lord.
How did the universe and all that is in it come into being? How was the world created? What is its purpose?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). All things, in heaven and earth, were created by God and for God. In this terminology, heaven could describe what we call space. We know that God certainly had beauty and power in mind when He created the universe.
Just look at its grandeur: countless galaxies and stars fill the night sky, colossal destruction in events of supernovas and black holes, colors of every imagining that give radiance to the black void and laws that govern every property and dimension of its mesmerizing existence.
When was this beginning? Christians don’t, and shouldn’t, assume they know. The Bible gives a narrative account of creation, specifically of the earth, that lasts from Genesis 1:1 through 2:3.
In this narrative, God created the heavens and the earth in seven days. It isn’t certain if these are seven literal days or figurative days, as this is account functions as a narrative, not a scientific account of Gods creation. Thus, it is no threat to the Christian faith how scientists interpret the available data.
The author of Genesis simply does not think it was essential to faith that we know the exact time frame or scientific workings of God in creating the world and universe.
What is certain, however, is that God created—that He created out of nothing and that He spoke all things into existence.
When Christians describe God's act of creating, they use the Latin term “ex nihilo,” meaning “out of nothing.” God used nothing pre-existent to create existence.
The reason that this is stressed is to demonstrate the power of God. It would be ordinary for nature to produce something from something that already exists; just as a seed produces a tree, or a musician requires an instrument to make music. God, though, demonstrates His almighty power through creating without restraint from preexisting matter or law.
In His infinite power, God willed the universe into existence, and by speaking, it was so. “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Consider the magnificence He put into this world: He made land adorned with its grass, trees, flowers, and mountains; He strengthened the earth with metal and rock of every color and texture; He filled the separations of land with vast seas of water, bringing life of every imagining to its depths; He painted the skies and horizons with beauty, and decorated the world with sights of wonder; and He instilled mystery into the workings of nature, secrets beyond understanding and others for us to discover.
Just imagine the intricacies and marvels He placed throughout the universe, with its countless number of galaxies and systems and stars.
God is not part of His creation. He is independent of it and neither does He need it. Yet with His own design, He created it, and He involves Himself in its workings.
All this, however, was made to give God glory: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
Moreover, because of creation, He is worthy of glory: ““Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 4:11).
God, though, does not need glory from His creation. All glory, honor, and power has been His for all of eternity. He created to demonstrate His power, His goodness, and to delight in what was created. Thus, we as God’s creation should also delight in His handiwork, and in doing so, give praise to the One who made all things.
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).
