In the biblical narrative, the concept of "all living beings" encompasses the entirety of God's creation, including humans, animals, and other forms of life. The Bible presents a comprehensive view of life, emphasizing the divine origin, purpose, and interconnectedness of all living creatures.

Creation of Life

The account of creation in Genesis provides the foundational understanding of all living beings. Genesis 1:20-25 describes the creation of animals: "And God said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.' So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed, according to their kinds, and every bird of flight according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." This passage highlights the diversity and abundance of life, each according to its kind, as part of God's good creation.

Humanity's Unique Role

Humans hold a unique position among all living beings, as they are created in the image of God. Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This imago Dei confers a special status and responsibility upon humanity to steward and care for creation.

Dominion and Stewardship

The concept of dominion is further elaborated in Genesis 1:28 : "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a call to stewardship, reflecting God's care and order in creation.

The Fall and Its Impact

The fall of humanity introduced sin and death into the world, affecting all living beings. Romans 8:20-22 explains, "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." This passage underscores the interconnectedness of all life and the impact of human sin on the natural world.

Redemption and Restoration

The Bible also speaks of the ultimate redemption and restoration of all creation. In Revelation 21:1-4 , the vision of a new heaven and a new earth is presented: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"

The Value of Life

Throughout Scripture, the value of life is consistently affirmed. In Matthew 6:26 , Jesus teaches, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage highlights God's providential care for all living beings and the inherent value of life.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on all living beings is one of reverence, responsibility, and hope. It calls for a recognition of the divine origin and purpose of life, a commitment to stewardship, and an anticipation of the ultimate restoration of creation.