Topical Encyclopedia The concept of Creation in the Bible refers to the act of God bringing the universe and all its contents into existence. The foundational account of Creation is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 1 and 2. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse establishes God as the sovereign Creator, who, by His word, brought forth everything from nothing (ex nihilo).The Creation narrative unfolds over six days, with God creating light, the sky, land, vegetation, celestial bodies, sea creatures, birds, land animals, and finally, humanity. Genesis 1:27 declares, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse highlights the unique status of human beings, made in the image of God, with the capacity for relationship with Him and stewardship over the earth. The seventh day is marked by God resting, setting a precedent for the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2-3). The Creation account emphasizes the order, intentionality, and goodness of God's work, as each stage is pronounced "good" by God (Genesis 1:31). Throughout Scripture, Creation is a testament to God's power and divine nature. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." The New Testament reaffirms God's role as Creator, with John 1:3 stating, "Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made," referring to the pre-incarnate Christ as the agent of Creation. New Creation The concept of New Creation in the Bible refers to the transformative work of God through Jesus Christ, bringing about a renewed existence for believers and ultimately for the entire cosmos. This theme is central to the New Testament and is closely associated with the redemptive work of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 articulates the personal aspect of New Creation: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This verse underscores the radical transformation that occurs in the life of a believer, where the old sinful nature is replaced by a new nature in Christ. The New Creation is not limited to individual transformation but extends to the entire universe. Romans 8:19-21 speaks of creation's eager expectation for liberation from its "bondage to decay" and its participation in the "freedom of the glory of the children of God." This cosmic renewal is further depicted in Revelation 21:1 , where John describes a vision of "a new heaven and a new earth," signifying the ultimate restoration and perfection of all things. The New Creation is inaugurated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18), indicating His preeminence in the new order. Believers, through faith in Christ, participate in this New Creation, experiencing spiritual renewal and the hope of future resurrection. The New Creation theme emphasizes God's ongoing work in redeeming and restoring His creation, culminating in a future where sin, death, and suffering are eradicated, and God's presence is fully realized among His people. Subtopics Creation by Faith we Believe, to be God's Work Creation: A Subject of Joy to Angels Creation: Daily Renewal of Saints Creation: Effected by the Command of God Creation: Effected by the Holy Spirit Creation: Effected for God's Pleasure Creation: Effected in Six Normal Days Creation: Effected in the Beginning Creation: Effected: According to God's Purpose Creation: Exhibits: God As the Sole Object of Worship Creation: Exhibits: The Deity of God Creation: Exhibits: The Glory and Handiwork of God Creation: Exhibits: The Goodness of God Creation: Exhibits: The Power of God Creation: Exhibits: The Wisdom of God Creation: God Rested From, on the Seventh Day Creation: God to be Praised For Creation: Groans Because of Sin Creation: Insignificance of Man Seen From Creation: Order of Fifth Day, Making Birds, Insects, and Fishes Creation: Order of First Day, Making Light and Dividing It from Darkness Creation: Order of Fourth Day, Placing the Sun, Moon, and Stars to Give Light, Creation: Order of Second Day, Making the Firmament or Atmosphere, Creation: Order of Sixth Day, Making Beasts of the Earth, and Man Creation: Order of Third Day, Separating the Land from the Water, and Making Creation: Renewal of the Earth Creation: The Formation of Things Which had No Previous Existence Related Terms First-begotten (2 Occurrences) |