Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the ultimate power and sovereignty of God over all creation. This concept is foundational in the Bible, where God is depicted as the supreme ruler and lawgiver. The authority of God is evident from the very first verse of the Bible: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This statement establishes God as the Creator, affirming His authority over the universe.

Throughout Scripture, God's authority is demonstrated through His commands, covenants, and interactions with humanity. In the Old Testament, God's authority is revealed through His covenant with Israel, where He declares, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Exodus 20:2). This declaration precedes the giving of the Ten Commandments, underscoring God's right to establish moral and ethical standards for His people.

The New Testament continues to affirm God's authority, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses divine authority, as seen in His teachings and miracles. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus proclaims, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" . This statement emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Christ's authority, which extends over all creation and is central to the Great Commission.

Creation

The doctrine of creation is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, affirming that God is the originator of all that exists. The account of creation is primarily found in the opening chapters of Genesis, where God creates the world in six days and rests on the seventh. The repeated phrase "And God said" (Genesis 1:3) highlights the power of God's word in bringing the universe into existence.

Creation is not only an act of divine power but also of divine wisdom and order. The intricate design and harmony of the natural world reflect God's wisdom, as expressed in Proverbs 3:19: "The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding" . This wisdom is further celebrated in the Psalms, where the psalmist declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1).

The New Testament reaffirms the doctrine of creation, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Colossians 1:16, Paul writes, "For in Him all things were created, things 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" . This passage not only attributes creation to Christ but also emphasizes its purpose: to glorify God.

The doctrine of creation also has implications for humanity's relationship with God and the world. Humans, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), are called to steward the earth responsibly, reflecting God's character and authority. This stewardship is a divine mandate, as seen 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'" .

In summary, divine authority and creation are intertwined themes that underscore God's sovereignty, wisdom, and purpose in the universe. Through His authoritative word, God brought the world into being, and through His ongoing authority, He sustains and governs all things.