Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionGod, the Maker of all things, is a central figure in Christian theology, revered as the omnipotent Creator of the universe. This entry explores the biblical portrayal of God as the Creator, His attributes, and His relationship with creation, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible begins with the affirmation of God as the Creator: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (
Genesis 1:1). This foundational verse establishes God's preexistence and His sovereign act of creation. The narrative of
Genesis 1-2 details the orderly process by which God spoke the universe into existence, culminating in the creation of humanity in His own image (
Genesis 1:27).
Attributes of God as Creator1.
Omnipotence: God's power is evident in His ability to create ex nihilo, or out of nothing.
Psalm 33:6 declares, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." This underscores His unmatched power and authority over all creation.
2.
Wisdom: God's creation reflects His infinite wisdom.
Proverbs 3:19 states, "The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding." The complexity and order of the universe testify to His wise design.
3.
Sovereignty: As Creator, God exercises sovereign control over His creation.
Isaiah 45:12 affirms, "It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host."
4.
Goodness: The goodness of God is reflected in the goodness of His creation. After each act of creation, God saw that it was good (
Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25). The culmination of creation, humanity, was declared "very good" (
Genesis 1:31).
God's Relationship with Creation1.
Sustainer: God not only created the universe but also sustains it.
Colossians 1:17 reveals, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This ongoing involvement underscores His intimate relationship with creation.
2.
Redeemer: Despite the fall of humanity and the resulting corruption of creation, God remains committed to His creation.
Romans 8:20-21 speaks of creation's hope for redemption: "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."
3.
Revealer: Creation serves as a testament to God's existence and attributes.
Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse."
Humanity's Role in CreationAs the pinnacle of God's creation, humanity holds a unique position. Created in the image of God (
Genesis 1:27), humans are entrusted with stewardship over the earth.
Genesis 1:28 commands, "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 mandate reflects humanity's responsibility to care for and manage God's creation in accordance with His will.
ConclusionThe biblical portrayal of God as the Maker of all things emphasizes His power, wisdom, and goodness. His ongoing relationship with creation highlights His role as Sustainer, Redeemer, and Revealer. Humanity, created in His image, is called to steward the earth, reflecting God's character and purposes in the world.