Topical Encyclopedia Creation:The act of creation is a foundational theme in the Bible, where God is depicted as the sovereign Creator of the universe. The opening chapters of Genesis provide a detailed account of God's creative work, emphasizing His power, wisdom, and intentionality. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This verse sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative, affirming that all things originate from God and are sustained by His will. The Psalms frequently echo this theme, calling believers to praise God for His magnificent creation. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This verse highlights the idea that creation itself is a testament to God's majesty and serves as a constant reminder of His presence and power. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates the significance of creation in Romans 1:20 : "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." Here, Paul underscores the notion that creation reveals God's attributes, leaving humanity with a clear witness to His existence and character. Covenant: The concept of covenant is central to the biblical understanding of God's relationship with humanity. A covenant is a solemn agreement or promise, often initiated by God, that establishes a binding relationship between Him and His people. Throughout the Bible, God makes several covenants, each revealing different aspects of His character and His plan for redemption. One of the earliest covenants is with Noah, following the flood. In Genesis 9:11 , God promises, "I establish My covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." This covenant is marked by the sign of the rainbow, symbolizing God's mercy and faithfulness. The Abrahamic Covenant is another pivotal moment, where God promises Abraham descendants, land, and blessing. Genesis 12:2-3 records God's words: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenant underscores God's plan to bring blessing and redemption to all nations through Abraham's lineage. The Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, further reveals God's desire for a holy people. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This covenant establishes the law and sets Israel apart as God's chosen people. The New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Hebrews 8:10 quotes this promise: "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, believers enter into a new relationship with God, marked by grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Praise for Creation and Covenant: The response to God's creation and covenant is one of awe and worship. Believers are called to praise God for His creative power and His faithfulness in keeping His promises. Psalm 148:5 exhorts, "Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created." This call to worship is a recognition of God's authority and the beauty of His handiwork. Similarly, the faithfulness of God in His covenants inspires gratitude and praise. Psalm 105:8 reminds us, "He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations." This assurance of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises provides a foundation for trust and worship. In summary, the themes of creation and covenant are intertwined throughout Scripture, revealing God's power, faithfulness, and love. Believers are encouraged to respond with praise, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His gracious acts throughout history. Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) |