|
In order to build a strong sense of self and personal identity, not only do we have to know who we are, the focus of the previous page, WHO AM I REALLY? , we also need to know where we come from—our place in the big picture.
|
|
From Genesis to Revelation the message is clear...
The Bible is unequivocal about our origins:
Genesis 1:1-3
|
|
The universe was created by God and is held together by Him.
For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
[Colossians 1:16]
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
[Colossians 1:16]
CREATED ON PURPOSE
|
That our origins are in deliberate design rather than chance, is also displayed plainly throughout the universe.
We look at the order, symmetry, mathematical precision and design in the natural world, and it all points to a Skilled Architect. We look at the breath-taking beauty, splendour and glory in the landscape and wonder at the work of an Inspired Artist. We look at the minute detail invested in every living thing, and how everything fits together, and see evidence of an Intelligent Designer. |
|
We ignore these things at our peril. Belief in God as Creator is not an optional extra.
Romans 1:18-32 clearly teaches that God reveals Himself through nature. And it suggests that the refusal to recognise the Lord in Creation, and give thanks to Him as Creator, unleashes consequences which have far-reaching results in society. The last century has seen an unprecedented turning away from the belief in God as Creator, even among professing Christians. I believe this has had major consequences for the spiritual climate of our countries. |
It’s beyond the scope of this page to examine the theories of evolution, and compare them with arguments for creation*, because although I am convinced by the latter, the Bible clearly teaches it is primarily a faith issue rather than an intellectual one.
By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,
so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
[Hebrews 11:3]
so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
[Hebrews 11:3]
And a belief in creation as a deliberate act was clearly held by Jesus, the Word of God [Mark 10:6; 13:19].
WHY IS A BELIEF IN GOD AS CREATOR IMPORTANT?
|
Creation reveals the nature and glory of God. If we are tuned in, it is one of the means by which we can constantly be aware of His presence around us. It teaches us about Him and His ways. Creation fills our lives with blessings if we take time to notice. And our proper response of gratitude and thanksgiving is the path to joy.
If God is Creator, then the universe belongs to Him. He has a right to determine the laws and principles on which it runs, and the consequences when those laws are broken. If He is the God of all creation, we have to respond to Him—ignoring Him is not an option. Sadly we live in a marred world: mankind has rebelled against the Creator, and instead of stewarding the earth on behalf of our maker, we have given place instead to powers of evil, causing sickness, death and destruction to be unleashed. But if God is Creator, then He is still ultimately in charge. He is working out His plan of redemption for His wayward planet, and will have His way—this is the basis for the Gospel. And it is this which gives us hope and confidence in a dark and troubled world.
If God is Creator, then not one of us came about by chance, but each was divinely purposed. www.rhythmsofgraceuk.org/where-do-we-come-from.html Click to Tweet 
|
CONSIDER THIS...
If God is Creator, not one of us came about by chance, each was divinely purposed; therefore our lives have meaning. And if God created us in His image, it means we were set apart from the animal kingdom, with the unique purpose of communing with the Almighty.
Knowing that we were created on purpose is essential to the sense of self; it’s the foundation on which self-esteem is built. And what is more, the God of all creation knows every detail about us, and loves us passionately. Knowing that we were created on purpose is essential to the sense of self. www.rhythmsofgraceuk.org/where-do-we-come-from.html Click to Tweet |
We read in Genesis, that the world was ‘formless and void’; God spoke, and it became something beautiful, filled with life. As God is the same yesterday, today and forever, this is the basis for our certainty that He can, and will, speak over the chaos of our lives and our sick world, and bring forth something amazing—if we let Him.
Having a correct theology is not enough, we need an encounter with the God whose Person is revealed in the works of His hands, and whose Presence fills the universe. And there is only one appropriate response to that encounter: to bow before the Lord of all creation in thanksgiving, praise and worship. The Bible says that the whole of the universe lifts its voice in a song of praise, how can we then be silent?
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory."
[Isaiah 6:3]
[Isaiah 6:3]
A beautiful song from Brian Doerksen.
*RHYTHMS OF GRACE:
HEAR & RESPOND
Get really quiet inside before the Lord.
Centre your attention on Him and ask Him to speak to you.
*For an explanation of how the term, ‘rhythms of grace’, is used on this website, see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE..
Get really quiet inside before the Lord.
Centre your attention on Him and ask Him to speak to you.
*For an explanation of how the term, ‘rhythms of grace’, is used on this website, see the INTRODUCTION TO RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST AND PEACE..
MEET THE MAKER: STEPPING FROM THEOLOGY TO ENCOUNTER
How do we move from right belief to experience? The next page has some suggestions and resources.....
Click on the picture
|
*Those who wish to explore the scientific arguments for creation may find the book below a good starting point:
|
|
RHYTHMS OF GRACE: A JOURNEY INTO REST
[Photo credits: Greg Rakozy (night sky); Shawn Kennesey (butterfly); Simon Fitall (mountains);Sam Schooler (illuminated clouds) @ Unsplash, with thanks]