2013 Doctrines Series: #2 – Creation

The opening words of the Bible in Genesis 1:1 are, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  These words are echoed in the opening words of the Apostles’ Creed, “I believe in one God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
The belief that God created the universe is a common doctrine that should and does untie all Christians.  However, not all Christians agree about how God created the universe.
Genesis tells the story of God creating the universe in stages over six days.  Many Christian who wish to take the Bible literally believe that the universe was created in six literal 24 hour days.  I have nothing but the deepest respect for these folks and their high view of Scripture.
However, many other Christians would like to say that the six days of creation in Genesis are figurative of God creating in stages over time, perhaps even billions of years, rather the literal days.  The Hebrew word “yom” which is translated “day” in Genesis 1 can also be translated as “age,” or an unspecified period of time.  Many would even go so far as to say that God created through the process of evolution.  I also admire these Christians because they are trying to integrate their faith in God with the discoveries of science.
The point is that the belief that God created the universe is a basic tenant and doctrine of the Christian faith.  One simply cannot be a Christian without believing in creation.
However, the real meaning of the doctrine of creation does not have as much to do with stars and planets, rocks and trees, and birds, fish, and animals, as it does with human beings.  God created the whole universe just so he could create us.  Genesis 1:26-27 tells us that God created human beings in his imagine capable of love, wisdom, and creativity but also free to make our own choices.  (I will say more about this freedom of choice in a future article.)  And God does not stop with creating humanity in general; he creates each of us individually in his image.  Psalm 139:13 tells us that God knits us together in our mother’s womb.
God created us to be in a relationship with him, to love and worship him.  St. Augustine, who died in the year 430, said, “You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”
Also implied in the doctrine of creation is our responsibility to care for the creation.  In Genesis God creates Adam and Eve to care for the Garden of Eden.
In conclusion, God created the whole universe.  God especially created human beings in his image.  God created us to be in a relationship with him and to care for his creation.