The concept of the environment in the Bible encompasses the natural world created by God, including the earth, seas, skies, and all living creatures. The Scriptures provide a framework for understanding humanity's relationship with the environment, emphasizing stewardship, responsibility, and the recognition of God's sovereignty over creation.

Creation and the Natural World

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God forms the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The creation narrative highlights the order and intentionality of God's work, culminating in the creation of humanity, who is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27). The environment is depicted as "very good" (Genesis 1:31), reflecting God's perfect design.

Human Stewardship

Humanity's role in relation to the environment is established in Genesis 1:28, where God commands Adam and Eve, "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 implies a responsibility to govern and care for creation, exercising dominion in a way that reflects God's character and purposes.

The concept of stewardship is further emphasized in Genesis 2:15, where God places Adam in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." This indicates that humans are to cultivate and maintain the environment, ensuring its health and productivity.

The Fall and Its Impact

The fall of humanity introduced sin into the world, affecting not only human relationships but also the environment. Genesis 3:17-19 describes the curse on the ground, resulting in thorns and thistles and the toil required to produce food. The harmony between humanity and creation is disrupted, leading to environmental challenges and degradation.

God's Sovereignty and Provision

Despite the impact of sin, the Bible affirms God's ongoing sovereignty and provision for the environment. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse underscores God's ownership and care for creation, reminding believers of their accountability to Him.

The natural world is also portrayed as a testament to God's power and wisdom. 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." The environment serves as a revelation of God's attributes, calling humanity to worship and reverence.

Environmental Ethics and Responsibility

The Bible encourages ethical treatment of the environment, advocating for justice and compassion in its use. Proverbs 12:10 notes, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This suggests a moral obligation to treat animals and, by extension, the environment with care and respect.

The principle of Sabbath rest, as outlined in Exodus 23:10-11, also extends to the land, allowing it to lie fallow every seventh year. This practice reflects a recognition of the land's need for renewal and the importance of sustainable practices.

Eschatological Hope

The Bible offers an eschatological hope for the restoration of creation. Romans 8:19-21 speaks of creation's eager expectation for liberation from its "bondage to decay" and its participation in the "glorious freedom of the children of God." This future renewal is further depicted in Revelation 21:1, where John envisions "a new heaven and a new earth," signifying the ultimate redemption and restoration of the environment.

In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of the environment, emphasizing God's creation, human stewardship, the impact of sin, and the hope of future restoration. Believers are called to honor God through responsible care and management of the natural world, reflecting His character and purposes in their interactions with the environment.Genesis 1:1-31
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
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Genesis 2:1-25
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
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Isaiah 38:8
Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.
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2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.
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