The phrase "every creature" in the Bible often signifies the entirety of God's creation, encompassing all living beings. This concept is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and His role as the Creator of all things. The term is used in various contexts throughout Scripture, highlighting different aspects of God's relationship with His creation.

Creation and Dominion

In the Genesis account, God creates the heavens and the earth, culminating in the creation of living creatures. Genesis 1:24-25 states, "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so." Here, "every creature" refers to the diversity and abundance of life that God brought into existence.

God grants humanity dominion over these creatures, as seen in Genesis 1:28 : "God blessed them and said to them, '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 moves on the ground.'" This dominion is a stewardship responsibility, reflecting humanity's role in caring for God's creation.

The Fall and Redemption

The fall of man introduced sin into the world, affecting all of creation. Romans 8:20-22 describes how creation was subjected to frustration and is in a state of longing 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."

The redemptive work of Christ extends to all creation. Colossians 1:15-20 emphasizes Christ's preeminence and His role in reconciling all things: "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."

Proclamation of the Gospel

The Great Commission includes the mandate to preach the gospel to "every creature." Mark 16:15 records Jesus' command: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This underscores the universal scope of the gospel message, intended for all humanity and reflecting God's desire for all to come to repentance.

Worship and Praise

Scripture also depicts "every creature" as participating in the worship of God. Revelation 5:13 provides a vision of universal praise: "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!'"

This imagery reflects the ultimate purpose of creation: to glorify God. Every creature, in its existence and through its praise, testifies to the majesty and sovereignty of the Creator.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of "every creature" encompasses the entirety of God's creation, highlighting themes of creation, dominion, fall, redemption, proclamation, and worship. Through these themes, Scripture reveals the comprehensive scope of God's plan and His enduring relationship with all that He has made.