Topical Bible: Creation: Exhibits: The Deity of God

◄ Creation: Exhibits: The Deity of God ►

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The concept of creation as an exhibition of the deity of God is a central theme in Christian theology, underscoring the belief that the universe and all within it are a testament to God's divine nature, power, and wisdom. The act of creation is not merely a historical event but a continuous revelation of God's character and attributes.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible begins with the profound declaration of God's creative work: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This foundational verse establishes God as the ultimate source and sustainer of all that exists. The creation narrative in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 details the orderly and purposeful manner in which God brought the universe into being, highlighting His sovereignty and intentionality.

Attributes of God Revealed in Creation

1. Omnipotence: The sheer magnitude and complexity of creation reflect God's unlimited power. Psalm 33:6-9 states, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth... For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm." This passage emphasizes that God's spoken word alone was sufficient to bring the cosmos into existence, showcasing His omnipotence.

2. Wisdom: The intricate design and order of the natural world reveal God's infinite wisdom. Proverbs 3:19 declares, "The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding." The complexity of ecosystems, the laws of physics, and the interdependence of life forms all point to a Creator who is wise beyond human comprehension.

3. Sovereignty: God's authority over creation is evident in His ability to command and sustain it. Isaiah 45:12 affirms, "It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host." This verse underscores God's sovereign rule over the universe, affirming that all creation is subject to His will.

4. Goodness: The goodness of God is reflected in the beauty and provision found within creation. Genesis 1 repeatedly notes that God saw His creation as "good," culminating in the declaration that it was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). The abundance and diversity of life, the provision of resources, and the aesthetic beauty of the world all testify to God's benevolent nature.

5. Immanence and Transcendence: While God is transcendent, existing beyond and independent of the created order, He is also immanent, actively involved in sustaining and caring for His creation. Acts 17:24-25 states, "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth... He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." This dual aspect of God's nature is evident in His ongoing relationship with the world.

Creation as Revelation

Creation serves as a general revelation of God's existence and attributes, accessible to all humanity. Romans 1:20 explains, "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." This passage highlights that the natural world provides evidence of God's deity, leaving humanity accountable for recognizing and responding to Him.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of creation as an exhibition of God's deity has profound theological implications. It affirms the inherent value and purpose of the created order, calling believers to stewardship and reverence for the world God has made. It also provides a foundation for worship, as the majesty and splendor of creation inspire awe and adoration for the Creator. Psalm 19:1 beautifully captures this sentiment: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

In summary, the act of creation is a powerful testament to the deity of God, revealing His omnipotence, wisdom, sovereignty, goodness, and both His immanence and transcendence. Through the natural world, God continually displays His divine nature, inviting humanity to recognize and worship Him as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Does Wrong in Assuming, to Account for the Existence of the ...
... and earth and of all the Creation, the Word ... This necessity, when followed out, exhibits
the product of a ... The energy which follows' the Deity has no existence ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 20 he does wrong.htm

What God is to Us.
... It is the only thing in the creation that God's ... The Lord exhibits himself in a twofold
appearance, according to ... begins to adore and admire a deity, a majesty ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ix what god is.htm

Still, in his Examination of the Amount of Justice and Wisdom ...
... by pure Deity alone, but by Deity veiled in ... deceiver was in his turn deceived, exhibits
the justice of ... of thanksgiving will arise from all creation [2007] , as ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xxvi still in his.htm

Gregory Further Shows that the Only-Begotten Being Begotten not ...
... has all that belongs to the Son exhibits in Himself ... created Him in like manner as
the creation was made ... Who has the Father in Himself "alien" from true Deity. ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 7 gregory further shows.htm

But Since Our System of Religion is Wont to Observe a Distinction ...
... reasonably believed to be simple, and exhibits in itself ... Him and subduing portions
of the Creation before His ... the necessary movements of the Deity; it consists ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i but since our.htm

In How Many Ways "Throughwhom" is Used; and in what Sense "With ...
... through the Son neither constitutes the creation of the Father imperfect nor exhibits
the active ... the Father alone is originally that Deity which Christ ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter viii in how many.htm

He Thus Proceeds to a Magnificent Discourse of the Interpretation ...
... betwixt God and men, binding man to the Deity by Himself ... things that have come into
being by creation, he affirms ... as exertion in the party who exhibits it, and ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 12 he thus proceeds.htm

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... reconciling the mind to a system," which exhibits the character ... of some of its
interpreters, as creation, in all ... which Scripture gives of the Deity; and these ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

Then
... the most excellent Wisdom somewhere tells us, exhibits "the beginning ... understand
any of the properties of creation to be ... word shows us that the Deity is mortal. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 then.htm

On the Nature of God
... not suffered according to the Essence of his Deity. ... actually communicative of itself,
both by creation and preservation ... free act of His will exhibits or offers ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 4 on the nature.htm