Topical Bible: Natural Life: God is the Author of

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The concept of God as the author of natural life is a foundational theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty, creativity, and sustaining power over all creation. From the very beginning, Scripture affirms that life originates from God, who is both the Creator and Sustainer of all living things.

Creation of Life

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God is depicted as the ultimate source of all life. In Genesis 1:1, we read, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement sets the stage for the detailed account of creation that follows. On the sixth day, God created living creatures, culminating in the creation of humanity. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage highlights the unique role of humans as bearers of God's image, underscoring the divine origin of human life.

Sustainer of Life

God's role as the sustainer of life is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Acts 17:25, the Apostle Paul declares, "Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." This verse emphasizes that God is not only the creator but also the one who continually provides life and sustenance to all living beings. The psalmist echoes this truth in Psalm 104:29-30, "When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth."

God's Sovereignty Over Life

The Bible also affirms God's sovereignty over life and death. In Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares, "See now that I am He; there is no god besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand." This passage underscores the absolute authority of God over the existence and cessation of life, affirming that life and death are ultimately in His hands.

Purpose and Value of Life

The Scriptures reveal that life has intrinsic value and purpose because it is authored by God. In Psalm 139:13-14, David reflects on the intimate involvement of God in the creation of life: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." This passage highlights the personal and intentional nature of God's creative work, affirming the dignity and worth of every human life.

Eternal Perspective

While natural life is a gift from God, the Bible also points to the reality of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In John 10:10, Jesus states, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This verse reveals that God's ultimate purpose for humanity extends beyond natural life to the abundant and eternal life found in Christ.

In summary, the Bible consistently presents God as the author of natural life, emphasizing His creative power, sustaining presence, and sovereign authority. Life is portrayed as a precious gift from God, imbued with purpose and value, and ultimately pointing to the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 17:28
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ...
... with it may be said to have "God dwelling in ... a more particular consideration of that
divine life wherein true ... fit to speak a little of that natural or animal ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part i on religion the.htm

The Law of God
... X. The Judicial Law is that which God prescribed by Moses to the ... in civil society,
for procuring the benefit both of natural and spiritual life, by the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm

The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... Wherefore, unless the admirable Author of every good work ... As the almighty operation
of God whereby He brings forth and supports this our natural life does not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm

On the Sanctification of Man
... which it proceeds, is either from the natural use, or ... conformable to God, man may
live the life of God ... or enlivening of "the new man, who, after God, is created ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlix on the sanctification.htm

Here the Author Declares that He Submits all that He Has Written ...
... Christian faith; and I desire to be, by the grace of God, a life-giving member ... have
found the Divine Essence within themselves in a merely natural way; and ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xiv here the author.htm

Creation and Re-Creation.
... Again, if the Spirit's work is God's touching the creature's being by Him ... work, and
makes it unite organically the natural and the spiritual life, the realm ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ix creation and re-creation.htm

On the Vocation of Sinful Men to Christ, and to a Participation of ...
... dominion of sin, from the condition of natural life, and out ... of this world, to obtain
a supernatural life in Christ ... Spirit, as he is the Spirit of God given to ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlii on the vocation.htm

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
... penal sanction of the law of God is endless ... of endless suffering which is the natural
and governmental ... that endless punishment is unjust, because life is so ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xix sanctions of moral.htm

Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, Continued How are the ...
... since it rises through the Spirit to an eternal life. ... of the future change), forasmuch
as of a natural body it is ... Adam, must needs belong to that God who owned ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter x doctrine of the resurrection.htm

Synopsis. --Biblical Miracles the Effluence of Extraordinary Lives ...
... Nothing is more natural than life, and nothing also more supernatural. ...
It is filial to the life of God, the Father Almighty. ...
/.../v synopsis biblical miracles the effluence.htm