Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of creation being effected for God's pleasure is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, emphasizing the sovereignty and purpose of God in bringing the universe into existence. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding creation as an act that fulfills God's divine will and pleasure.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible begins with the account of creation in Genesis, where God speaks the universe into existence.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse sets the stage for understanding creation as an intentional act of God. The repeated phrase "And God saw that it was good" (
Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25) underscores the satisfaction and pleasure God derived from His creative work.
In the book of Revelation, the purpose of creation is explicitly linked to God's pleasure.
Revelation 4:11 declares, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be." This verse highlights that creation exists by God's will and for His pleasure, affirming His ultimate authority and purpose in all things.
Theological ImplicationsThe idea that creation was effected for God's pleasure has profound theological implications. It underscores the belief in God's sovereignty, suggesting that everything in the universe exists according to His divine plan and purpose. This perspective affirms that creation is not a random or accidental occurrence but a deliberate act of a purposeful God.
Furthermore, the pleasure God derives from creation reflects His nature as a God of beauty, order, and goodness. The intricate design and harmony observed in the natural world point to a Creator who delights in His handiwork.
Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This verse illustrates how creation itself is a testament to God's glory and pleasure.
Humanity's Role in CreationHuman beings, created in the image of God, hold a unique place in creation.
Genesis 1:27-28 describes humanity's creation and their mandate to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it." This command reflects God's pleasure in entrusting humans with stewardship over creation, inviting them to participate in His creative work.
The relationship between humanity and creation is further explored in
Psalm 8:3-6, which marvels at the honor and responsibility given to humans: "When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet."
Creation's Response to GodThroughout Scripture, creation is depicted as responding to God with praise and worship.
Psalm 148 calls upon all elements of creation—sun, moon, stars, mountains, trees, animals, and people—to praise the Lord. This universal call to worship reflects the idea that creation itself acknowledges and participates in the pleasure of God.
Isaiah 55:12 poetically describes creation's joyful response to God's redemptive work: "You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." This imagery conveys the harmonious relationship between creation and its Creator, celebrating the fulfillment of God's purposes.
ConclusionThe biblical narrative consistently presents creation as an act effected for God's pleasure, revealing His sovereignty, goodness, and purpose. Through creation, God displays His glory and invites humanity to participate in His divine plan, ultimately leading all of creation to respond in worship and praise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 16:4The LORD has made all things for himself: yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Torrey's Topical TextbookRevelation 4:11
You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
South -- the Image ofGod in Man
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thecreation, to reprint... which lost image, as it isGod's pleasure to command...
The Infallibility ofGod's Purpose
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wiseGod, our Saviour... him where be is; his purpose shall beeffected, and we...
Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... SECTION I.---CREATION.... work of their own, can become the children ofGod; but they
are all dependent for salvation upon the redemptioneffected through the...
He Has no Right to Assert a Greater and Less in the Divine Being....
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which part Him from thecreation constitute His...God forgive me for saying it!...
The Two Covenants: the Transition
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New, withGod working in... The transition from Old to New, aseffected in Christ...
On the Nature ofGod
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the Perfection ofGod has its... most perfect; for this iseffected by Simplicity...
OfCreation in General.
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Whether in the State of Innocence There Would have Been Generation...
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man male and female... ejected from paradise shortly after thecreation of the...
Regeneration and Faith.
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His General Character as a Theologian.
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Resources
How do beliefs about creation impact the rest of theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on each of the days of Creation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical Creation story? | GotQuestions.orgCreation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
