For Glory and Joy - Part 1
A Devotional based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism Lord’s Day 4
Q. 9. What is the work of creation? A. The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good. Q. 10. How did God create man?
A. God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
It is not socially acceptable today to say you believe that God created the universe, to claim that you accept the Genesis account of creation as true. Most would say the notion is archaic, mythical, and anti-intellectual. Even within the church there is a wide varietyof teachings on what is actually meant by “day” in the creation account of Genesis 1. Some assert that God created the world in six twenty-four hour days, others that the universe is millions of years old, necessitating that the events of Gen 1 took much longer. Still, others consider the creation story as a theological work rather than an actual account of creation.
It should be noted that the Hebrew word for day (yom) always stands for a twenty-four hour day when preceded by numbers, as is the case in Gen. 1. Moreover, God’s pattern of work and rest could hardly serve as an example for our own if God took longer than a week to complete his work. These are but two reasons why the church has and continues teach a literal six day creation.
Most importantly, the Doctrine of Creation teaches us something about the God whom we worship. Primarily, creation teaches us that God exists, and that we cannot explain the universe without Him. Secondly, we learn that God is sovereign. God has created everything, and therefore has ultimate power over everything. Nothing is out of God’s hands, nothing beyond His control, nothing that God cannot redeem. We also find in this doctrine something about ourselves. Scripture teaches that we were created in the image of God, something that is never said about any else in creation. Being created in God’s image, we are set apart, and are given the privilege of understanding God’s revelation, to have fellowship with God, and to reflect God’s attributes. This is the foundation for our human dignity, our self-worth. We were created special, in God’s image.
Prayer
Almighty and Sovereign God, we thank you for your good work of creation, and for the blessing of being created in your image. By your grace may we live to reflect your image in a way that brings you honor and glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gen 1:1-31; Heb 11:3; Col 3:10; Eph 4:24; Rev 4:11