In the beginning, there was God.
This statement, as we are often so frequently told, would strike the match of enlightenment
and spread its blaze across the world. What information could be so vital, so
poignant, that it would topple regimes, lay nations low, and be bravely sacrificed
for time and time again? No other book then the Word of God has proclaimed a
message so powerful, and no other tale rings with such truth. Without the
account of creation standing at the forefront of God’s Word, everything we as
Christians believe would be established on unsure ground.
While the creation story itself is
certainly the subject of heated debate, one question still stands above all
others; is God truly the creator of all things, and is He still actively
involved with His creation? This question will be discussed in depth in the
following article, as well as how a proper belief in the subject is critical in
the author’s vocation, as well as a writer’s in general.
To put it concisely, without God at
the forefront of creation, nothing that exists would be. While many would wish
to argue with this, one must first use the Bible itself as their starting
point, as a proverbial compass to guide their way through the sea of
uncertainty that is life. While one certainly should not use the Bible as their
singular authority in a debate of origins, as there is plenty of proof of
creation in science, it must indeed remain our central focus.
As Genesis 1:1 so clearly states,
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” In the following verses, the beginning of our
saga unfolds, telling of God’s creation of our world. Regardless of one’s
personal views on the subject, the Bible is clear in its statement of God’s
creative acts, as well as His direct involvement in humanity, and the world at
large.
To further establish this concept, theologian
Robert W. Cadwell wrote, “Creation is an ideal world in the divine mind, that
God creates continuously ex nihilo…God is the ultimate cause of everything
which comes to pass in creation.”[1] The
Christian’s belief regarding creation is highly critical in a
scientifically-driven world, not simply for applicational purposes, but for the
fundamental structure of faith. Jesus himself spoke of God’s creation,
including the Apostle John, who in John 1:3 said, “All things came into being
through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into
being.” If we were to disregard the creation account as a mere fable, and not
truth, we would be calling Jesus himself a liar, as well as his disciples.
Regarding God’s continuing
involvement in creation, theologian Terence E. Fretheim compared the connection
between God and His creation to that of a spider web, in such a way that “any
act reverberates out and effects the whole, shaking this web with varying
degrees of intensity.”[2]
Dr. Kenneth J. Archer reflected on Fretheim’s words with a statement of his
own, saying, “It is not a tight causal weave because there is room for God to
be at work presently in creation as creation moves towards its future destiny…God
has not predetermined every event in history. God acts in and through
creation…”
God is not, as the Deists would
claim, a disconnected being with no care or concern for His creation. He is
actively involved in His creation, and as Romans 5:8 says, “But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.”
Having a proper understanding of
God’s creation and His close involvement with us, His created people, is truly
astounding, but how can it be applied to our daily lives? To narrow the
question down further, how can a solid understanding of the subject be applied
to one’s job?
For an author, have a solid
foundation in creation, as well as God’s involvement, is incredibly vital. One
might not think that a writer needs such things in order to excel at their
craft, and perhaps some writers seem to manage well without it, but the truth
is that they can only go so far. Regardless of what genre an author writes in,
or what discipline of writing they choose, every single writer must have a
worldview. If they do not have an understanding of creation and the God who
oversees all, their thought process will be one-sided and nowhere near as deep
or impactful as it could be.
The vocation of a writer is not one
to be taken lightly, as words are incredibly important. As a crafter of words
and a proclaimer of truth, an author implements their beliefs, faith, and
worldview into everything they write. Regardless of whether or not they’re
aware of this fact, that does not change the reality of the gravity of words. Words
can breathe life into a discouraged soul, and they can likewise drag one’s
hopes into the depths of despair. An author holds a powerful calling of
influence, and the ability to uplift and inspire.
Why does creation matter so deeply
to the writer? One word comes to mind before any others; foundation. As the
Christian needs a solid foundation for their belief system, so the author must
have a firm grounding in the truth, so that their words are a reflection of
that truth. How else can the truth be spread then by pen and word? Whether
dealing with fiction or non-fiction, the creation account shapes one’s
foundational beliefs, and without it, what are words but mere ink on paper? As
said in Colossians 3: 17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”
In closing, it is truly
a blessing to study the creation account and learn more about God’s story, in
which we all share a part. Whether it is applied simply in one’s daily life, or
even in the vocation of an author’s, it is just as critical. The truth must be upheld
regardless of any opposition, and as Christians, it is our duty to stand for it.
Whether it is a Christian defending God’s Word in the workplace, or an author
penning a tale that gives God glory and tells of His creation, and involvement
in our world, both are incredibly valuable.
As so clearly stated in
2 Timothy 3:17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work.”
God is actively involved
in our lives, and He is not a distant figure with no care or concern of His
creation. He loves us so deeply, that He became the victim of sin in our place.
How can we even begin to fathom such a selfless act? What more can it do then compel
us to fall to our knees in gratefulness, and then back to our feet in blessed
assurance? Armed with this knowledge, we must indeed rise, and stand as a
bastion of truth against the darkness of ignorance and deception, in whatever
form it may take.
[1]
Cadwell, Robert W. “Jonathan Edwards on God and Creation. By Oliver D. Crisp.” Journal of Theological Studies, vol. 65,
no. 1, Apr. 2014, pp. 340-343
[2]
Archer,
Kenneth J. "God-Creation's Hope, Creation-God's Home: A Pentecostal
Theological Response to Terence E. Fretheim's God and World in the Old
Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation." Journal of Pentecostal
Theology, vol. 19, no. 2, Oct. 2010, pp. 198-212.
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