What is Creation?

What are the decrees of God?¹

The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass (Psalm 33:11; Isaiah 14:24; Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:11-12).

How doth God execute his decrees?²

God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence (Psalm 148:8; Isaiah 40:26; Daniel 4:35; Acts 4:24-28; Revelation 4:11).

What is the work of creation?³

The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6, 9; Hebrews 11:3), in the space of six days, and all very good (Genesis. 1:31).

What do we learn about God as creator from the revelation to Israel?⁴

We learn that there is one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

What does this mean?⁵

This means that the universe is good, that it is the work of a single loving God who creates, sustains, and directs it.

What does this mean about our place in the universe?⁶

It means that the world belongs to its creator; and that we are called to enjoy it and to care for it in accordance with God’s purposes.

What does this mean about human life?⁷

It means that all people are worthy of respect and honor, because all are created in the image of God, and all can respond to the love of God.

What do you believe when you say: I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?⁸

That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who out of nothing created heaven and earth and all that is in them (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:11; Job 38-39; Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 44:24; Acts 4:24; 14:15), and who still upholds and governs them by his eternal counsel and providence (Psalm 104:27-30; Matthew 6:30; 10:29; Ephesians 1:11), is, for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:4-7; Ephesians 1:5). In him I trust so completely as to have no doubt that he will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:25-26; Luke 12:22-31), and will also turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this life of sorrow (Romans 8:28). He is able to do so as almighty God (Genesis 18:14; Romans 8:31-39), and willing also as a faithful Father (Matthew 6:32-33; 7:9-11).

Footnotes

1. Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647), Question 7.
2. Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647), Question 8.
3. Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647), Question 9.
4. Episcopal Catechism (1789), Question 6.
5. Episcopal Catechism (1789), Question 7.
6. Episcopal Catechism (1789), Question 8.
7. Episcopal Catechism (1789), Question 9.
8. Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Question 26.