Did God really create the world?

What about evolution?

Ø     The Fact

§  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

§  In the beginning God by the word of his power, created  (made out of nothing) the world and all things in it for Himself, within the space of six days, and all very good. (Larger Catechism)

Ø     We Believe:

ü  Matter is not eternal

ü  No existence or power over or against God

ü God is in control over what is created

ü God is distinct from creation

Ø     How did God create?

§  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:3)

§  For by Him (Jesus Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, … all things were created by Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)

Ø Important conclusion

ü Creation without Jesus Christ is impossible

·      Excludes all other religions

·      Only one Adam in beginning

·      Only one Christ (Second Adam) to save

ü Salvation without creation is impossible

·      Relationship in Christ effects my relationship with the created world

·      No “airy-fairy” Christians possible 

Ø     What God created

ü According to its kind

ü Everything was perfect

ü God controls creation according to His purpose

ü God created a rhythm of seasons

ü God created man as distinct from animals

ü God created man to rule over creation

ü God created male and female is distinct sexes

ü God created man to live in a relationship of marriage

ü God created man as a responsible, moral being

Ø     a Worldview

§  No neutrality possible

§  Our worldview determines our understanding of life

§  God created:  We live in his world

ü He makes the rules

ü God reveals his will for us in the Bible

ü We live by his standard

ü We are responsible to Him

ü Nothing else may dictate to us

ü Nothing belongs to us

ü Things only make sense if we interpret it in relation to Him

ü We are fallen in sin, but re-created by grace

ü This world is not our final destination

Ø     Evolution

§  No one knows for sure

§  It’s a theory

§  It controls the mindset (worldview of our society)

§  Only one of two possibilities

Ø     Consequences

ü There is no God

ü What is created becomes god

ü There are no absolutes, right or wrong – no sin: no responsibility

ü Nothing is good – the struggle goes on

ü Nothing has a purpose

ü Man is not head of creation – he a an animal

ü No such a thing as male or female

ü No education possible

ü Pain and death are necessary elements of life

ü We have no future – we just die

Ø     Did God really create this world?

§  By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Hebrews 11:3)

§  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)