What is the importance of biblical creationism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Creationism (young earth or old) is the view that the universe and everything in it was created by God (Hebrews 11:3). Exactly when creation occurred is not directly stated, but the fact of creation is repeatedly emphasized in Scripture. The Bible describes creation of life by God, not by random processes. Creation showcases the triune nature of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – as the one living and true God. Creationism includes the idea that God exists and then He speaks. It implies that God is the source and sustainer of everything, that God created everything good, and that God invested His creatures with responsibility and significance. Even those who lack a Bible can learn about God by observing nature (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). The facts of creation can be an effective tool for evangelism (Acts 17:24). The ancient Hebrews would have understood the Genesis account as a testament to God’s power, wisdom, and love, rather than as a source of scientific information about the origin of the universe and life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Genesis 1:1 tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. This is the key verse for the doctrine of creation. It establishes the fact that God exists outside of time and that He created the material universe out of nothing.
• Genesis 1:2 tells us the Holy Spirit was present and active during creation (see also Psalm 104:30).
• Genesis 1:3—2:25 gives the history of creation. This text tells us about the miracle of how God created the earth and life. The days of creation could be literal 24-hour days, or much longer periods. The text does not explicitly prove or disprove either view. The important lesson is the fact of God's creative acts.
• We are instructed to worship the Creator rather than the sun or any created thing (Deuteronomy 4:19). The original hearers and readers of the first five books of the Bible were the children of Israel who were preparing to go into the promised land. They were surrounded by pagan cultures, with sun worship prevalent. Scripture told them who they were, where they came from, their purpose, and where they were going.
• Psalm 33:9 says that when God spoke, the world began! The first words God said are "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3).
• Many other verses confirm God's creation of the universe, including Psalm 19:1-6, Isaiah 40:26, Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah 45:18, and Nehemiah 9:6.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 1:1-3 establishes that Jesus, called the Word, is also God. Not only was Jesus with God before the beginning of creation, but all things were made through Jesus (Colossians 1:16-17).
• Jesus affirmed creation by God in Mark 13:19.
• By looking at the general revelation of creation, humans can know some things about God, such as His eternal power and divine nature (Romans 1:20).
• The Apostle Paul used creation as a starting point for evangelism when he preached to unbelievers in Athens (Acts 17:22-31), pointing out that God made the world and everything in it (Acts 17:24).
• By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible (Hebrews 11:3). This is the Biblical definition of creationism.
• God speaks throughout the Bible (Hebrews 1:1-2), and today we have His written Word (John 20:31; Revelation 22:18-19).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Creationism (young earth or old earth) is the view that the universe and everything in it was caused by the creative will of God (Hebrews 11:3). Creationism is opposed to naturalistic evolution which holds that the development of the universe, including all life forms, is due entirely to the unguided and random laws of nature. Creationism also believes in a literal Adam and Eve.

Creationism is important because it gives us our fundamental understanding of the nature of God, the universe and mankind. The doctrine of creation tells us that God exists (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1) and His attributes (Romans 1:20; Isaiah 40:13-14). Creationism tells us God did not make the universe from any preexisting material (Hebrews 11:3), and that we are to have dominion over nature (Genesis 1:28). Creationism tells us who we are (Genesis 1:26), where we came from (Genesis 1:27), why are we here (Genesis 1:26; Ephesians 2:10), and where we go after death (John 3:16; Matthew 25:46). Creationism gives us significance greater than ourselves.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible teaches that God created the universe and everything in it.
• Creationism highlights that humanity is made in God's image and entrusted with stewardship of the earth.
• Creationism rejects naturalistic views, emphasizing God’s direct, divine actions in creation.

REFLECT

• How does recognizing God as the Creator affect your understanding of your purpose?
• What responsibilities do you feel you have towards nature based on biblical creationism?
• How do you integrate biblical creationism with modern scientific views in your personal faith?

ENGAGE

• How do the biblical account of creation and non-biblical theories about the universe's origin differ?
• What are the implications of viewing creation as a direct act of God compared to naturalistic or evolutionary processes?
• How can you discuss biblical creationism with those who hold differing views on the universe's origins?