Since we have previously explored the who and what of God, we will turn our attention to the how. In this post, we will explore how God works within his creation.
What are the decrees of God?
The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass. The Psalmist sings, "Our God is in heaven, he does all that he pleases" (Ps. 115:3, ESV). The Lord urges, "Remember this and stand firm, recall into mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose'" (Isa. 46:8-10, ESV). See also: Ephesians 1:4, 11-12; Romans 9:22-23; 11:36; Daniel 4:25, Lamentations 3:37, and Amos 3:6.
How does God execute his decrees?
God executes his decrees in the works of creation and providence. As the living creatures sing, "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created" (Rev. 4:11, ESV; see also Gen. 1:1). Concerning providence, Jesus says, "But I say to you, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may by sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust'" (Matt. 5:44-45, ESV; see also Matt. 6:26; Prov. 16:9, 33; 19:21; 20:24; 21:1, 31). Of God, Paul states, "Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17, ESV).
What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is God's making all things out of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six normal consecutive days, and all very good. The author of Hebrews reminds, "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" (Heb. 11:3, ESV; see also Gen 1:1-31; Ex. 20:11; Rom. 4:17).
How did God create man?
God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over creatures. Genesis 1:26-27 states:
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in his own image, in the image of god he created them; male and female he created them. (See also: Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24)What are God's works of providence?
God's works of providence are the most holy, wise, and powerful acts by which he preserves and governs all his creatures, and all their actions. Nehemiah prays, "Your are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the sea and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and you and the host of heavens worships you" (Neh. 9:6; ESV). David proclaims, "The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works" (Ps. 145:17, ESV). See also Psalms 103:19; 104:24; Isaiah 2:29; Matthew 10:29-31; Hebrews 1:3, and Colossians 1:17.
What special act of providence did God exercise toward man when he was first created?
When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon the condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon pain of death. Genesis 2:15-17 states,
The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man saying, "You may surely eat of every tree in the garden, but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die." (See also Galatians 3:12; 5:12).Conclusion
These questions and answers help us to see that God works, in accordance with his decrees (what he determined would happen), through creation and providence. However, these questions lead us to ask: if God created a "good creation" and governs his creation with wisdom, holiness, and power, what went wrong?. Next week, we will look at how the Baptist Catechism resolves that question. I encourage you continue to place your trust in the Creator and Preserver, our Lord Jesus Christ, who sustains us by his grace for his glory.
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