Creationology Doctrine of Creation Part 3
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Creation
Creation
I. Review & Introduction
I. Review & Introduction
Where did we come from?
Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
Why are we here?
Is there a purpose, a goal behind all that we see and experience? Or is life one big cosmic accident - directionless and purposeless?
Is there a purpose, a goal behind all that we see and experience? Or is life one big cosmic accident - directionless and purposeless?
These are straightforward questions, to which the Bible has straightforward answers.
These are straightforward questions, to which the Bible has straightforward answers.
Turn back with me to Gen 1.1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Turn back with me to Gen 1.1. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 (KJV 1900)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said…, and God said…” (Gen 1.1ff)
The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said…, and God said…” (Gen 1.1ff)
Genesis 1:1ff (KJV 1900)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the third day.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
In the beginning, God created.
In the beginning, God created.
Creation owes itself not to chance and impersonal forces, but God.
Creation owes itself not to chance and impersonal forces, but God.
Origins, begin with him.
Origins, begin with him.
He created ex-nihilo, out of nothing. “In the beginning…,” not “when God began to create” as if there was this timeless matter, some cosmic play dough that God stumbled across one day and decided to refashion and shape.
He created ex-nihilo, out of nothing. “In the beginning…,” not “when God began to create” as if there was this timeless matter, some cosmic play dough that God stumbled across one day and decided to refashion and shape.
This was the Greek idea behind the cosmos.
This was the Greek idea behind the cosmos.
But according to the Bible, in the beginning, not matter, but God.
But according to the Bible, in the beginning, not matter, but God.
He’s eternal, self-existent.
He’s eternal, self-existent.
Everything else owes its existence to him.
Everything else owes its existence to him.
He created by his word.
He created by his word.
One of the constant refrains of Gen 1.1-2.3 is this, “and God said, and God said.”
One of the constant refrains of Gen 1.1-2.3 is this, “and God said, and God said.”
Genesis 1:1–2:3 (KJV 1900)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the third day.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The picture is not one of God toiling over his work.
The picture is not one of God toiling over his work.
It’s not a picture of trial and error, like some frustrated inventor burying his head in his hands.
It’s not a picture of trial and error, like some frustrated inventor burying his head in his hands.
His words are power (they create)
His words are power (they create)
and perfection (they create exactly what he intended them to create).
and perfection (they create exactly what he intended them to create).
He created all things.
He created all things.
That’s what Gen 1.1-2.3 is about.
That’s what Gen 1.1-2.3 is about.
Genesis 1:1–2:3 (KJV 1900)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the third day.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
It’s the all-encompassing account of our origins - from stars and galaxies to the tiniest creatures that crawl upon the ground.
It’s the all-encompassing account of our origins - from stars and galaxies to the tiniest creatures that crawl upon the ground.
Gen 1.1-2.3 is the google-earth view of creation.
Gen 1.1-2.3 is the google-earth view of creation.
Genesis 1:1–2:3 (KJV 1900)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the third day.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
And 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 fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
The big picture.
The big picture.
And then in Genesis 2.4 ff, we go to google-street view.
And then in Genesis 2.4 ff, we go to google-street view.
We zoom in on the creation of mankind and all that transpires.
We zoom in on the creation of mankind and all that transpires.
Not two separate accounts, but complimentary accounts from different perspectives.
Not two separate accounts, but complimentary accounts from different perspectives.
We should remember that the chapter divisions and verse numbers were placed in the Bible until the 16th century.
We should remember that the chapter divisions and verse numbers were placed in the Bible until the 16th century.
Moses intends for the second chapter to be read closely with the first and for each chapter to be identified as part of the same event.
Moses intends for the second chapter to be read closely with the first and for each chapter to be identified as part of the same event.
The theological theme of humanity being created in the image of God is continued in chapter 2, and so the theme of the likeness between God and man finds further explanation.
The theological theme of humanity being created in the image of God is continued in chapter 2, and so the theme of the likeness between God and man finds further explanation.
Last we gave the 6 current and dominant views on creation and the advantages and disadvantages to each view.
Last we gave the 6 current and dominant views on creation and the advantages and disadvantages to each view.
And ultimately the class concluded with the understanding that the Bible doesn’t give us all of the details necessary to understand exactly the age of the earth.
And ultimately the class concluded with the understanding that the Bible doesn’t give us all of the details necessary to understand exactly the age of the earth.
What is important to God is that we understand who created the earth--God himself---and why he created it … for his glory, ultimately shown in and through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What is important to God is that we understand who created the earth--God himself---and why he created it … for his glory, ultimately shown in and through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today: we take a step back and first ask,
Today: we take a step back and first ask,
what is God’s relationship to the creation he has made?
what is God’s relationship to the creation he has made?
How we understand that question makes all the distinction between Christianity and false religions.
How we understand that question makes all the distinction between Christianity and false religions.
And so first, we’re going to look at four view non-Christian views.
And so first, we’re going to look at four view non-Christian views.
Then we’ll look specifically at how the Bible describes God’s relationship to creation.
Then we’ll look specifically at how the Bible describes God’s relationship to creation.
And finally, we look at the crown jewel of creation – humankind.
And finally, we look at the crown jewel of creation – humankind.
God created male and female in his image to extend his kingly dominion over creation.
God created male and female in his image to extend his kingly dominion over creation.
What does that mean for us and who we are?
What does that mean for us and who we are?
I. Four Non-Christian Views of God and Creation
I. Four Non-Christian Views of God and Creation
There have been many philosophical worldviews put forth to explain God’s relationship with his creation.
There have been many philosophical worldviews put forth to explain God’s relationship with his creation.
The first view is an old view, that’s enjoying a bit of a renaissance.
The first view is an old view, that’s enjoying a bit of a renaissance.
1) Pantheism
1) Pantheism
(Stoics of first century, Buddhism, Eastern and New Age religions today) – teaches that God is everything (pan=all), and thus everything is God.
(Stoics of first century, Buddhism, Eastern and New Age religions today) – teaches that God is everything (pan=all), and thus everything is God.
Oprah Winfrey, in an interview says this about her definition of God, “My definition of God is the all...the all in the all, through the all, above the all, in the all.”
Oprah Winfrey, in an interview says this about her definition of God, “My definition of God is the all...the all in the all, through the all, above the all, in the all.”
Oprah Winfrey is a pantheist.
Oprah Winfrey is a pantheist.
So according to pantheism what we need to do then is “get in touch” with, “become one” with the divine “in here,” and the divine “out there.”
So according to pantheism what we need to do then is “get in touch” with, “become one” with the divine “in here,” and the divine “out there.”
God has no distinct personality.
God has no distinct personality.
He’s not immutable or unchanging, because the universe always changes.
He’s not immutable or unchanging, because the universe always changes.
God isn’t in any sense morally holy, because the evil in the universe is also a part of God.
God isn’t in any sense morally holy, because the evil in the universe is also a part of God.
One great challenge to Pantheism is that the divine exists as much in the most morally reprehensible acts as it does in beauty or delicious food.
One great challenge to Pantheism is that the divine exists as much in the most morally reprehensible acts as it does in beauty or delicious food.
Even more importantly, there’s no God on the outside who can break in and rescue us.
Even more importantly, there’s no God on the outside who can break in and rescue us.
There’s no hope of deliverance, only acceptance.
There’s no hope of deliverance, only acceptance.
This is why for many of the first century stoics, and many increasingly in the West, the only viable response is suicide.
This is why for many of the first century stoics, and many increasingly in the West, the only viable response is suicide.
2) Dualism –
2) Dualism –
Dualism is the idea that there are two ultimate forces in the universe, good and evil, sometimes presented as God and matter.
Dualism is the idea that there are two ultimate forces in the universe, good and evil, sometimes presented as God and matter.
Much of Platonic and Gnostic thought is dualistic.
Much of Platonic and Gnostic thought is dualistic.
An easy way to remember what dualism is, is to think of the word with it’s multiple spellings.
An easy way to remember what dualism is, is to think of the word with it’s multiple spellings.
Dual = 2; Good and Evil. Duel = A Battle.
Dual = 2; Good and Evil. Duel = A Battle.
Thus dualism is a battle between good and bad.
Thus dualism is a battle between good and bad.
And good and evil are in a long, protracted cosmic battle for supremacy.
And good and evil are in a long, protracted cosmic battle for supremacy.
This is the worldview underlying the Star Wars Series.
This is the worldview underlying the Star Wars Series.
There are the jedi lords, and the sith lords, dueling forces of good and evil.
There are the jedi lords, and the sith lords, dueling forces of good and evil.
In dualism the spirit is good, but the body is evil.
In dualism the spirit is good, but the body is evil.
The desire is to then escape the material realm for higher realm of forms (spiritual realm).
The desire is to then escape the material realm for higher realm of forms (spiritual realm).
Might explain our want to find aliens
Might explain our want to find aliens
But dualism denies God’s Lordship of creation and the goodness of the created world.
But dualism denies God’s Lordship of creation and the goodness of the created world.
In the new heavens and the new earth, we won’t be disembodied spirits, but souls with recreated and renewed bodies.
In the new heavens and the new earth, we won’t be disembodied spirits, but souls with recreated and renewed bodies.
3) Deism –
3) Deism –
Deism is the view that God is not presently involved in creation.
Deism is the view that God is not presently involved in creation.
He created it, but is now distant and removed from what He made.
He created it, but is now distant and removed from what He made.
So if you have any family, friends, or coworkers who are happy to affirm that there’s a god that created the world, but that he doesn’t have anything to do with it anymore, they’re essentially communicating a deistic worldview.
So if you have any family, friends, or coworkers who are happy to affirm that there’s a god that created the world, but that he doesn’t have anything to do with it anymore, they’re essentially communicating a deistic worldview.
In other words, God is the divine clockmaker who created the “clock of creation,” wound it up, and is now letting it run on its own.
In other words, God is the divine clockmaker who created the “clock of creation,” wound it up, and is now letting it run on its own.
This runs counter to Christianity because Christianity asserts that not only is God presently acting to sustain creation, but that’s also acted in creation throughout history, most notably in the Incarnation.
This runs counter to Christianity because Christianity asserts that not only is God presently acting to sustain creation, but that’s also acted in creation throughout history, most notably in the Incarnation.
4) Materialism(or naturalism).
4) Materialism(or naturalism).
The materialist view of the world is not one where it’s followers are looking to get rich and buy nice clothes.
The materialist view of the world is not one where it’s followers are looking to get rich and buy nice clothes.
Materialism is the view that the material universe is all there is.
Materialism is the view that the material universe is all there is.
Men like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris are contemporary advocates of this view, as well as the late Christopher Hitchens, whose writings live on.
Men like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris are contemporary advocates of this view, as well as the late Christopher Hitchens, whose writings live on.
Materialism also goes by a number of different names.
Materialism also goes by a number of different names.
So if someone calls himself a naturalist, a physicalist, or a philosophical naturalist, then they are a materialist.
So if someone calls himself a naturalist, a physicalist, or a philosophical naturalist, then they are a materialist.
Materialism says we live in a closed world.
Materialism says we live in a closed world.
No force from the outside, call it God or whatever you like, can enter in and disturb the physical world.
No force from the outside, call it God or whatever you like, can enter in and disturb the physical world.
Our lives are governed purely by impersonal laws operating over strictly natural phenomena.
Our lives are governed purely by impersonal laws operating over strictly natural phenomena.
Renown atheistic philosopher Bertrand Russel put it like this, “… man…, his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms. …
Renown atheistic philosopher Bertrand Russel put it like this, “… man…, his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms. …
all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and the whole temple of Man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins. …
all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and the whole temple of Man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins. …
only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair, can the soul’s habitation henceforth be safely built.” (Quoted in Driscoll and Breshears, Doctrine, pg. 105.
only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair, can the soul’s habitation henceforth be safely built.” (Quoted in Driscoll and Breshears, Doctrine, pg. 105.
Creation is not a gift given by a loving creator, but an “epic, purposeless accident.”
Creation is not a gift given by a loving creator, but an “epic, purposeless accident.”
You owe your own existence this morning to an epic, purposeless accident!
You owe your own existence this morning to an epic, purposeless accident!
Doesn’t that make you feel all rosy inside?
Doesn’t that make you feel all rosy inside?
Richard Dawkins was asked if such a view made him depressed.
Richard Dawkins was asked if such a view made him depressed.
He said, “no… but if somebody does, that’s their problem… The universe is bleak, cold and empty. But so what?”
He said, “no… but if somebody does, that’s their problem… The universe is bleak, cold and empty. But so what?”
If this created world is reduced to mere matter in motion, concepts like “good” and “evil” are merely human constructs.
If this created world is reduced to mere matter in motion, concepts like “good” and “evil” are merely human constructs.
But in the end, such a worldview is false, and eventually leads to nihilism - sense of meaninglessness and despair.
But in the end, such a worldview is false, and eventually leads to nihilism - sense of meaninglessness and despair.
We are forced to argue that the actions of rapists, serial killers, child predators are not really “wrong” in any objective sense.
We are forced to argue that the actions of rapists, serial killers, child predators are not really “wrong” in any objective sense.
In a materialist universe, actions are not moral or immoral.
In a materialist universe, actions are not moral or immoral.
They just are.
They just are.
If that’s all life is, then we might as well throw up our hands “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
If that’s all life is, then we might as well throw up our hands “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
These first four views run contrary to the Biblical account, for they either deny God’s superiority over his creation or they obliterate his relationship with it.
These first four views run contrary to the Biblical account, for they either deny God’s superiority over his creation or they obliterate his relationship with it.
II. God’s Relationship to Creation
II. God’s Relationship to Creation
God is distinct from creation; yet God is always involved in creation and creation is always dependent on God.
God is distinct from creation; yet God is always involved in creation and creation is always dependent on God.
As we have mentioned, creation isn’t self-created, and so it’s not self-sustaining.
As we have mentioned, creation isn’t self-created, and so it’s not self-sustaining.
The stability of mankind and the entire universe depends on God’s sustaining power.
The stability of mankind and the entire universe depends on God’s sustaining power.
Paul affirms mankind’s dependence on God when he says that God “gives to all mankind life and breath and everything" and that “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:25, 28).
Paul affirms mankind’s dependence on God when he says that God “gives to all mankind life and breath and everything" and that “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:25, 28).
Acts 17:25 (KJV 1900)
Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
Acts 17:28 (KJV 1900)
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
Yet, the gospel tells of a God who is above all of the earth and is so concerned for his creation that he sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world to save it.
Yet, the gospel tells of a God who is above all of the earth and is so concerned for his creation that he sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world to save it.
And so the traditional way that Christians have spoken about God’s relationship to the world is in terms of his transcendence and his immanence...
And so the traditional way that Christians have spoken about God’s relationship to the world is in terms of his transcendence and his immanence...
1) Transcendence
1) Transcendence
When we speak of God’s transcendence, we are speaking of his kingship, majesty, and holiness.
When we speak of God’s transcendence, we are speaking of his kingship, majesty, and holiness.
God’s transcendence means that God is distinct from and sovereign over his creation.
God’s transcendence means that God is distinct from and sovereign over his creation.
So, he’s distinct from it.
So, he’s distinct from it.
He’s not part of it because he made it and rules over it.
He’s not part of it because he made it and rules over it.
Consider the following references to God’s transcendence…
Consider the following references to God’s transcendence…
Isaiah 55:8-9-
Isaiah 55:8-9-
Isaiah 55:8–9 (KJV 1900)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalm 113:5-6- ”
Psalm 113:5-6- ”
Psalm 113:5–6 (KJV 1900)
Who is like unto the Lord our God, Who dwelleth on high,
Who humbleth himself to behold The things that are in heaven, and in the earth!
John 8:23-
John 8:23-
John 8:23 (KJV 1900)
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Or picture the scene from Isaiah 6:1-5 where Isaiah see the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.
Or picture the scene from Isaiah 6:1-5 where Isaiah see the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.
Isaiah 6:1–5 (KJV 1900)
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of his glory.
And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
So the transcendence of God is best understood, not as a spatial concept, but as a reference to his kingship.
So the transcendence of God is best understood, not as a spatial concept, but as a reference to his kingship.
His transcendence means he is sovereign over his creatures
His transcendence means he is sovereign over his creatures
But, we don’t want to make the mistake of believing that God is so other that he doesn’t interact with creation, that would be to fall into deism.
But, we don’t want to make the mistake of believing that God is so other that he doesn’t interact with creation, that would be to fall into deism.
2) Scripture clearly teaches that not only is God transcendent, but he’s also immanent, or present.
2) Scripture clearly teaches that not only is God transcendent, but he’s also immanent, or present.
Immanence refers to his presence on earth, and especially to his nearness to his people. Consider the following passages:
Immanence refers to his presence on earth, and especially to his nearness to his people. Consider the following passages:
Deut. 4:39- Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on earth below.
Deut. 4:39- Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on earth below.
Deuteronomy 4:39 (KJV 1900)
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
Immanence then refers to God’s presence, in his creation and among his people.
Immanence then refers to God’s presence, in his creation and among his people.
Consider the implications of this in your life.
Consider the implications of this in your life.
We often think of Systematic Theology as dry or boring, but what could be more relevant, more exciting, more important for you than knowing that the holy and transcendent God of the universe who dwells in unapproachable light, also draws near to you.
We often think of Systematic Theology as dry or boring, but what could be more relevant, more exciting, more important for you than knowing that the holy and transcendent God of the universe who dwells in unapproachable light, also draws near to you.
(Psalm 145:18).
(Psalm 145:18).
The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth.
But God is also very much involved in creation.
But God is also very much involved in creation.
Creation is continually dependent on him for its existence and proper functioning.
Creation is continually dependent on him for its existence and proper functioning.
He’s immanent, meaning “remaining in” creation.
He’s immanent, meaning “remaining in” creation.
We see this in Hebrews 1:3 where Jesus is described as sustaining all things by the power of his word.
We see this in Hebrews 1:3 where Jesus is described as sustaining all things by the power of his word.
Hebrews 1:3 (KJV 1900)
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
In the biblical worldview, heaven and earth aren’t one and the same (pantheism), or completely separated (deism/naturalism), but in some ways God interlocks (cf. NT Wright quoted in Doctrine) heaven with earth.
In the biblical worldview, heaven and earth aren’t one and the same (pantheism), or completely separated (deism/naturalism), but in some ways God interlocks (cf. NT Wright quoted in Doctrine) heaven with earth.
We see this in Jacob’s vision of a ladder coming down from heaven; in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night; in the tent of meeting which served as a portable meeting place between heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
We see this in Jacob’s vision of a ladder coming down from heaven; in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night; in the tent of meeting which served as a portable meeting place between heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
Transcendence, and immanence.
Transcendence, and immanence.
III. God created Adam and Eve.
III. God created Adam and Eve.
Next, really the climax of the whole creation account is when God created Adam and Eve.
Next, really the climax of the whole creation account is when God created Adam and Eve.
(Gen. 2:7).
(Gen. 2:7).
Genesis 2:7 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
After that, God created Eve from Adam’s body.
After that, God created Eve from Adam’s body.
Verses 21 and 22 read, “So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.
Verses 21 and 22 read, “So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.
The LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” (Gen. 2:21-22).
The LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” (Gen. 2:21-22).
Genesis 2:21–22 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
Though distinct as male and female, as distinct sexes with distinct roles, Adam and Eve first share something that makes them both equal and qualitatively different from the rest of creation.
Though distinct as male and female, as distinct sexes with distinct roles, Adam and Eve first share something that makes them both equal and qualitatively different from the rest of creation.
What is it?
What is it?
They’re made in the image of God.
They’re made in the image of God.
(Gen 1.27)
(Gen 1.27)
Genesis 1:27 (KJV 1900)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
The special creation of Adam and Eve shows that we may appear like the rest of creation with respect to our physical bodies, nonetheless we are very different.
The special creation of Adam and Eve shows that we may appear like the rest of creation with respect to our physical bodies, nonetheless we are very different.
We’re not merely grown up animals.
We’re not merely grown up animals.
We are uniquely “in God’s image.”
We are uniquely “in God’s image.”
What does that mean?
What does that mean?
Three things.
Three things.
We image God
We image God
(1) in our essence/nature;
(1) in our essence/nature;
(2) functionally;
(2) functionally;
(3) relationally.
(3) relationally.
First, in our essence or nature man uniquely is found to be intellectual, rational, moral, and spiritual.
First, in our essence or nature man uniquely is found to be intellectual, rational, moral, and spiritual.
Beavers aren’t building altars to beaver gods and bowing down to them.
Beavers aren’t building altars to beaver gods and bowing down to them.
Elephants, though highly sophisticated socially (even have their own form of burial), they don’t write books and build libraries to contain their growing knowledge.
Elephants, though highly sophisticated socially (even have their own form of burial), they don’t write books and build libraries to contain their growing knowledge.
It’s not that we possess the image of God to a different degree than other animals - it’s a matter of kind.
It’s not that we possess the image of God to a different degree than other animals - it’s a matter of kind.
Mankind in our essence, who we are, are uniquely made in God’s image.
Mankind in our essence, who we are, are uniquely made in God’s image.
Second, functionally we image God in that we are meant to rule.
Second, functionally we image God in that we are meant to rule.
Gen 1.28 mankind is commanded to multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.
Gen 1.28 mankind is commanded to multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.
Genesis 1:28 (KJV 1900)
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
We’re to rule over it, the Bible says in Gen 1.29.
We’re to rule over it, the Bible says in Gen 1.29.
Genesis 1:29 (KJV 1900)
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Not as tyrants who destroy it for their own advantage, but as those who’re given a stewardship to “work it and watch over it” Gen 2.15.
Not as tyrants who destroy it for their own advantage, but as those who’re given a stewardship to “work it and watch over it” Gen 2.15.
Genesis 2:15 (KJV 1900)
And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
We’re God’s vice-regents, exercising his good authority over what he has made and declared to be good.
We’re God’s vice-regents, exercising his good authority over what he has made and declared to be good.
In this rule, functionally, we’re meant to image God.
In this rule, functionally, we’re meant to image God.
Thirdly, we image God relationally.
Thirdly, we image God relationally.
We were created to have relationships with one another, but most fundamentally, to God.
We were created to have relationships with one another, but most fundamentally, to God.
I joked about the beaver earlier, but it’s simply the case that animals don’t fashion idols or build temples in an effort to commune with something outside of them.
I joked about the beaver earlier, but it’s simply the case that animals don’t fashion idols or build temples in an effort to commune with something outside of them.
We do because were were uniquely made to be in relationship with God, even though sin has severed that relationship and perverted our worship.
We do because were were uniquely made to be in relationship with God, even though sin has severed that relationship and perverted our worship.
Practically, it’s because we made in his image that human life is sacred.
Practically, it’s because we made in his image that human life is sacred.
It has value.
It has value.
We’re not like Horses.
We’re not like Horses.
We don’t choose to simply put another human being “down” when it can’t function well, or because we’ve lost our utility.
We don’t choose to simply put another human being “down” when it can’t function well, or because we’ve lost our utility.
We’ve “found” euthanasia only because we’ve first “lost” what it means to be made uniquely in God’s image.
We’ve “found” euthanasia only because we’ve first “lost” what it means to be made uniquely in God’s image.
But because we’re made in his image, true knowledge of God isn’t some pipe-dream, it’s possible.
But because we’re made in his image, true knowledge of God isn’t some pipe-dream, it’s possible.
We’re not blindly groping about in the dark, into the unknown.
We’re not blindly groping about in the dark, into the unknown.
Is there a God or gods?
Is there a God or gods?
Could I ever know anything about him, or her, or it?
Could I ever know anything about him, or her, or it?
Because God has made us, and made us to be in relationship to him and all he’s made, and it’s orderly and good, we can know much about the world, and even about him.
Because God has made us, and made us to be in relationship to him and all he’s made, and it’s orderly and good, we can know much about the world, and even about him.
The biblical account of creation grounds our ability to know true things about God.
The biblical account of creation grounds our ability to know true things about God.
Critically important.
Critically important.
Some may object and say that Genesis does not intend to portray Adam and Eve as literal individuals.
Some may object and say that Genesis does not intend to portray Adam and Eve as literal individuals.
This is a live and hotly debated issue today, not just in more theologically “liberal” denominations,
This is a live and hotly debated issue today, not just in more theologically “liberal” denominations,
but in historically very conservative denominations .
but in historically very conservative denominations .
Why would someone not want to portray Adam and Eve as a literal man and woman?
Why would someone not want to portray Adam and Eve as a literal man and woman?
Usually because they have prior commitments (i.e. evolutionary commitments) that depend upon not just one man and woman, but depend upon the natural processes of mutation and natural selection, such that there wasn’t just one man and woman, but thousands across the earth.
Usually because they have prior commitments (i.e. evolutionary commitments) that depend upon not just one man and woman, but depend upon the natural processes of mutation and natural selection, such that there wasn’t just one man and woman, but thousands across the earth.
What do we say?
What do we say?
The historical narrative in Genesis is to be understood as a faithful telling of history.
The historical narrative in Genesis is to be understood as a faithful telling of history.
It’s not presented to us as a scientific textbook, for it’s highly stylized and often poetic, but it’s nonetheless true.
It’s not presented to us as a scientific textbook, for it’s highly stylized and often poetic, but it’s nonetheless true.
Furthermore, the biblical genealogies present Adam and Eve as historical figures.
Furthermore, the biblical genealogies present Adam and Eve as historical figures.
Jesus assumes a literal Adam and Eve in Mt 19 when discussing divorce.
Jesus assumes a literal Adam and Eve in Mt 19 when discussing divorce.
Matthew 19 (KJV 1900)
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Paul assumes the same in Rom 5, 1Cor 15, 1Tim 2.
Paul assumes the same in Rom 5, 1Cor 15, 1Tim 2.
Romans 5 (KJV 1900)
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 15 (KJV 1900)
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which d