The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).” It is difficult to imagine nothing: no white room, no bright light, just nothing. Whether over seven literal days or through some instantaneous initiatory event, like a big bang, the Bible affirms that God spoke all creation into existence. Every star in the sky, celestial satellite, atom, molecule, tree leaf, and toenail resulted from God’s creative act.
What difference does it make to believe in the Christian God who created the heavens and the earth?
First, it means God transcends creation. The divine is not in creation, as a pantheist or materialist might believe. He is not subject to creation’s limits. He is not culpable when it chooses to behave badly or goes awry. Though creation has a beginning, there is no beginning of God. God is eternal. Though creation may progress or regress, God remains the same. He is our constant. As the Psalmist says, “The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?”
Second, because God created the heavens and the earth, the universe has eternal purpose and meaning. Our bodies are not mere bags of cells awaiting imminent decay. Rocky crags and sunrises have inherent purpose and meaning, because God, who is working all things to his glorious ends, created them. We have reason to work toward justice in this world, because creation was designed to go in that direction. Love has meaning beyond its usefulness for human society, because we have a God who is love. Our lives have inherent meaning and purpose, because God created each of us.
Third, every day is a miracle. It was a miracle when God made nothing become everything. God, who willed the world into existence, also sustains it. If he were to remove his mighty hand, the universe would crumble. Every morning, as we lift our bodies out of bed, we can lift our hands to the heavens and say, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
Christians believe that God created the heavens and the earth, and it makes all the difference in how we view the universe and ourselves. We believe in the one true God who created the heavens and the earth.