Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 4: Creation
As a congregation recently aligned with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, we will continue working through the Westminster Confession of Faith on this blog. I hope this will deepen your understanding of our faith's theological foundations. The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms are cornerstone documents embodying the rich theological heritage of the Reformed faith. Today, we focus on Chapter 4 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, which discusses God’s creative work.
The Work of Creation
Chapter 4 of the Westminster Confession of Faith delves into the narrative of God's activity in creation. It begins with a profound statement: "It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good."
This opening sentence is packed with theological significance. First, it affirms that creation was a trinitarian endeavor involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This emphasizes the unity and diversity within the Godhead, a foundational aspect of our faith. Secondly, it underscores that creation was an act of divine will and pleasure, not necessity or compulsion. God created out of a desire to display His eternal attributes - power, wisdom, and goodness.
Creation Ex Nihilo
A central doctrine presented in this chapter is "creation ex nihilo" - creation out of nothing. This concept challenges human understanding, as it speaks of a God who requires no pre-existing materials to create the universe and everything within it. This doctrine sets the Christian understanding of God apart from other religious or philosophical views that suggest the world was formed from pre-existing chaos or matter.
The Purpose of Creation
The Westminster Confession does not merely describe how creation happened but also why. As outlined in this chapter, creation's purpose is to manifest God's glory. Every star in the sky, every creature in the sea, and every leaf on a tree speaks of God's power, wisdom, and goodness. As humans, created in God's image, we are invited to reflect on creation, see God's handiwork, and worship Him.
The Goodness of Creation
The chapter concludes with a simple yet profound declaration: "And all very good." This affirms the inherent goodness of everything God made, including humanity. It challenges us to view the world and each other through a lens of inherent worth and to steward creation responsibly as an act of worship and obedience to God.
Application for Today
Understanding and embracing the truths in Chapter 4 of the Westminster Confession of Faith is crucial. It shapes how we view the world, God, and our place within creation. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth and see in it the handiwork of our Creator. Moreover, it encourages us to live in a way that reflects God's glory, wisdom, and goodness.
As we explore the depths of our faith through the Westminster Confession, may we grow in our love for God, our understanding of His world, and our commitment to His mission. Let us be a faith community that not only believes in the truths of our faith but lives them out, showing the world the beauty, wisdom, and glory of the God we serve.
