Catechism: Loving Creator & SustainerSample

Where do movies begin? With the opening scene—introducing characters, relationships, setting, and more! And you’re invited into the story knowing there’s a lot more to come!

The beginning doesn’t tell you everything, but what it tells you is important, and the beginning of the Bible is no different: “In the beginning, God created.” Before anything happened, he existed. He is eternal. And then, in the beginning of time he began to speak words, creating space and time, calling matter and energy into existence.

Now, you might be asking yourself, “What kind of being is eternal, existing before space or time? What kind of being can speak matter and energy into existence? What kind of power or creative detail does that take?”

Often when God reveals who he is and what he’s like, it answers some questions, but also causes us to ask many others. This is part of our relationship with him, always discovering and learning more about this infinite, all-powerful God who cares deeply for us and wants us to know him.

There’s a phrase throughout Genesis 1: “God saw that it was good.” When he created something, the Scripture notes that the creation was good. Why? Because creation reflects the creator. Creation is good because the creator is good. We learn in the book of Genesis that God designed a universe, and the grand finale was to place humanity in it. Why? Because he is a relational God and wants to be in relationship with us.

And because he is fundamentally good and creates good things, we can trust that his heart and plans for us are good and for our good. He is not just the creator—he is a good, loving creator.

Consider: By believing that God created everything on purpose and with great detail, how does that change your perspective on life, how you view yourself or others, and how you view creation?

Reflect: Take a few minutes to meditate on this thought: “God created me, every part of me, with purpose and great intentionality.” Remember you are incredibly valuable to him!