Lecture on the Doctrine of Creation

Definition of Creation

• Millard Erickson: Creation is God's work bringing into being everything without pre-existing materials.
• John Frame: Creation is an act of God alone, for His glory, bringing into existence everything in the universe.

Biblical Story of Creation

1. Act 1: God creates all things by His word, displaying His goodness.
   • Humanity created in God's image.
   • Human sin leads to creation's disarray.
2. Acts 2-4: God's wonders in nature reveal His power and justice.
3. Act 5: God will rescue and restore creation in a new heaven and earth.
   • Apostle Paul speaks of creation's eager anticipation for redemption.

Non-Christian Views on Creation

• Platonic Dualism: God and matter are separate eternal principles; God organizes pre-existing materials.
• Manichaean Dualism: Two powerful spirits (good and evil) control the universe, explaining human suffering.
• Gnostic Dualism: Created world is evil; escape through special knowledge (gnosis).
• Emanationism: Creation naturally flows from God, part of God's being.
• Pantheism: Universe is God; everything is one substance.
• Deism: God is a rational creator, uninvolved after creation.
• Materialism/Naturalism: No God, only the eternal material universe.

Christian Doctrine of Creation

• God created everything: Spiritual world, physical world, without pre-existing materials (creatio ex nihilo).
• Creation's goodness: Material universe is good; evil is the absence of good.
• Inseparable Operations: Trinity involved in all works from creation to redemption.
  • God is distinct from creation (transcendence).

Christian Frameworks for Understanding Creation

1. Fiat Creationism: Direct, instantaneous creation by God, typically young Earth.
2. Theistic Evolution: God guides evolution, creating first human soul in a higher primate.
3. Progressive Creationism: Combination of direct acts and progressive operation, typically old Earth.

Genesis 1-2 Interpretations

1. Literal 24-hour days: Six consecutive days of creation.
2. Non-consecutive 24-hour days: Days separated by long periods.
3. Revelatory Days: Days of revelation to Moses.
4. Gap Theory: Long period between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.
5. Day-Age Theory: Days represent long periods of time.
6. Literary Framework: Poetic structure teaching theology.
7. Augustine's Allegory: Allegorical interpretation; angels represent days.

Practical Takeaways

• Steward Creation: Use gifts of creation well, work and rest as God intended.
• Teaching and Worship: Educate through sermons and classes about creation.
• Praise God: Appreciate creation's testimony to God's wisdom and glory.

Conclusion

• Summarized non-Christian and Christian positions on creation.
• Discussed practical implications and doctrines related to creation.
• Next topic: Doctrine of Providence.