Credo: Creation, Angles and Providence

This is a summative statement, in a concise (one page) format regarding my convictions about Creation, Angels and Providence. It is, by nature, not as complete or robust as it ought to be but is nonetheless effective at laying out my beliefs.

Creation

I believe that in the beginning God brought everything into existence by the power of his Word out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo) (Gen. 1:3; Rom. 4:17). In this manner, I believe that creation has a distinct starting point and is therefore not eternal (Prov. 8:22-23; John 17:5). I believe that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were all involved in this process of creation (Gen. 1:1-3).  I believe that in this act of creating, God caused all things to be. I believe that as Creator, God has complete authority and dominion over his handiwork—and thus he reigns with sovereign power (Ex. 15:18). I believe that God created the earth in six days—and rested from this work on the seventh day (Gen. 2:2-3). I believe that on the sixth day God created mankind in his image— this sets mankind uniquely apart from all other created beings and things (Gen. 1:27). I believe humanity was created to have dominion over creation and extend the imago dei to all ends of the earth.  I believe that God’s creation is a display of his glory, and creation is good (Gen. 1:31). I believe that creation is the result of God’s trinitarian love, which overflowed such that he brought things into being. I believe that creation has been radically altered as a result of sin, and it “groans” as it awaits a redemption along with those who belong to Christ (Rom. 5:13, 8:20-23). I believe creation mattered enough to God that he was willing to die for it.  

Angels

As for the angels, I believe they are created beings. As such, they are not eternal, omniscient, omnipresent nor omnipotent. I believe that angels are messengers appointed by God and subsequently have a significant place in God’s creation. I believe that the angels were created within the six days of creation—though we are not told explicitly when. I believe that angels have appeared in physical form to mankind, and in doing so they inspire trepidation and awe (Lk. 1:30; Matt. 28:5). I believe that an angel’s fate is permanently sealed, and they are not in need of redemption like human beings (1 Tim. 5:21; Jude 6). I believe that some angels, though part of God’s “good” creation, have fallen (that is, opposed God in rebellion). Demons are entirely opposed to God (Matt.1 Cor. 10:20-21), with the chief demon being Satan (Rev. 20:1-10). Demons and fallen angels will face judgement from God (Matt. 8:29; Jude 6) and Jesus Christ secured his eternal victory over them at the Cross (Col. 2:15). 

Providence

I believe that God did not create and abandon his creation, instead he remains intimately involved in controlling the direction of his creation (Eph. 1:11). I believe that it is God that upholds and maintains creation to this very day, and for eternity (Col. 1:17). He is completely sovereign and the King of all Kings, maintaining and directing even the governments of the earth. Nothing falls outside of his omnipotent power and reign (Daniel 4:34-5). I believe that God provides everything that is needed to accomplish his will, especially for those that are his in Christ (Phil. 4:19). I believe that even the powers of nature fall under His control and directing—indeed, there are no secondary causes that God is not working through. I believe that God is not the author of Sin, though he allows, in his providence, men to commit sin according to his glorious purposes (John 19:15; Matt. 27:31). I believe that because of God’s providence, God’s people have hope despite seemingly hopeless circumstances because they can trust in God and his sovereign will to work all things for good (Jer. 17:13; 1 Tim. 4:10; Rom. 12:12, 15:13).