Chapter 4, Paragraph 1: Summary
This paragraph teaches that God created everything—both visible and invisible—out of nothing, by His Word, and for His glory. Creation was accomplished in six days and declared by God to be very good. The purpose of creation is to display God’s power, wisdom, and goodness.
The paragraph emphasizes that creation was not a random process but a deliberate act of God, who made the heavens, the earth, and all living things in an orderly manner. The result of creation reflects God’s perfection, with everything fulfilling its intended purpose.
Historical Context
The teaching on creation in the Westminster Confession affirms the biblical account of creation in response to competing views of its time. During the 17th century, the prevailing alternatives were rooted in naturalistic or speculative philosophies that denied God’s active role in creation. The Confession affirms the Reformation’s return to the authority of Scripture, rejecting both naturalistic views that excluded God and the allegorical interpretations that undermined the historical reality of creation.
The reference to six days aligns with the traditional understanding of Genesis, affirming the clear teaching of Scripture while leaving room for interpretive differences on the nature of the “days.”
Key Biblical References
- Genesis 1:1-31: The account of God creating the heavens, the earth, and all living things in six days.
- Hebrews 11:3: By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God, out of nothing.
- Psalm 19:1: The heavens declare the glory of God, showcasing His wisdom and power.
- Revelation 4:11: All things were created by God’s will and for His glory.
- Colossians 1:16: All things were created through Christ and for Him.
Summary
Chapter 4, paragraph 1 teaches that God created everything out of nothing, by His Word, and for His glory, in six days. Creation reflects God’s wisdom, power, and goodness and was declared very good. This doctrine affirms the biblical account of creation as a purposeful and orderly act, standing against naturalistic and speculative views. It highlights the perfection and purpose of creation, calling believers to recognize God’s glory in the world around them.
Chapter 4, Paragraph 2: Summary
This paragraph focuses on the creation of humanity, teaching that God created man and woman in His image. This means humans were created with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, reflecting God’s character. They were made capable of understanding God, obeying Him, and enjoying fellowship with Him. As part of creation, God gave humans dominion over the earth and all living creatures, entrusting them with stewardship of His creation.
Humanity was created with free will, enabling them to obey God’s commands. However, this original state of holiness and ability to obey was not immutable; it was subject to change, as seen in the fall.
Historical Context
This paragraph reflects the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on humanity’s original righteousness before the fall, countering views that either denied the fall’s impact (e.g., Pelagianism) or overly diminished the goodness of humanity’s original state. It also stands against naturalistic philosophies of the 17th century that denied humanity’s unique status as being made in God’s image, affirming the biblical teaching of human dignity and responsibility.
The teaching on dominion aligns with Genesis, emphasizing humanity’s role as caretakers of creation, a stewardship corrupted by sin but restored through redemption in Christ.
Key Biblical References
- Genesis 1:26-28: Humanity is created in God’s image, given dominion over creation, and commanded to fill and subdue the earth.
- Genesis 2:7: God forms man from the dust of the ground and breathes life into him, showing humanity’s unique creation.
- Ecclesiastes 7:29: God made humans upright, but they have sought out many schemes.
- Colossians 3:10: In Christ, believers are renewed in knowledge after the image of their Creator.
- Ephesians 4:24: The new self is created in the likeness of God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Summary
Chapter 4, paragraph 2 teaches that God created man and woman in His image, with knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, enabling them to know, obey, and enjoy fellowship with Him. Humanity was given dominion over creation as stewards of the earth. This paragraph emphasizes the original dignity and responsibility of humanity while affirming the biblical teaching of free will and its potential for change. It reflects the Reformers’ commitment to upholding the unique status of humanity as God’s image-bearers, made for His glory and fellowship.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 