The very first sentence of the Bible lays the foundation for everything that follows: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). Before telling us anything about humanity, sin or salvation, Scripture shows us who God is: the Creator who brought everything into existence by His Word. Adventists believe that the world is not the result of chance, but the work of a wise and loving God.
A world created very good
At the end of creation week, the Bible gives a simple and joyful verdict: “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31). Light, water, plants, animals and finally humanity, created in God’s image, formed a perfect harmony. Suffering, sickness and death were not part of the original plan; they entered the world later, through sin.
This perspective gives us a special dignity. Every person, whatever their background, age or past, bears the image of their Creator. We are not an accident of nature, but beings wanted, designed and loved by God even before we were born.
Nature that speaks of God
Even in a world marked by sin, creation keeps speaking of God’s beauty. The psalmist wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1). A sunset, a quiet forest or a starry sky can remind us that there is Someone greater than our worries.
That is why a walk in nature can become a moment of worship. When we look carefully at the world around us, we learn gratitude and we learn to care for the earth God has entrusted to us.
A message for our time
In the book of Revelation, God sends the world a message that calls us back to the Creator: “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Revelation 14:7). The Sabbath, the seventh day, remains the weekly sign of this worship, a reminder that we are created and loved.
Believing in God the Creator also means believing that He can create something new in our lives. The One who made the world out of nothing can give a fresh start to every heart that opens to Him.
For reflection
When did you last sense God’s greatness while looking at nature? What does it mean to you that you are made in His image? This week, take a quiet walk and thank God for three things you see.
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.