Why does the universe display such order, beauty and power?
Why do human beings possess a dignity that sets them apart from everything else?
And perhaps the most fundamental question of all:
Why is there something rather than nothing?
The opening chapters of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, answer these questions by introducing us to a world that reveals its Creator and humanity, which bears His image. We cannot understand the universe without God, and we cannot understand ourselves without knowing the unique place He has given us within His universe.
This is the starting point for a project tracing UtG’s core theme: The Gospel Journey.
The aim is to find answers to big questions about the meaning of life, our failures and our longing for hope.
We explore the Bible’s central message: the God who made us entered human history in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who lived, died and rose again to deal with sin and provide forgiveness and new life. Wherever you are starting from, you can explore the hard questions that are addressed and examine the answers the Bible gives.
The journey begins with the God who made the world and the people He created in His image. Before we can grasp why we need a Saviour, we need to know who made us and why we were made.
Humankind continues to search the heavens for signs that we are not alone. Yet the Bible declares that “someone” has already spoken to us. The vastness, complexity and beauty of the universe communicate the reality of the God who made it. “The heavens declare the glory of God,” writes the psalmist (Psalm 19:1). Creation is not God, but it unmistakably points to Him.
What does it tell us?
The countless galaxies of space proclaim His glory. The energy woven into the fabric of the universe displays His power. The order of ecosystems, the precision of natural laws, and the intricate information contained in DNA reveal His wisdom. God’s sovereign authority is seen in His repeated command in Genesis: ‘Let there be . . .’’ He spoke, and worlds came into being.
Nor did God merely start the universe and withdraw from it.
The One who created all things continues to sustain them. The Bible says that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, “upholds the universe by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3 ESV). We live every moment in a world that belongs to Him and depends upon Him.
Creation does more than inspire wonder or educate us about a Creator. It reveals the One who is worthy of our worship and obedience: the Son, through whom all things were created (Colossians 1:15-17; Psalm 95:6,7).
The Gospel Journey also asks: What does creation tell us about ourselves?
After forming the heavens, the earth and every living creature, God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Humanity is not another species in the chain of life, nor a biological machine. Men and women have been created uniquely to bear the image of their Creator.
God has given us spiritual, rational and moral capacities that reflect something of His character. We can reason, love, be creative, make moral judgements and enjoy personal relationships. Above all, we were made with the capacity to know, worship and serve God.
Creation tells us that God is glorious, all-powerful, majestic and wise. He is the Creator and Sustainer, and we owe our existence to Him – He made us for Himself and to enjoy a relationship with Him. But how do we enter this relationship?
Creation alone cannot tell us how guilty people may be reconciled to their holy Creator. For that, we need God’s fuller revelation in Scripture, and supremely in His Son, Jesus Christ.
This is where The Gospel Journey leads us beyond creation. The God who made us has acted to save us. Understanding the good news of His saving grace begins with knowing who our Creator is.
To explore these questions further, visit The Gospel Journey. Watch the videos and read the articles on creation and being made in God’s image. Then continue the journey to discover why we need Jesus Christ and what it means to know Him.
The universe is speaking. Will you take time to consider what its Creator is saying?
Explore The Gospel Journey at understandingthegospel.org/gospel-journey/
