Putting amazing back into grace – Part 2
At the start of chapter two, Horton takes us right back to the beginning by first looking at Genesis 1:31; “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good”. He tells us that we must first go back to creation to understand who we really are, the meaning of the fall, and how amazing grace really is.
He reminds us that; “there is nothing wrong with the Manufacturer or his product; the problem is with what his creatures decided to do with the freedom he sovereignly gave them.”
Horton goes on to separate the chapter into four different sections, looking at lessons that can be learnt from creation.
1. Creation marks us with God’s image.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
In this section, Horton explores the question, “What makes us so special?”. We are made in the the image of God, and that is what sets us apart from every other animal and creature on the earth. Because of this, Horton explains, we have “Intimate ties to his [God’s] own character“.
“God saw no internal defects in his human creature. There was nothing in human nature as God created it that would predispose the race to sin. There was righteousness, holiness, godliness.”
2. Creation is universal
Horton writes that this truth is so obvious, yet so often over looked. Believer and unbeliever alike are made in the image of God, and this should change how we see ourselves and others.
He reminds us of James’ warning about the tongue:
“With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” James 3:9.
With each and every one of us being made in God’s image, we are all held equally accountable to him.
Horton says; “The majestic imprimatur of God’s handiwork that makes us so significant in the universe also holds us responsible for our response to the Creator.”
3. Why are we here?
I think it’s fair to say we have all had conversations with our family and friends around how we got here and came in to being. One question that doesn’t come up very often however, is WHY are we here? What is the meaning and purpose of our existence?
Horton says it like this; “To the question, “What is the chief end of man?” the Westminster Shorter Catechism leads off with its famous answer: “To glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” What a loaded sentence!”
4. The doctrine of creation has it’s benefits.
The story of creation gives us practical insights that can be applied to our lives today. It teaches us how to love, walk and serve, with God at the centre of everything we do.
The main lesson here in this section is that God is in control, and I LOVE that reminder! Often we can find ourselves in crazy situations that may seem hopeless and just too much to deal with but, God is in control and what a relief and a comfort that is!
“The doctrine of creation also convinces us that God is in control. Out of chaos he created order; out of darkness, light; and out of nothing, spectacular variety. Our own limitations make it impossible to understand the purpose behind every event, for often we are too close to a situation. Yet years go by and finally we see how everything came together into a colourful and orderly pattern.”
The God who breathed life into existence holds the universe together and he holds us together!
Ria Dowling