Why Did God Create?

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For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. [Rom. 11:36]

Why did God create the world? One of the most foolish answers advanced is that God was lonely and needed someone with whom to have fellowship. The doctrine of the tri-unity of God utterly opposes any such idea. God has eternal fellowship within himself, and has no need to create anything. Creation results completely from his sovereign will.

Others said the purpose of creation was to prepare the way for redemption: God created it and predestined the fall of humanity so Jesus could redeem the world. This notion looks pious, since it focuses on Jesus and his work, but it is inadequate to explain God’s purpose as the Bible sets it out.

Looking at Genesis 1, some have said that the purpose of creation was to provide a world for human glory and happiness—that humanity is the crown of creation so that the world was made just for people. This distorts the truth that humanity was created as the chief of creation and in Jesus Christ is restored to that authority. Even in Genesis 1–2, the sixth day, on which man was made, was not the last day. The seventh and last day shows the goal and purpose of creation.

On the seventh day God rested from his work and sanctified the time of his rest. God is glorified in holiness on the seventh day. We were created to glorify God, and can only find fulfilment in serving the Creator-king. God is glorified by his creation when we live in holiness and righteousness before him. This, after all, is the response to the question, “What is the chief end of man?” in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

How can a fallen world please and glorify God? God is glorified through his just punishment of the wicked and his merciful act of redemption at Calvary. Jesus fulfilled the purpose of creation and is enthroned in glory. As the redeemed people of God we seek to obey him that we might manifest his glory and holiness in the world. Only by Christ and in Christ is it possible for the creation to shine with the full majesty of God.

Genesis 2:15 says that humanity was commissioned to “dress” (improve, glorify) the world, and to “keep” (guard) it. How does this relate to the reasons God created all things? In your own calling in life, think of ways you can make God’s glory manifest in the world in these two respects.

Sproul, R.C., Before the Face of God: A Daily Guide for Living from the Old Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books) 1994.

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