The act of God bringing the universe and all life into existence.
1. The Biblical Definition of Creation
The Bible opens with creation, not as a philosophical idea, but as a decisive act of God’s sovereign power.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
The Hebrew word for “created” here is בָּרָא (baraʼ). This word is used in the Old Testament only of God, never of man. It emphasizes God’s unique, sovereign action in bringing into existence what did not exist before. It often implies creation by divine decree, not by process or struggle.
Another important word is עָשָׂה (asah) – “to make, to do, to fashion” (Genesis 1:7,16,25). While baraʼ emphasizes God’s unique creative act, asah emphasizes God’s forming, arranging, and shaping what He has made. Both appear in the creation account, showing that God both brings forth and orders.
In the New Testament, the primary word is κτίζω (ktizō) – “to create, to bring into existence” (e.g., Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 2:10). From this we get κτίσις (ktisis) – “creation, creature, created order” (Romans 8:19–22).
Key truths from the biblical language:
Creation is from God alone – He is the source (baraʼ).
Creation is by His word and will, not by chance (Psalm 33:6,9).
Creation is both initial (Genesis 1) and ongoing in effect – He sustains all things (Hebrews 1:3).
Creation is also spiritual and new in Christ:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (καινὴ κτίσις).” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
So biblically, creation is:
The sovereign act of God, by His word and Spirit, bringing into existence and ordering all things—both the original universe and the ongoing new creation in Christ.
2. Old Testament Foundation
2.1 Creation by the Word and Spirit
From the beginning, creation is a Trinitarian work.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…
And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:1–3)
God (the Father) is the source.
The Spirit (רוּחַ, ruach) is hovering—brooding, like a bird over its nest—ready to bring life.
The Word (“God said…”) is the instrument.
Creation is thus Spirit-empowered speech. This is foundational for understanding later how God’s word in our mouths, energized by the Spirit, has creative effect (Proverbs 18:21; Mark 11:23).
2.2 Creation and Covenant
The Old Testament repeatedly ties God’s right to rule and His faithfulness in covenant to His role as Creator.
Law / Torah:
The Sabbath command is rooted in creation:
“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth… and rested the seventh day.” (Exodus 20:11)
Israel is to rest because God created and rested. Creation becomes the pattern for Israel’s life.
Psalms:
The psalmists worship God as Creator:
“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And all the host of them by the breath (ruach) of His mouth.” (Psalm 33:6)
“Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” (Psalm 100:3)
Creation is the basis for trust, worship, and identity.
Prophets:
The prophets comfort Israel with the truth that the Creator is also their Redeemer:
“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer,
And He who formed you from the womb:
‘I am the LORD, who makes all things,
Who stretches out the heavens all alone…’” (Isaiah 44:24)
“But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.’” (Isaiah 43:1)
Creation and redemption are linked: the God who created can also re-create, restore, and deliver.
2.3 Creation and Human Identity
Genesis 1:26–27 reveals the crown of creation:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’
So God created man in His own image…”
Human beings are:
Created (baraʼ) – not accidents, but intentional works of God.
In God’s image and likeness – designed for relationship, representation, and rulership under God (Genesis 1:26–28).
Given dominion – a delegated authority to steward and subdue the earth.
This dominion is not independent of God; it is derived. Yet it is real. This becomes crucial when we consider the authority of the believer in Christ, restored and elevated in the new creation.
3. The Fulfillment in Christ
The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word through whom all things were created.
3.1 Christ the Creator
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:1,3)
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… All things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
Jesus is not merely a participant in creation; He is the divine Word by whom the Father created all things. Creation is Christ-centered and Christ-directed – “for Him.”
3.2 Christ and New Creation
The original creation was marred by sin (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). But God’s answer is not only to repair the old; it is to bring forth a new creation in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“For we are His workmanship, created (ktizō) in Christ Jesus for good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)
In Christ:
Our spirit is re-created.
We receive a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27; fulfilled in the new birth).
We become part of a new humanity (Ephesians 2:14–16).
3.3 Christ’s Creative Miracles
Jesus’ miracles are not mere displays of power; they are signs of creative authority:
Water into wine (John 2:1–11): transformation of substance.
Multiplication of loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13–21; 15:32–39): creative increase of matter.
Healing of congenital conditions (John 9:1–7 – man born blind): creating what was never functioning properly.
Raising the dead (John 11:38–44): re-creating life where it had ceased.
These acts reveal that the Creator has stepped into His creation and is already beginning the work of new creation, which will culminate in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1–5).
4. The Power of Creation for Today (By the Holy Spirit)
This is where many believers stop short. They affirm that God created the world and that Jesus brings new spiritual life—but they do not see how creation power relates to their daily walk, their authority in Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
4.1 The Same Spirit, the Same Word
The same Spirit who hovered over the waters in Genesis 1 now dwells in you.
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ… will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)
The same Word by which God created the universe is now:
Incarnate in Christ (John 1:14),
Proclaimed in the gospel (Romans 1:16),
Spoken through your mouth when you align with God’s promises (Romans 10:8–10; 2 Corinthians 4:13).
Creation, in Scripture, is Word + Spirit. Today, God still works by His Word in your heart and mouth, energized by His Spirit in you.
4.2 New Creation Identity and Authority
If you are in Christ, you are not just a forgiven sinner; you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new creation:
Is righteous and holy in its nature (Ephesians 4:24).
Is seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Shares in Christ’s authority over the works of darkness (Luke 10:19; Mark 16:17–18).
The authority given to Adam to “have dominion” (Genesis 1:26–28) was corrupted by sin and surrendered to Satan (Luke 4:6). But Jesus, as the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), has:
Defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15),
Received all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18),
Commissioned His church to go in His name, exercising delegated authority (Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15–18).
This includes authority to:
Preach the gospel (which creates new life in hearers – 1 Peter 1:23),
Heal the sick (Matthew 10:1,8),
Cast out demons (Mark 16:17),
Speak to mountains (obstacles) in faith (Mark 11:23).
These are all creative acts in the spiritual and sometimes physical realm, as the Spirit manifests the power of the risen Christ.
4.3 Prophetic and Creative Speech
Because creation is by God’s word, the Bible places great weight on the words of believers.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21)
“We also believe and therefore speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13)
When a believer, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks in alignment with God’s will and Word, there is a creative dimension:
Declaring the gospel: God creates new life in the hearer’s spirit (James 1:18).
Speaking healing and restoration in Jesus’ name: the Spirit brings life to bodies and situations (Acts 3:6–8).
Prophesying: the Spirit edifies, exhorts, and comforts (1 Corinthians 14:3), often calling things into being that were not yet manifested.
We must avoid presumption: we are not independent creators. We are co-laborers (1 Corinthians 3:9), speaking what we hear from God (John 5:19–20; John 16:13–15). But within that obedience, there is real creative power.
4.4 Expecting God to Move Creatively
A continuationist, Spirit-filled understanding of creation means we expect God to:
Create new hearts in hardened people.
Create pathways where there were none (open doors, favor, solutions).
Create healing in bodies (new tissue, restored organs, corrected DNA).
Create restoration in relationships and communities.
We are not deists, believing God wound up the universe and stepped back. We serve the God who:
“…calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” (Romans 4:17)
And He does this today, through His Spirit, in and through His people.
5. Practical Application: Walking in the Truth of Creation
Here are concrete steps to walk in the reality of God as Creator and you as His new creation, operating in Spirit-empowered authority.
5.1 Renew Your Mind with Creation Truth
Meditate regularly on key creation passages: Genesis 1–2; Psalm 33; Isaiah 40–45; John 1; Colossians 1; 2 Corinthians 5.
Confess aloud:
“God created me with purpose and value.” (Psalm 139:13–16)
“In Christ, I am a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“I am His workmanship, created in Christ for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)
This renews your mind (Romans 12:2) and uproots lies of worthlessness, accident, or fatalism.
5.2 Align Your Words with God’s Creative Word
Repent of careless, destructive speech (Matthew 12:36–37; Ephesians 4:29).
Begin to speak God’s promises over your life, family, and situations.
Over your body: “By His stripes I am healed” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).
Over your needs: “My God shall supply all my need” (Philippians 4:19).
Over your calling: “He who began a good work in me will complete it” (Philippians 1:6).
When facing “formless and void” situations (chaos, confusion), ask the Spirit to brood over them and then speak what He shows you in faith.
5.3 Exercise Authority in Christ
Acknowledge Jesus’ lordship and your position in Him (Ephesians 2:6).
In prayer, address situations and demonic opposition directly in Jesus’ name:
Command sickness to leave.
Command oppression to break.
Command obstacles to move, as the Spirit leads (Mark 11:23).
Expect the Holy Spirit to confirm the word with signs following (Mark 16:20).
This is not “name it and claim it” in the flesh; it is hear it and declare it in the Spirit.
5.4 Cooperate with the Spirit in New Creation Works
Ask the Holy Spirit daily: “What are You creating today in and through me?”
Be sensitive to promptings to:
Share the gospel (new creation in others),
Pray for the sick,
Speak a prophetic word of encouragement,
Start a new work, ministry, or initiative He is birthing.
Step out in obedience, even when you cannot see the full outcome. Creation begins with God’s word, not with visible evidence (Hebrews 11:1–3).
5.5 Anchor Your Hope in the Coming New Heavens and New Earth
Regularly meditate on Revelation 21–22; Romans 8:18–25; 2 Peter 3:13.
Let the certainty of a future, physical new creation:
Strengthen you in suffering,
Purify your lifestyle (2 Peter 3:11–14),
Fuel your urgency in evangelism and ministry.
You are already a citizen of that coming order (Philippians 3:20). Live now as a preview of the new creation.
6. Key Scriptures on Creation (With Brief Commentary)
1. Genesis 1:1–3
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth… And the Spirit of God was hovering… Then God said…”
Foundational revelation: God as Creator, creation by Word and Spirit, and the beginning of God’s order out of chaos. This pattern repeats in salvation and in every work of God.
2. Psalm 33:6,9
“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made… For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.”
Emphasizes creation by divine speech. Builds faith that when God speaks, reality conforms. This undergirds our confidence in His promises.
3. Isaiah 43:1
“But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you…’”
Links creation and redemption. The One who created you also redeems and calls you by name. Your security rests in His creative and redemptive power.
4. John 1:1–3,14
“In the beginning was the Word… All things were made through Him… And the Word became flesh…”
Reveals Jesus as the divine Word and agent of creation. Creation is Christ-centered; the Creator Himself has entered creation to bring about new creation.
5. Colossians 1:16–17
“For by Him all things were created… All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
Declares Christ’s preeminence in creation and His ongoing sustaining power. Not only did He create; He holds all things together. This supports our trust in His lordship over every area of life.
6. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Defines salvation as new creation, not mere moral improvement. Establishes the believer’s new identity and the radical nature of God’s work in us.
7. Romans 8:19–21
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God… because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption…”
Shows that physical creation is tied to the destiny of God’s children. The new creation in us is a foretaste of the coming liberation of the entire cosmos. Our present life in the Spirit is part of God’s cosmic plan.
Creation is not only a doctrine about the past; it is a present reality and a future hope. The God who said, “Let there be light,” has shone in our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6), made us new creations in Christ, and filled us with His Spirit so that His creative power can flow through us to a broken world. Live, speak, and minister in the light of that truth.