Revelation 4:11

THE REASON OF CREATION

‘Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.’

Revelation 4:11

Beyond this the highest reason of man cannot go. As proof of this, observe that all the manifold speculations of ancient and modern philosophy are compelled to acknowledge the mystery at the root of things. The most advanced modern science, when it has said its last word, goes no farther, and tells but little more than the gropings in the dark of some ancient Grecian sage. Christian faith finds God where fathomless mystery begins.

I. The productive cause of creation is God.—‘Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God.’ Take the telescope and sweep the worlds above; take the microscope and explore the unseen world around us. Man is His work. ‘He has made us, and not we ourselves.’

II. The ultimate reason of creation is God’s will.—‘Because of Thy will they were [i.e. come into being], and were created’ (R.V.). Cf. Colossians 1:16.

(a) The earth as a theatre of His redeeming plans.

(b) The visible universe to impress us with His majesty.

(c) Man as the object of His love and redeeming grace.