The Biblical basis for the belief that creation is for redemption is found in a number of passages.
The Biblical basis for the belief that creation is for redemption is found in a number of passages.
Genesis 1:1 states that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse establishes that God is the creator of all things, and that creation was a good thing.Romans 8:19-23 says that "the creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." This passage teaches that creation was subjected to futility because of sin, but that it will be redeemed and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.Colossians 1:15-20 says that "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." This passage teaches that Jesus Christ is the creator and sustainer of all things, and that he is the one who will redeem creation.These are just a few of the Biblical passages that support the belief that creation is for redemption. The Bible teaches that God created all things good, but that sin has corrupted creation. However, God has promised to redeem creation through Jesus Christ. When Christ returns, he will restore creation to its original goodness and perfection.
There are many theologians who have said that creation is for redemption. Some of the most notable include:
- Irenaeus of Lyons (130-202): Irenaeus was a bishop in Gaul who is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Christian theology. He argued that the purpose of creation is to bring about the redemption of all things, including humans and the material world.
- Augustine of Hippo (354-430): Augustine was a bishop in North Africa who is considered one of the most influential theologians in the history of the Christian church. He argued that the fall of humanity into sin did not destroy the goodness of creation, but rather corrupted it. He believed that the redemption of humanity would also lead to the redemption of creation.
- John Calvin (1509-1564): Calvin was a French theologian who is considered one of the founders of Reformed theology. He argued that creation is good, but that it has been corrupted by sin. He believed that the redemption of humanity will also lead to the redemption of creation.
- Karl Barth (1886-1968): Barth was a Swiss theologian who is considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century theology. He argued that creation is good, but that it has been subjected to futility and death as a result of sin. He believed that the redemption of humanity will also lead to the redemption of creation.
- Jürgen Moltmann (1926-2017): Moltmann was a German theologian who is considered one of the most important figures in liberation theology. He argued that creation is good, but that it has been subjected to suffering and death as a result of sin. He believed that the redemption of humanity will also lead to the redemption of creation.
These are just a few of the many theologians who have said that creation is for redemption. The idea that creation is for redemption is a central theme in Christian theology, and it has been affirmed by theologians throughout the centuries.
Eschatology precedes Soteriology
Both Kline and Vos believed that God created with an eschatological goal of communion with the creature in a heavenly estate that transcended the probation state of the garden.