The Specificity of General Revelation
The purpose of this post is in no way to minimize the primacy of Specific Revelation, Scripture, but to show how we can reason from creation to Biblical Truth. Clearly, an individual could draw unbiblical conclusions through this process, which is why Scripture must remain paramount. I hope that this will provide opportunities to confirm what individuals know to be true with Scripture as Paul did in Acts 17.
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20
For me the most obvious is God’s grace. If you ask any conservationist they will say that we do not deserve creation; we abuse it, pollute it, and waste what we extract from it. Maybe a biologist might notice the complexity of God in His designing of such complex biological and ecological systems. An artist might notice the beauty of God through the beauty of nature.
I want to put forth an argument for the pleasures of God as evident in creation. If understanding art aides in understanding the artist, poetry the poet, and architecture the architect, one could assume that understanding creation will lead to a greater understanding of God. This argument has two main assumptions; that God is logical and that God seeks His joy. If these are true assumptions, one could conclude that God takes pleasure in creating because He has created. Because we enjoy creation and God has created us, one could conclude that we were created to enjoy creation. Because we enjoy creation and God seeks His joy, one could conclude that God enjoys our enjoyment of creation. Because creation is ultimately a reflection of its Creator, God, we can conclude two things. Ultimately, we were created to enjoy God. Ultimately, God’s joy is a joy in Himself.
Again, these are all just thoughts I have been pondering during the day. I look forward to you feedback and hearing if you have any Acts 17 like thoughts about creation or culture.
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20
For me the most obvious is God’s grace. If you ask any conservationist they will say that we do not deserve creation; we abuse it, pollute it, and waste what we extract from it. Maybe a biologist might notice the complexity of God in His designing of such complex biological and ecological systems. An artist might notice the beauty of God through the beauty of nature.
I want to put forth an argument for the pleasures of God as evident in creation. If understanding art aides in understanding the artist, poetry the poet, and architecture the architect, one could assume that understanding creation will lead to a greater understanding of God. This argument has two main assumptions; that God is logical and that God seeks His joy. If these are true assumptions, one could conclude that God takes pleasure in creating because He has created. Because we enjoy creation and God has created us, one could conclude that we were created to enjoy creation. Because we enjoy creation and God seeks His joy, one could conclude that God enjoys our enjoyment of creation. Because creation is ultimately a reflection of its Creator, God, we can conclude two things. Ultimately, we were created to enjoy God. Ultimately, God’s joy is a joy in Himself.
Again, these are all just thoughts I have been pondering during the day. I look forward to you feedback and hearing if you have any Acts 17 like thoughts about creation or culture.
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