CM-024 - WCF 4.1: Made of Nothing, Made for God

“It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.” (Westminster Confession of Faith 4.1) In this episode of Confessional Moments, Pastor Tim opens WCF 4.1 and explores what it means that the triune God created all things out of nothing, in the space of six days, and all very good—and that He did so for the manifestation of His glory. We unpack the Creator–creature distinction, the goodness of the created order, and how Genesis 1 gives us an ordered, purposeful world that serves as a theater of God’s glory. We also consider how this doctrine shapes our daily lives: our sense of identity, our work and rest, our enjoyment of creation with gratitude, and our confidence that the God who created is also the God who redeems.   Resources Mentioned John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book I, especially I.v.1–8 and I.xiv.20 (on creation as the “theater of God’s glory”). Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2, God and Creation (sections on the doctrine of creation and the Creator–creature distinction). Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity (discussion of creation and God’s goodness). Michael Horton, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (sections on creation as covenantal and God’s relationship with His image bearers).   About the Host & Church Confessional Moments is hosted by Pastor Tim Beauchamp, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Guam. Pastor Tim has served in pastoral ministry since 2010 and planted Trinity in 2015. Learn more about Trinity Presbyterian Church PCA, listen to sermons, and find additional resources at: www.trinitychurchguam.org.