All Living Things
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Creation and Origin
The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God is depicted as the Creator of all living things. In Genesis 1:20-25 , God commands the waters to teem with living creatures and the earth to bring forth living animals. This passage highlights the diversity and abundance of life, as God creates "every living creature that moves" and "every kind of livestock, crawling creature, and beast of the earth." The creation of living things culminates with the creation of mankind, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), signifying humanity's unique role and responsibility among all living things.

Dominion and Stewardship
Humans are given dominion over all living things, as stated in Genesis 1:28 : "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" This dominion is not a license for exploitation but a call to stewardship, reflecting God's care and order in creation. The responsibility to tend and keep the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15) further emphasizes the role of humans as caretakers of God's creation.

The Fall and Its Impact
The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, brought sin into the world, affecting all living things. The ground was cursed because of Adam's disobedience, leading to a world where survival involves toil and struggle (Genesis 3:17-19). The harmony between humans and other living creatures was disrupted, introducing fear and enmity (Genesis 9:2). Despite this, God's covenant with Noah after the flood reaffirms His commitment to all living creatures, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again (Genesis 9:8-17).

Provision and Sustenance
Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as the provider and sustainer of all life. Psalm 104:14-15 describes how God "causes the grass to grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth." This provision underscores God's ongoing care for His creation. Jesus, in the New Testament, reinforces this idea by teaching that God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field, encouraging trust in God's provision (Matthew 6:26-30).

Redemption and Restoration
The Bible speaks of a future restoration of all creation. Romans 8:19-22 describes creation as "groaning" and "subjected to futility" because of sin, yet it eagerly awaits the "revelation of the sons of God." This passage points to a time when creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay. The prophetic vision in Isaiah 11:6-9 depicts a restored harmony among all living things, where "the wolf will dwell with the lamb" and "the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD."

Eternal Perspective
In the eschatological vision of Revelation, all living things are seen as part of the worship of God. Revelation 5:13 declares, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!'" This vision encapsulates the ultimate purpose of all living things: to glorify their Creator.

Conclusion
The biblical narrative presents all living things as part of God's intentional and purposeful creation. From the initial act of creation to the promise of future restoration, the Scriptures affirm the value and significance of all life, calling humanity to a role of responsible stewardship and worship.
All Living Creatures
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