The concept of "Impact on Creation" within the biblical narrative encompasses the influence of human actions, divine intervention, and the inherent order established by God at the beginning of time. The Bible presents creation as a deliberate act of God, who brought the universe into existence with purpose and design. This entry explores the theological and scriptural dimensions of how creation is impacted by various factors according to the Bible.

Divine Sovereignty and Creation

The Bible begins with the assertion of God's sovereign role in creation: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This foundational statement establishes God as the ultimate authority over all creation. Throughout Scripture, God's ongoing involvement in sustaining and governing the universe is emphasized. Psalm 104:30 states, "When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth." This highlights the continuous impact of God's will and power in maintaining the created order.

Human Stewardship and Responsibility

Humanity's impact on creation is a significant theme in the Bible. In Genesis 1:28, God commands Adam and Eve, "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 mandate establishes humans as stewards of creation, responsible for its care and management. The fall of humanity, as described in Genesis 3, introduces sin into the world, affecting not only human relationships but also the natural world. Romans 8:20-22 speaks to this impact: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because 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 glorious freedom of the children of God."

Environmental Ethics and Biblical Principles

The Bible provides principles that inform a Christian approach to environmental ethics. The call to stewardship implies a responsibility to protect and preserve the environment. Proverbs 12:10 states, "A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty." This verse underscores the importance of compassion and care for all living creatures. Additionally, the Sabbath laws, such as allowing the land to rest every seventh year (Leviticus 25:4), reflect a divine concern for the sustainability of creation.

Eschatological Restoration

The Bible also speaks of a future restoration of creation. In Revelation 21:1, John describes a vision of a new heaven and a new earth: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This eschatological hope points to a time when the impact of sin on creation will be fully reversed, and God's original design will be restored. Isaiah 65:17 echoes this promise: "For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents a comprehensive view of the impact on creation, encompassing divine sovereignty, human responsibility, ethical considerations, and future restoration. Through these themes, Scripture provides guidance on how believers are to interact with and care for the world God has made.