Applying Creation Order to Personal Relationships and Life
The concept of creation order is rooted in the biblical account of creation in Genesis 1, where God creates the world and establishes a particular order [1]. This order is not limited to the physical creation but also extends to human relationships. The creation narrative establishes the foundation for understanding the nature and purpose of human relationships, particularly in the context of marriage and family.
In Genesis 1, humanity is created in the image of God, with both male and female bearing this image [4]. The creation of humanity is described as a deliberate act of God, with the intention of establishing a relationship between humans and God, as well as among humans themselves. The creation order is characterized by a sense of harmony and complementarity, with humans being given dominion over the earth and tasked with caring for it [5].
The New Testament reinforces the importance of creation order in human relationships. In 1 Corinthians 11:7, Paul notes that man is made in God's image, referencing Genesis 1:26-27 [6]. This connection highlights the significance of understanding human relationships in light of the creation narrative. The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of order in the church, using the metaphor of building on a foundation, with Christ as the cornerstone [2, 3].
In applying creation order to personal relationships, various Christian traditions emphasize the importance of understanding the distinct roles and responsibilities within relationships. For example, in the context of marriage, the creation order is seen as establishing a pattern of mutual submission and respect, with husbands and wives being called to love and serve one another [9]. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the dignity of humanity, created in the image of God, and the importance of understanding the creation narrative as a foundation for human relationships [7].
The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, also highlights the significance of creation order in understanding human relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. Chrysostom notes that the creation narrative establishes a pattern of mutual support and cooperation between men and women, with women being created as a "help meet" for men [8].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
- 1 Corinthians “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. -- 1 Corinthians 3:10”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 3:10 (DRC) — According to the grace of God that is given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation: and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 1 (introduction): Genesis 1:1 THE CREATION OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. (Gen 1:1-2) In the beginning--a period of remote and unknown antiquity, hid in the depths of eternal ages; and so the phrase is used in Pro 8:22-23. God--the name of the Supreme Being, signifying in Hebrew, "Strong," "Mighty." It is expressive of omnipotent power; and by its use here in the plural form, is obscurely taught at the opening of the Bible, a doctrine clearly revealed in other parts of it, namely, that though God is one, there is a plurality of persons in the Godhead--Father, So”
- Genesis (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Genesis 1:1: 1:1–2:3 These verses introduce the Pentateuch (Genesis—Deuteronomy) and teach Israel that the world was created, ordered, and populated by the one true God and not by the gods of surrounding nations. • God blessed three specific things: animal life (1:22-25), human life (1:27), and the Sabbath day (2:3). This trilogy of blessings highlights the Creator’s plan: Humankind was made in God’s image to enjoy sovereign dominion over the creatures of the earth and to participate in God’s Sabbath rest. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth: This statem”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 11:7: 11:7 man is made in God’s image: See Gen 1:26-27.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 6.32: as before in the creation of man. Some suppose that a distinction between the two sexes is in this manner marked, and that it is thus shown how much the man excels the woman. But I am better satisfied with an interpretation which, though not altogether contrary, is yet different; namely, since in the person of the man the human race had been created, the common dignity of our whole nature was without distinction, honored with one eulogy, when it was said, Let us make man; nor was it necessary to be repeated in creating the woman, ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on 1 & 2 Corinthians: the first two only were in being, He bade him govern, and her obey. And in order again that He might not despise her as inferior, and separate from her, see how He honored her, and made them one, even before her creation. For, “Let us make for man,” saith He, “a help meet,” implying that she was made for his need, and thereby drawing him unto her who was made for his sake: since to all those things are we more kindly disposed, which are done for our sakes. But that she, on the other hand, might not be elated, as being granted him for help, nor mi”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 3:18: The apostle concludes the chapter with exhortations to relative duties, as before in the epistle to the Ephesians. The epistles which are most taken up in displaying the glory of divine grace, and magnifying the Lord Jesus, are the most particular and distinct in pressing the duties of the several relations. We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel religion. I. He begins with the duties of wives and husbands (Col 3:18): Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Submission is the duty of wives, hupotassesth”