Episode 4: Creator | We Believe: A Study of the Apostles Creed
Understanding God as Creator: The Foundation of Our Purpose
As we continue our journey through the Apostles' Creed, today we delve into the eighth word, "Creator." This word is essential, not just for understanding the Creed but for answering some of life's most profound questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose? In a world full of uncertainty, where many wrestle with questions of worth, dignity, and value, it's crucial to return to the foundational truth that God is the Creator of all things.
The Creator: Purpose and Order
As we continue our journey through the Apostles Creed, we turn our focus to one of the most fundamental and awe-inspiring aspects of our faith: God as the Creator. When we say, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,” we acknowledge something profound — that God, as our Creator, is the source and sustainer of everything. This belief not only informs our understanding of God but also shapes the way we view our own existence and purpose.
The opening verse of the Bible, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), is packed with powerful truths. It's easy to overlook how much is implied in those few words, but they set the stage for everything that follows. God, as Creator, speaks creation into existence with intention and purpose. This truth is foundational for us as Christians. It means that everything, from the vastness of the universe to the intricacies of our own lives, is designed with intentionality. As we wrestle with the big questions of life — why we are here, what our purpose is, and where we’re headed — we must return to the Creator. Only God can explain to His creation how we are meant to operate.
When we consider our role in creation, it is critical to recognize that we are created beings, made in the image of God. We often forget this truth in the busyness of life, or in the pursuit of autonomy. But we must remember that, as Hebrews 1 reminds us, “through the Son, God made the universe” (Hebrews 1:2). Everything was created with great intention, and we were made with a purpose.
God's Order in Creation: A Reflection of His Character
The beauty of God's creation is not just in its vastness but in its order. Genesis 1:2 tells us that before creation, the earth was formless and empty, with darkness covering the deep. But when God spoke, He brought order to chaos, peace to turmoil. As Christians, we understand that God’s creation is a reflection of His character. He is not a God of confusion or disorder; He is a God of structure, beauty, and peace.
This truth has deep implications for how we view our lives. Just as God brought order to the chaotic waters in Genesis, He desires to bring order and peace into our own lives. We live in a world full of distractions, noise, and confusion, but God’s role as Creator reminds us that He is the one who can bring clarity and peace, not just to the world around us but also to our hearts.
The Creator Who Shapes Our Destiny
When we accept that God is the Creator of all things, it shapes how we understand ourselves and our purpose. Our origin story, as it is written in Scripture, is one of intention and love. God’s act of creation was not a haphazard event but a deliberate act of love. The Creator who formed the cosmos also created each of us with purpose.
But here's the profound part: we are not isolated in this truth. The story of God as Creator is not just my story, but our story. As believers, we are part of a larger narrative that spans across time and space. The Apostles' Creed isn’t just a personal declaration; it’s a communal one. When we say, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,” we are joining with millions of believers across the globe and throughout history in proclaiming that we belong to a Creator who has a plan for us.
This is a powerful reminder that, regardless of the circumstances of our individual lives, we are part of a bigger picture. Our stories are interwoven with God's story, and knowing that our Creator has a plan for us can bring peace amid the uncertainties of life.
Embracing Our Identity as Created Beings
Our worth and purpose are not found in ourselves or the things of this world but in the Creator Himself. Our identity is grounded in the reality that we are created in God's image, and this truth shapes how we view ourselves and our place in the world.
God, the Creator of heaven and earth, has made us for a purpose, and He invites us to discover that purpose by knowing Him more deeply. As we continue our journey through the Apostles' Creed, let us hold on to the truth that our Creator is not distant or disinterested but is intimately involved in our lives. He formed us, He sustains us, and He has a plan for us that stretches beyond our understanding but is filled with hope, purpose, and meaning.
The Role of Sin and Our Need for Realignment
Yet, in our brokenness, our desires become disordered. The temptation is strong to worship created things — whether that’s the material world, others, or even ourselves — rather than the Creator. Romans 1 warns us of the dangers of this idolatry, where we place our worship in the wrong places. When we do this, chaos begins to take root in our hearts, leading us to misplaced priorities and empty pursuits. But the good news is that God, in His grace, has given us His Word to realign us and restore us.
God, as Creator, is also the one who reorders. Just as He created the world with order and beauty, when we turn back to Him, His Word and His ways bring that same order and peace back into our lives. It is through worship, through community, and through the Scriptures that God helps us find our way back to Him. We are not left alone in the chaos of our sin; God, in His mercy, is continually at work in our hearts, re-wiring our desires to align with His perfect design.
Living in the Light of God’s Creation
So, what does it mean to live as those who believe in God as Creator? It means we must view our lives — our relationships, our resources, our time — through the lens of His divine design. Just like a child brings a painting to their parent for validation, we are called to turn to God for guidance on how to live according to His will. Without the Creator’s perspective, we risk misunderstanding the purpose of our lives and missing out on the beauty He intended.
We can see this in the simple but profound truth that God called everything He made "good." After creating humanity, He declared that it was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). When we live in accordance with God’s design, the chaos of life gives way to peace, order, and holiness. But when we reject God’s design — when we try to live apart from Him — we find ourselves like the person at the vending machine, pushing the wrong lever in an attempt to get something we want, but never truly receiving what we need. Our lives fall out of alignment with God’s will, and the peace He offers is replaced with confusion.
Our calling is clear: we were created by God, for God. And only by acknowledging Him as the Creator and submitting to His perfect design can we find fulfillment, peace, and purpose. We were made for Him, and it is in His presence that we discover who we truly are. So, as we reflect on our own lives, let’s remember that God’s creation is a beautiful, intentional act. As we align our lives with His Word and His ways, we embrace the purpose for which we were created, allowing God’s design to shape our future.
