The Revelation of God in Creation

by Bruce Mills

I have returned from vacation in the mountains of north Georgia. I stood on the top of Brasstown Bald, the tallest mountain in Georgia, and looked out over four states. The leaves were changing into brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. The skies were deep blue, the breezes were cool, and the temperatures were hovering in the 70s. The sunsets on some evenings were gorgeous.

As I took in all of this glorious beauty, I was reminded that all of this beauty came into existence by the Word of God (John 1:3, 2 Peter 3:5), that it continues to existence by His power (Heb. 1:3), and that it exists for Him (Col. 1:16). But what strikes me as being most important about enjoying the beauty of God’s creation is recognizing that it’s purpose is to reveal God’s eternal power and divine nature (Rom. 1:2). Creation’s beauty should tell us how infinitely beautiful He is. Creation’s glory tells us how infinitely glorious He is. Creation’s intricacy and detail should tell us how infinitely powerful He is. And when we see all of that glory, majesty, and power revealed in what has been made, we should conclude that it could only happen by the actions of an infinitely mighty and glorious God.

Most of our society imagines that all this created glory came into existence on its own through a long evolutionary process which took place entirely by accident. Why do they draw such a conclusion? Because, according to Rom. 1:18-25, mankind suppresses the innate knowledge of God which has been revealed in creation, choosing instead to worship the creation rather than the Creator. They consider themselves to be wise, but in reality, they are fools. Rejecting the revelation of God’s glory that comes through creation, they develop futile speculations, and descend into darkness. Their actions bear out the truth that is stated in John 3:19—“men loved darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.”

Now I understand that the only reason I am able to fully appreciate God’s revelation of Himself is because the Spirit of God has called me to be one of His children, and for that I am eternally grateful. But all mankind is capable of observing nature and recognizing God’s eternal power and divine nature in what has been created. That is what theologians refer to as “general revelation,” and all people are capable of understanding that aspect of God’s revelation of Himself. But the fact that most people willfully reject that revelation simply reveals the depths of their depravity. Oh, how I wish all people would look at the glory of God revealed in creation and seek to know the Creator who is our glorious Lord and Savior! Because when man looks at the “general revelation” of creation with an eye to genuinely know the One who created it, God provides that person the opportunity to receive knowledge of His “special revelation,” who is Jesus Christ.

So be amazed at creation. Marvel at its intricacy, its beauty, its glory. All of it exists to reveal the glory of the God who created it. And the more you desire to know Him, the more of Himself that He will reveal to you. And knowing Christ and marveling at His beauty is the greatest treasure of all.