1. What does the word Create signify?

It means either simply to make something out of nothing, or produce something from a crude and chaotic mass. Figuratively, the Apostle applies it to our spiritual regeneration and sanctification. Eph. 2:10. We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. (Melanchthon and Hunnius.)

2. What is creation?

Creation is an external action of the whole Trinity, by which God, according to his own free will, within six days, brought forth out of nothing, all created objects, both visible and invisible.

3. How do you prove that creation is a work of the Trinity?

From Scripture, Gen. 1:1,2. For that the word said does not denote merely a perishing word, but the substantial word of God, i.e., the Son of God, is evident from the testimony of John.

John 1:1-3. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; the same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

So also the testimony of Ps. 33:6. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

4. Why does the Apostles’ Creed ascribe the work of Creation to the Father alone?

Because in this work the Father especially revealed himself as the Father and Creator of all created things.

5. Of what material did God create the world?

In the beginning God created, out of no pre-existing material, the crude and chaotic mass, from which he afterwards produced and formed heaven and earth, and the rest of created things.

Ps. 148:5. Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created.

Heb. 11:3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

6. What were the especial causes on account of which God created this universe?

The impelling cause was God’s infinite goodness, who, inasmuch as he is supremely good, wished to share most liberally with us a portion of this goodness.

John 1:3. See Q. 3. Heb. 1:2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.

The final cause was that in turn he might be acknowledged and worshipped by his creatures.

Ps. 19:1. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy work.

1 Cor. 3:22. Whether the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours.

7. What was the order of creation?

Although God, according to his infinite power, in one moment could have created and completed all things in heaven and earth; yet he preferred to produce them in a certain order, and in six days to construct and furnish the world. The work of each day is expressed by the following verses of George Fabricius:

On the first day he brought forth light; on the second, established the heavens.

On the third, appeared the earth; on the fourth, shone sun and moon.

On the fifth, he filled the vast orb with its various animals; and on the sixth, Adam was formed in his Maker’s image and likeness.