His Invisible Hand: Question & Answer 5
The Catechism of the Global Methodist Church
Question and Answer
Question 5. What is God’s relation to heaven and earth?
Answer: God is Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver of all things.
Scripture Proofs
· Genesis 1:1-31
· Deuteronomy 4:39 – Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.
· 1 Kings 8:23 – “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.
· Nehemiah 9:6 – You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
· Psalm 8:1 – Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.
· Proverbs 16:9 – In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
· Isaiah 44:24 – 24 “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself,
· Acts 17:24 – 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.
· Romans 8:28 – 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Articles of Religion: Article 1
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Confession of Faith: Article 1
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
The Testimony of Wesleyan Scholars
God has infinite power, knowledge, and goodness beyond that which any finite mind can conceive. The one living and true God is maker and preserver of all, providing for the continuity and sustenance of all that is. God is not only the source and ground of all things that we can see and empirically investigate, but also of spiritual, incorporeal creatures. Everything that exists has been created by this one living, true God whom no finite mind can know exhaustively, yet the just, loving, and merciful character of God has been sufficiently disclosed in the history of revelation to allow trust and belief. (Thomas C. Oden on John Wesley)
Every attribute of God is equal. Each is infinite, eternal, unoriginated, and without bound or limit. Such is the potency of God, it can do all things that do not imply absurdity or contradiction, it can do any thing in any way it pleases: And it can do any thing when it pleases; and it will do any thing, that is necessary to be done and should be done, when it ought to be done, and when the doing of it will most manifest His own glory: And his glory is chiefly manifested in promoting the happiness, and saving the souls of men.
What is nature but an instrument in God’s hands? What we call “natural effects” are all performed by supernatural agency; for nature, that is, the whole system of inanimate things, is as inert as any of the particles of matter of the aggregate of which it is composed, and can be a cause to no effect but as it is excited by a sovereign power. This is a doctrine of sound philosophy, and should be carefully considered by all, that men may see that without an over-ruling and universally energetic Providence, no effect whatever can be brought about. But beside these general influences of God in nature, which are all exhibited by what men call general laws, he chooses often to act supernaturally, that is, independently of or against these general laws, that we may see that there is a God who does not confine himself to one way of working, but with means, without means, and even against natural means, accomplishes the gracious purposes of his mercy, in the behalf of man. (Adam Clarke and Samuel Dunn)
Introduction
Our journey through the catechism brings us to a profound question: What is God’s relation to heaven and earth? The Global Methodist Church answers this succinctly: God is Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver of all things. Let us delve deeper into this teaching, grounding ourselves in Scripture, the Methodist Articles of Religion, the Confession of Faith, and the wisdom of Wesleyan scholars. This study aims to instruct, disciple, encourage, and offer spiritual guidance as we explore the depths of God's relationship with His creation.
Summary of Wesleyan Scholar Insights
Our Wesleyan scholars in this lesson echo the teaching of our Scripture. Thomas C. Oden, summarizing John Wesley, emphasizes the infinite nature of God’s power, knowledge, and goodness. God, as the one true and living deity, is the creator and sustainer of all things, both seen and unseen. Wesley himself highlights that while no finite mind can fully grasp the entirety of God, his character - marked by justice, love, and mercy - has been sufficiently revealed through history to warrant our trust and belief. This revelation assures us of God’s dependable nature and his overarching control over all creation.
Furthermore, in today’s lesson we learn that each attribute of God is equal, infinite, eternal, and unbounded. God’s omnipotence enables him to act according to his will, in any manner, and at any time. This divine power is demonstrated in God’s ability to accomplish all things necessary for his glory and the salvation of humankind. God’s glory is most evidently manifested in his commitment to the happiness and salvation of humanity, showcasing his deep involvement and purposeful intervention in the world.
Adam Clarke and Samuel Dunn delve into the relationship between God and nature, explaining that natural events are, in fact, executed by God’s supernatural agency. They argue that nature itself is powerless and requires the sovereign power of God to affect any outcome. This perspective underlines God’s continuous and active role in maintaining the universe, beyond merely winding it up and setting it in motion. Additionally, God sometimes chooses to act outside or against the general laws of nature to reveal his presence and power, thereby reminding us of his sovereignty and the necessity of his intervention in the natural order. This understanding calls believers to recognize and depend on God’s sustaining and governing hand in every sphere of life.
Key Principles
1. God is Our Creator: God alone created the heavens and the earth, setting into motion all that exists.
2. God is Sovereign: God exercises supreme authority and control over all creation, orchestrating his divine purposes.
3. God is Our Sustainer or Preserver: God sustains and maintains all that he has created, ensuring the continuity and stability of the universe.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Genesis 1:1 establish God’s role as the Creator of everything?
2. What does Nehemiah 9:6 reveal about God’s relationship with all parts of creation?
3. In what ways does Deuteronomy 4:39 emphasize God’s sovereignty over heaven and earth?
4. How does 1 Kings 8:23 describe God’s uniqueness and faithfulness?
5. What do you learn about God’s majesty and authority from Psalm 8:1?
6. How does Proverbs 16:9 demonstrate God’s involvement in human affairs?
7. Reflect on Isaiah 44:24. What aspects of God’s creative power are highlighted?
8. What does Acts 17:24 teach us about God’s omnipresence and self-sufficiency?
9. How does Romans 8:28 offer assurance of God’s sovereign plan for those who love him?
10. How does Article 1 of the Confession of Faith complement the biblical description of God as Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver?
11. Reflect on the quotation by Oden on John Wesley. How does it deepen your understanding of God’s infinite nature?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. How does acknowledging God as Creator impact your view of the world around you?
2. In what ways can you see God’s sovereignty at work in your daily life?
3. In what ways do you find comfort in knowing that God is the Preserver of all things?
4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s guidance in your decisions. How did it affirm his sovereignty?
5. How does understanding God’s infinite power and wisdom influence your faith?
6. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God, knowing he is actively involved in your life?
7. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and worship towards God as described in Psalm 8:1?
8. How does Romans 8:28 provide you hope and assurance during times of trials and tribulation?
9. In what ways can the knowledge of God’s providence change your approach to planning and decision-making?
10. How can you share the truths of God’s sovereignty and care with others who may be wanting to learn more about the Christian faith?
Action Steps
1. Daily Reflection: Spend time each day meditating on one of the Scripture proofs, contemplating God’s role as Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver.
2. Worship: Integrate the themes of God’s majesty and authority into your personal and communal worship practices.
3. Prayer: Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty in your life and for the wisdom to recognize his guidance.
4. Discipleship: Engage in discussions with fellow believers about God’s relation to heaven and earth, using this lesson as a foundation for spiritual growth and mutual encouragement.