Hebrews 11:3 states that “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” This verse speaks to the creation of the world and universe by God through His spoken word. Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this verse.
The Creation of the World by God’s Word
The verse establishes that it was by faith and not human reasoning or scientific observation that we understand the origin of the universe. God created the visible world out of nothing through His divine power. Genesis 1 provides more details on this, showing God speaking the world into being – “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). God’s word is powerful and can accomplish anything He desires (Isaiah 55:11). Hebrews 11:3 confirms that God created the entire universe simply by declaring it to exist.
In the ancient world of the original audiences of Genesis and Hebrews, it was commonly thought that the world was formed out of pre-existing matter or divine beings. But the Bible presents a starkly different view – God created the world ex nihilo or “out of nothing”. There was no pre-existing material. God’s omnipotent word called the universe into existence.
Contrasts the Limitations of Human Understanding
Hebrews 11:3 also points to the limitations of human knowledge and observation. Science and our senses can only study and comprehend the physical world as it now exists. We cannot definitively determine or scientifically test how the universe originally came into being. But God who transcends the material world has revealed to us through Scripture how He spoke the world into existence. Without divine revelation, we would be incapable of understanding the origins of the cosmos.
This verse encourages humility in our human knowledge and reliance upon God’s revelation. We cannot always trust our senses or scientific inquiry to lead us to full truth, especially concerning non-observable matters like the creation of the universe. But we can have confidence in what God says in His word about such matters that lie outside the realm of scientific proof.
Highlights the Role of Faith
Hebrews 11 is known as the “Faith Hall of Fame” or the “Faith Chapter” of the Bible. It calls attention to the important role of faith throughout human history going back to the earliest biblical characters. Hebrews 11:3 continues this theme by attributing our understanding of God’s creation to faith rather than human reason or observation.
We rely on faith to grasp truths that cannot be scientifically proven or seen with our eyes. This verse reminds us that faith is foundational to the Christian worldview. Faith enables us to believe biblical teachings and see beyond the material world into eternal spiritual realities that would otherwise remain invisible to us.
While science has its place in exploring the workings of the physical universe, ultimate truth rests upon faith placed in God’s perfect knowledge and revelation through Scripture. Hebrews 11:3 highlights the preeminence of faith in understanding spiritual truths like the creation of the world.
Reinforces God’s Sovereignty and Providence
By emphasizing God’s speaking the worlds into being, this passage bolsters His complete sovereignty and providence over all creation. Since God brought the universe into existence through His word, He retains total authority over it. The world owes its very existence to God’s divine fiat.
Nothing in creation is outside of God’s dominion and control. As Hebrews 1:3 states, Christ is “sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Not only did God create the worlds by His word, He maintains and governs them by it as well. We can take great comfort knowing that our all-powerful Maker oversees everything in the universe He spoke into being.
Hebrews 11:3 supports God’s governance even over the unseen spiritual domains – all the heavens were created by His command. His sovereignty extends beyond the physical to the supernatural realms, both visible and invisible.
Shows God’s Word as Creative and Active
By linking God’s spoken word to the origins of the cosmos, this verse displays how dynamic, active and creative His word is. God’s voice has immense power and consequence. When He speaks, things leap into being, workings of the universe are set in motion, and history is shaped.
We see this vividly at creation. But it remains true even now; God’s word is constantly upholding and sustaining every atom and molecule. Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 1:17 teach that Christ is continuously maintaining the universe through His powerful word.
Beyond creation, God’s words in Scripture are also active and creative in bringing spiritual life and renewal. As we see in verses like John 6:63 and James 1:18, God’s word works within us to regenerate, sanctify and grow us. Hebrews 11:3 should build our trust in the energizing power of His word to accomplish His purposes.
Contrasts False Views of Origins
By affirming God’s creation of the world by His word, Hebrews 11:3 stands in opposition to other ancient and modern views of cosmological origins. It refutes notions like:
- The world always existed without a beginning – Some ancient philosophers like Aristotle held that the universe is eternal. Hebrews 11:3 points to a definite beginning.
- The world formed spontaneously without a cause – Some naturalists assert the world arose by chance with no guiding purpose. This verse teaches of an intentional Creator.
- The world emerged through cycles or the gods – Many eastern religions teach the universe goes through endless cycles of rebirth. But Hebrews presents the biblical view of God creating the world by decree.
- The world came about by the Big Bang – While some Christians believe God used the Big Bang as His means of creating, this verse presents Him speaking the world into existence, not a cosmic explosion.
In the context of ancient and modern unbiblical theories, Hebrews 11:3 prevents Christians from being deceived and underscores the truth of God’s spoken, purposed creation of the universe.
Complements Scientific Study
While Hebrews 11:3 contrasts human understanding, this does not mean science has no value. Science can still reveal much about how the universe works and the inner intricacies of God’s creation. But it cannot answer questions related to metaphysical origins or meaning.
Hebrews 11:3 provides the big picture starting point – God created the worlds by His word. Science offers supporting details that should not contradict this foundational truth. The two work hand in hand; science draws conclusions from observing the world as it now exists while Scripture reveals truths about its inception.
When done rightly, scientific inquiry will always complement the biblical doctrine of origins. There is no ultimate discord between scientific discovery and the knowledge given to us by God’s revelation. Hebrews 11:3 equips us with an invaluable starting point for interpreting any findings about the created order.
Reflects the Glory of God
Most significantly, Hebrews 11:3 displays the majesty, power and glory of the Lord. By effortlessly speaking the entire vast universe into existence, God shows Himself supreme over all. His word called cascading galaxies and infinitesimal quarks into being. What a stunning glimpse of His greatness!
No other so-called god possesses the power to create existence from nothing. God alone stands transcendent over the created order as its source. Hebrews 11:3 points us to praise the Lord for His creative wonders. The world around us declares His glory as its Maker and Sustainer.
This verse also shows that God is supremely worthy of our faith. The One who crafted the heavens by His command surely has the power to fulfill all His promises to us. As His creations, we can completely trust in His all-sufficient word.
Has Practical Implications
This seminal truth about God creating the world by His word has many practical implications for our lives. Among other things, it means:
- All of creation belongs to the Lord – As Maker of heaven and earth, God has absolute rights over everything in the universe. We hold all we have in trust from Him.
- Nature displays God’s glory – God’s attributes are evident in the creation His word brought forth. Nature proclaims His majesty.
- God’s word is reliable – Just as God spoke the world into being, His word given in Scripture remains completely trustworthy and authoritative.
- God oversees all things – The God who created the stars also providentially governs our everyday lives down to the smallest detail.
- We owe God our worship – Our Creator rightfully deserves all honor, praise and allegiance for giving us life through His word.
Meditating on Hebrews 11:3 impacts how we view the world around us, trust Scripture and worship the Lord. This profound verse has far-reaching day-to-day relevance.
Points to Christ the Eternal Word
As with all Scripture, this verse ultimately illuminates Jesus Christ. The Son of God is described in John 1:1-3 as the eternal Word of God who created all things and without whom nothing was made. Jesus Christ is the manifesting of God’s word through whom the universe came into being.
Hebrews 1:2 tells us God created the world through His Son. When God spoke light into existence, it was through Christ the divine Word. As Hebrews 1:3 shows, not only did Jesus create all things, by His word He continues to sustain them.
Hebrews 11:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the creative and upholding Word of God incarnate. The God who framed the worlds by His word did so through Christ, who took on flesh to redeem His fallen creation.
Conclusion
Hebrews 11:3 is a short but theologically potent verse that makes a vital statement about cosmic origins. It teaches us that the seen world was created by God’s spoken word from invisible precursors. This succinctly conveys rich truths about God’s creative power, the function of faith and the relationship between Scripture and science. Rightly understood, this verse equips us to hold a biblical view of origins and worship God as the Maker of heaven and earth.