Living cosmology refers to understanding the universe and our place in it through the lens of the Bible and a relationship with God. At its core, living cosmology recognizes that we exist in God’s creation, that He actively sustains it, and that He has an ultimate plan and purpose for everything. Some key aspects of a biblical living cosmology include:
God as Creator
The Bible opens by declaring “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This affirms that God is the author and originator of all that exists. He spoke the universe into being and crafted humanity as the pinnacle of creation, made in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). A living cosmology starts with acknowledging God as the Creator and Sustainer of all.
The Earth as God’s Creation
The Bible views the earth as a unique object of God’s creative work and concern. He prepared it as a habitation for humanity and carefully ordered the processes and systems that sustain life (Genesis 1:29-30, Psalm 24:1). A living cosmology recognizes the world as God’s handiwork – not the product of random chance. It sees purpose and care reflected in its design.
Humanity’s Role and Responsibility
According to Genesis, God appointed humanity as stewards over creation to cultivate, care for, and populate the earth (Genesis 1:28). A biblical living cosmology thus invests human life with dignity and responsibility. We are caretakers of God’s world, commissioned to tend His creation and reflect His wise rule. Work, creativity, and discovery thereby become means of fulfilling our calling.
A Universal Stage for God’s Glory
The sheer scale and beauty of the universe brings glory to God, its Architect (Psalm 19:1). A living cosmology perceives all of creation as a theater designed to showcase God’s attributes. The order, intricacy, and vastness of the cosmos continually testify to His infinite power, wisdom, and majesty.
The Curse of Sin on Creation
While God made the world good, it has fallen under the effects of humanity’s rebellion and sin. Due to the Fall in Genesis 3, creation is now in need of redemption and groans for restoration (Romans 8:19-22). A biblical living cosmology recognizes that disorder, decay, and death in the universe ultimately stem from the curse of human disobedience.
God’s Sovereignty Over All Things
The Bible depicts God as actively governing and sustaining all aspects of the cosmos – from the stars in their courses to a sparrow falling (Colossians 1:17, Matthew 10:29). His providence encompasses all things. A living cosmology finds comfort in knowing an all-powerful and loving God ultimately controls the universe and our lives.
The Promise of New Creation
God’s redemptive plan culminates in the creation of a new heavens and new earth free from sin and its effects (2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). A biblical living cosmology looks expectantly to the restoration and renewal of all things in Christ. The story of Scripture moves from creation to new creation.
Our Place in God’s Cosmic Plan
The vastness of the universe can make humanity seem insignificant. Yet Scripture gives human life and redemption central place in God’s purposes (Hebrews 2:5-9). A living cosmology finds meaning and purpose in being part of God’s larger plan for His creation. All of cosmos history revolves around Christ.
All Truth as God’s Truth
A biblical living cosmology joyfully embraces all true knowledge as shedding light on God’s creation. It sees science, rightly understood, as illuminating the handiwork of the Creator. All truth ultimately has its source in God (Colossians 2:3). Scientific discoveries thus amplify wonder at His creative genius.
The Heavens Declaring God’s Glory
The vastness and beauty of space testifies powerfully to God’s glory and greatness (Psalm 8:3-4). A living cosmology delights in the study of astronomy and physics as a means to glimpse new aspects of God’s wisdom and creative majesty. The heavens visibly display the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1).
Creation’s Testimony to God
The very existence, order, and intelligibility of the universe points to God as its Author (Romans 1:19-20). A biblical living cosmology sees God’s fingerprints across the whole of creation. The fundamental structures and exquisite design of the cosmos resound with echoes of His excellence.
God’s Immanence in Creation
While distinct from His creation, God also indwells it and upholds it at every point (Acts 17:28). A living cosmology finds God immediately present and active in sustaining all natural processes. He is intimately involved in creation.
Our Finite Place in God’s Infinite Universe
The staggering size of the observable universe underscores humanity’s finiteness compared to the infinite God (Psalm 147:4-5). A living cosmology fosters humility and awe before the God whose creative genius produced the vast cosmos. We are creatures, not the Creator.
The Universe’s Temporary Nature
Scripture depicts the current cosmos as temporal and transient rather than eternal (2 Peter 3:10-12). A biblical living cosmology views the physical universe as part of the larger story of God’s redemptive plan in Christ – not the whole of reality.
Longing for Eternity in Our Hearts
Our innate longing for immortality and permanence points to a transcendent purpose designed by God (Ecclesiastes 3:11). A living cosmology sees our insatiable thirst for eternity as evidence that this world is not our final home. We are made for eternal life with Him.
Praise for God’s Transcendence
A living cosmology responds to the immensity of the universe with doxology (Psalm 148). God infinitely surpasses the cosmos He made. His transcendence elicits worship. The more we discover about creation, the more we stand amazed at the Creator.
Christ the Lord of Creation
The Bible reveals Jesus Christ as the agent of creation through whom all things were made (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16-17). A biblical living cosmology recognizes Christ as the author, sustainer, and rightful head of all creation. He holds the cosmos together.
The Incarnation’s Cosmic Significance
In taking on human flesh, Christ was pleased to enter into His own creation and unite Himself to it (John 1:14). This investing of the material universe with eternal significance. A living cosmology finds the Incarnation inaugurating creation’s renewal.
Nature Revealing God’s Attributes
God’s attributes such as His power, creativity, beauty, wisdom, and faithfulness are manifest throughout the natural world (Romans 1:20). A biblical living cosmology thus gleans understanding of God’s character from studying His handiwork in creation.
God’s Presence in Nature
God’s nearness and presence can be vividly perceived in the beauty, intricacy, and grandeur of nature (Psalm 8:1, Psalm 19:1). A living cosmology recognizes experiences of wonder in creation as brushes with the Spirit of God.
All Things Working Toward God’s Purpose
While seemingly impersonal, the cosmos is always accomplishing God’s aims (Romans 8:28). A biblical living cosmology finds comfort in knowing all the workings of the universe ultimately align with His good plans.
Christ Upholding All Things
The regularity and orderliness of the natural world relies entirely on the continued sustaining action of Christ (Hebrews 1:3). He is the cohering force of the universe. A living cosmology sees the cosmos as contingent at every moment upon His will.
God’s Rule Over Nature
The processes of nature ultimately answer to God’s sovereign direction and control (Job 37:2-13). He governs all its workings. A biblical living cosmology finds peace in knowing God has command over all natural forces – from stars to storms.
The Contingency of the Laws of Nature
The laws of physics, though consistent, rely wholly on God’s faithfulness for their continuity (Colossians 1:17). A living cosmology recognizes they have no inherent necessity apart from Christ’s upholding power. Nature’s order is maintained by God’s Word.
Creation’s Testimony to Christ
The grand story told by cosmology ultimately testifies to the centrality of Christ (Colossians 1:15-20). Every aspect of the universe illuminates God’s purposes in redemption through His Son. All creation points to Christ.
The Bible and Science as Complementary
Scripture and science both reveal true things about God’s world. A living cosmology sees them as complementary perspectives for understanding creation. Correctly interpreted, they cannot ultimately contradict each other.
Wonder at the God’s Creation
A living cosmology fosters childlike wonder at the immensity and intricacy of God’s creation (Matthew 18:3). It counters disenchantment with joyful worship of the God who filled the universe with marvels. His works incite awe.
Delight in Discovering God’s World
Exploring creation provides joy in discovering the richness of the world God made (Proverbs 25:2). A biblical living cosmology finds delight in scientific discovery and observing the intricacies of nature. These showcase His creativity.
Creation as a Means of Knowing God
Creation reveals aspects of God’s nature and character that can be learned through studying it (Romans 1:20). A living cosmology values science, astronomy and nature study as means to deepen knowledge of our wise and powerful Creator.
God’s Ownership of All Things
The earth and everything in it ultimately belong to God, not humanity (Psalm 24:1). We are mere stewards. A biblical living cosmology avoids viewing the world as existing solely for human use. It belongs first to its Maker.
God’s Faithfulness in Nature
The regular cycles and benevolent design of nature testify powerfully to God’s faithfulness and beneficence (Acts 14:17). A living cosmology finds daily confirmation of His trustworthiness built into creation.
Christ the Center of Cosmic History
The incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ stand as the central hinge points of cosmic history. A biblical living cosmology views the whole sweep of creation in light of God’s redemptive work in Christ. He is the unifying focal point.
All Things Created For Christ
Christ is not only the agent of creation, but also its goal. The universe was created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). A living cosmology perceives the cosmos as the theater of God’s redemptive purpose fulfilled in Christ.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
While beneficial, scientific knowledge is not required for a complete knowledge of Christ and salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). A biblical living cosmology sees Scripture as God’s sufficient revelation for knowing Him and living rightly before Him.
The Limits of Science
For all its benefits, science has limits in accessing metaphysical realities. A living cosmology recognizes science can illuminate much about nature, but little about spiritual truths. These require divine revelation.
Curiosity as a Gift from God
Our natural curiosity to understand the world stems from being made in God’s image. A biblical living cosmology sees this curiosity as His gift to motivate discovery about His world. Science develops this divine gift.
The Value of General Revelation
Our understanding of the world through observation and reason is a form of general revelation that teaches us about God. A living cosmology embraces such knowledge as a way to perceive God’s attributes in creation.
God’s Beauty Reflected in Creation
The splendor of the cosmos reflects the perfect beauty and glory of its Creator (Psalm 50:2). A biblical living cosmology perceives the universe as a grand gallery displaying God’s artistic brilliance. He fills creation with beauty.
Human Life as the Crown of Creation
Scripture presents humanity as the pinnacle of God’s creative work (Psalm 8:5). A living cosmology resists cosmic impersonalism by upholding human dignity and significance. People are God’s supreme earthly creation.
Our Citizenship in Heaven
Followers of Christ belong ultimately to the kingdom of heaven, not earth (Philippians 3:20). A biblical living cosmology sees us as pilgrims on the way to a heavenly home. This world is not our final destination.
The Consummation of All Things in Christ
God’s redemptive plan culminates with Christ filling and uniting all creation under His rule (Ephesians 1:9-10). A living cosmology anticipates the whole cosmos finding its purpose fulfilled in exalting Christ as Lord.
All Creation Praising God
Every part of creation ultimately exists to bring glory and praise to God (Psalm 148). A biblical living cosmology finds the end goal of the universe in resounding with joyful adoration of its wondrous Maker. All creatures will worship Him.
Awaiting Christ’s Return
The longing for paradise and peace in our hearts reflects the promised hope of Christ’s imminent return to restore all things (Titus 2:13). A living cosmology sustains eager expectation for the day when He sets the universe to rights.
In summary, living cosmology centers on knowing our God who fashioned the cosmos through His Word. It finds meaning for our lives and place in His grand creation. As stewards under Christ, we study nature to perceive glimpses of His attributes and purposes. All knowledge derived from general revelation complements special revelation to enlarge our vision of the Creator. One day the universe will find its consummation in fully radiating the glory of Christ.