The vastness and complexity of the universe is a testament to the glory and power of God. Though the Bible does not specifically explain all of God’s reasons for creating such an immense cosmos, it does offer some clues as to why God chose to create far more than just the Earth.
To Display His Glory and Creativity
The sheer size and majesty of the universe brings glory to God by showcasing His infinite creativity and power. The billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars, did not have to exist for life on Earth. But God desired to create and fill the universe with magnificent displays of His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). The vastness of space declares the glory and limitless ability of the One who spoke it all into existence.
Romans 1:20 says, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Though mankind has often abused and ignored God’s general revelation through creation, the universe still glorifies its Maker and leaves all without excuse for not recognizing His power.
To Meet the Needs of Angels
The Bible indicates that besides mankind, God created spiritual beings called angels to serve Him, inhabit the universe, and bring Him glory (Psalm 148:1-5; Hebrews 1:14). Angels exist in far greater numbers than humans, so the vastness of the universe provides ample space for their dwellings and activities (Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22). Space, including the heavens and the areas beyond Earth, offers angels an amazing platform for carrying out God’s will and praising His name.
To Contain Jesus Christ in His Fullness
The infinite greatness of Jesus Christ can begin to be grasped when we consider that “all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16) and that “in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Christ upholds the entirety of the vast universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). Just as an ordinary building cannot contain the glory and majesty of God (1 Kings 8:27), so the entire cosmos is needed to hold the immeasurable supremacy of Christ.
The psalmist exclaimed, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). The vastness of the universe should humble us and lead us to glorify Christ for the endless wonders He has set in motion and sustains.
To Demonstrate God’s Sovereignty and Control
The limitless expanse of the cosmos illustrates God’s complete sovereignty and dominion. He governs every detail of the universe from the smallest atom to the most massive galaxy. As Isaiah 40:22-26 proclaims, God “sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers…He brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”
By creating such a vast and complex universe that operates with order and mathematical precision, God demonstrates His lordship and control over all things. The stars in the sky continually point to their Creator’s supreme reign (Psalm 147:4).
To Provide Resources and Fulfill His Purposes
While Scripture does not reveal all of God’s reasons for creating space, matter, and energy on such an enormous scale, we do know He has filled the cosmos with the resources needed to fulfill His plans. The Earth alone contains an abundance of life-sustaining provisions like water, minerals, gases, and light from the sun. The rest of the universe likely contains additional resources God may use for His glory.
The universe also provides gravity, atmospheres, and innumerable other benefits God knew would be useful for maintaining life on Earth and fulfilling His will. The cosmic stage God set up was intentionally created to host the events of human history for His purposes and glory.
To Teach Us Spiritual Truths
God uses the physical vastness and beauty of the universe to teach spiritual truths. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). The innumerable stars remind us of the countless descendants God promised Abraham (Genesis 15:5; Hebrews 11:12). The Bible compares the brilliant radiance of the sun to the glory of Christ and His gospel (Psalm 19:4-6; Malachi 4:2).
God intentionally filled creation with patterns and parallels that point to His nature, workings, and plans. The grandeur of the cosmos helps instruct us of our place before God as small and dependent, yet deeply valued, creatures (Psalm 8).
To Allow Exploration and Discovery
God made humans with an innate curiosity to discover and understand His creation. The immense cosmos invites us to develop science and technology to observe and learn more about His universe. Discoveries of the vastness of space, the wonder of planets, moons, stars, and galaxies display God’s creativity and provide a glimpse of His infinite intelligence.
Exploration of the cosmos brings God glory as we uncover the intricacies and design He built into the universe. With each new discovery, our human perspective expands to better appreciate God’s power, wisdom, and care for humanity.
To Demonstrate the Depths of His Love
One of the most profound reasons behind the size and scale of the universe is the immense love of God. Though mankind sinned and walked away from God’s purposes, He still determined to redeem us through Christ (John 3:16). God went to incredible lengths to pay the penalty for human sin and open the way for eternal life.
The infinite expanse of space may only begin to hint at the infinite depth of God’s love and the extreme lengths He was willing to go to rescue lost sinners. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him (Psalm 103:11-13). The massive universe provides a glimpse of the massive love of God.
We Have a Limited Perspective
Ultimately, we have to admit our human perspective is extremely limited compared to the timeless, limitless knowledge and vision of God (Isaiah 55:8-9). From our confined viewpoint, the universe may seem excessive compared to the needs of Earth. But God sees and understands the full breadth of His purposes and plans.
Until we see as God sees, we cannot grasp all the reasons behind the scale and expanse of His creation. As Isaiah 40:28 reminds us, God is an everlasting God whose understanding has no limit. While the universe is vast to us, it represents only a small part of God’s infinite capability and wisdom.
God’s Plans Will Be Accomplished
Regardless of questions the size of the universe raises in our finite human minds, we can have confidence that God’s purposes will be accomplished. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'”
God did not create the universe on a whim or by accident. He crafted a masterpiece designed to fulfill His perfect plans. Every galaxy and planet will ultimately bring glory to Him.
Until we see the full scope of God’s dominion, we walk by faith in the all-wise Creator who does all things well for His glory and praise. The vastness of space reminds us there is infinitely more to God than our mortal minds can comprehend. But we can trust His ways are perfect and ultimately for our good and His glory.