The Earth Is For Us!
Genesis 1:5
The first day was perhaps the most momentous day of creation just for the sheer bulk of what God accomplished. From Day two onward - God creates from out of that which He created on the first day. He refines and embellishes. He takes what is already there and makes new things, dividing it and making it functional. Actually, it is not exactly clear whether or not God is creating anew, or is working with the what He created in day one, however, what is clear is that He is preparing the world for some the entrance of man on the sixth day.
What is a significant idea by the way. This world and all that is in it was created for man to live in. It has as its purpose the provision of the necessary environment for man to live and serve his Creator. Ultimately, of course, the heavens and the earth declare the glory of God and can, in a very, very real way, be said to serve God. However, the way in which they serve God is by means of their service to man.
The creation finds its fullest service in two fashions. First, it "declares the glory of God" (Romans 1:18ff) and tells all men of the existence and power of God, along with their responsibility to that God (called "General Revelation"). This, too, can be seen as a service to the creature man that God puts on the earth on day six. Because of the fall, man is ignorant of direct knowledge of God. He lost his proximity and his personal relationship with his Creator because of Adam's rebellion and sin in the garden. He lost his very capacity to understand and perceive God at all. His senses were dulled and his perceptions clouded. Left in this condition, he never would have sought God, but rather, would have continued the pattern his forefather and mother set after they sinned, hiding from their loving Master. Without the testimony of General Revelation man would not know enough even to conclude that God exists, let alone be drawn to him.
Secondly, Creation serves as the dwelling place for mankind. As such, it exists for man, not man for it. Man was charged with subduing the earth and filling it with his offspring. One of man's highest functions regards his accomplishment of these purposes, of course, in a fashion that brings glory to His God. Sin has damaged and, often, prevented this form occurring.
We find much concern today for the environment. It is treated and thought of, in many circles, as almost an entity in itself. Some actually do think of it terms of real being, calling it the "Gaia" or "Mother Earth" or some other like term. The earth has been worshipped, and, in fact, still is, directly and indirectly, by many. Environmentalists often go far to far in their zeal to protect and preserve the environment, frequently lapsing into something quite near to idolatry.
All of this flies in the face of the truth that the earth was created for man to dwell in. God has no other purpose for the earth. There is nothing for it except to serve as the environment in which we will live until the commencement of eternity. The Bible teaches that this present creation with be destroyed and a "new heavens and a new earth" with become our dwelling place for eternity. Should we take care of the present creation? Of course! But we must understand the purpose of creation and live with the knowledge that God made mighty and wonderful creation for us and that the earth is, indeed, for us!
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