Gods Relationship With The World P199-202 Flashcards
Explain Gods relationship with the world as a whole
- the understanding of gods creation of the world comes from the account in genesis.
- the world is dependent on the command of god as (in genesis) god speaks and causes things to come into existence
- Gods involvement in the world continued after creation as he controls the seasons and sustains the world. He brings order to the world
“He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow in the hills”
- there is conflict over whether god formed the world from ex nihilo (nothing) or pre existent matter
- everything God has created reveals his existence in some way
- the world has been created to sustain life
Explain gods relationship with humanity
“ let us make man in our image, in our likeness”
- this quote sets humans apart from the rest of creation and highlights the unique link between humans and God
God gave humans a role of stewardship over his land.
God provided everything that Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden
There are other examples of gods care for humanity including:
- his provided the promised land for the Israelites
- he provided laws to help humans live a good life
- providing salvation through an animal sacrifice (atonement)
How is gods love shown by the life and death of Jesus?
- God became human as Jesus and came to earth to teach people about how to live a good life.
- Jesus died as a sacrifice for human sin. His death provided humans with an opportunity for a relationship with god and forgiveness and salvation.
“He made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant”
“He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death”
How is Gods love shown through the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit guides Christians and comforts them in times of suffering
The Holy Spirit allows Christians to have a personal relationship with god.
Is god outside time or active in the world? Refer to sources of authority and different points of view
- god is outside of time (atemporal). This means he can see the past present and future. This means Gods plans for the world will happen
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plants to prosper you and not to harm you”
Some Christians believe that god cannot be unchanging because in order to answer to prayers, he will have to respond to change. Instead they believe that God is active in time and changing in response to the world and requests of Christians. Instead they think god is everlasting
Can humans communicate with god? Refer to sources of authority and different points of view
In the Catholic Church, priests believe they have been called into their ministry by god. When a priest is ordained, they believe that he is not acting in the power as Jesus.
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”
Protestants believe that Jesus enables everyone who believes in god to pray directly to him and have a personal relationship with him. This is further reinforced in Hebrews 7 which tells them that priests do not need to act as mediators between Christians and god.
