A Biblical Worldview, Part 3: Cosmology — A Universe Declaring the Glory of God
(Building on the foundational post, “A Biblical Worldview: Seeing Life Through the Lens of Truth”)
When we look up at the night sky—whether through a telescope or with the naked eye—we are reminded of how small we are and how vast the universe is. But from a Biblical worldview, that vastness does not make us insignificant. It makes God magnificent. The study of cosmology, which explores the origin, nature, and purpose of the universe, leads the believer not merely to curiosity, but to worship.
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.”
— Psalm 19:1 (NASB)
The universe is not a random accident of matter and energy. It is a masterpiece of divine intention—a vast, ordered testimony to the Creator’s power, wisdom, and love.
Creation by the Word of God
At the heart of a Biblical cosmology stands this declaration:
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.”
— Psalm 33:6 (NASB)
Everything came into being because God spoke. From galaxies to grass, from the orbits of planets to the beating of a human heart, all things owe their existence to the creative Word.
Genesis 1 presents this reality simply: “And God said… and it was so.” The power of His Word brought forth light, life, and order from nothingness. This creative act reveals that the universe is not eternal, nor is it self-generating—it is entirely dependent on the One who made it.
“All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”
— John 1:3 (NASB)
Christ Himself is the Logos, the divine Word through whom the Father created and through whom all things continue to hold together (Colossians 1:16-17).
An Ordered and Purposeful Universe
The more science uncovers about the cosmos, the more evidence it provides of intricate design. From the finely tuned constants of physics to the precise chemical balance required for life, the universe reflects careful order rather than chaos.
The Bible does not speak in scientific language, yet it continually affirms that creation is both structured and sustained by divine wisdom:
“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.”
— Proverbs 3:19 (NASB)
The laws of nature are not impersonal—they are expressions of the consistent faithfulness of the Lawgiver. The sun rises because He decreed it so (Jeremiah 33:20–21). Gravity, motion, and time all operate according to His command.
The Universe Exists for God’s Glory
Modern cosmology often focuses on how the universe began, but Scripture focuses on why. Creation exists not for its own sake, nor for ours alone, but for the glory of God.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
— Romans 11:36 (NASB)
Every sunrise, every mountain range, every ocean wave, and every star is part of a cosmic symphony declaring His majesty. The universe itself is an act of worship—a stage for God’s beauty and a mirror of His excellence.
Isaiah reminds us:
“Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who brings out their multitude by number,
He calls them all by name.”
— Isaiah 40:26 (NASB)
That same Creator who names the stars also knows each of our names (John 10:3). His vastness does not make Him distant; it magnifies His care.
Humanity’s Place in the Cosmos
The biblical view of cosmology places humanity in a unique position within creation—not as masters of the universe, but as caretakers. God entrusted the earth to our stewardship:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth…’”
— Genesis 1:26 (NASB)
This dominion is not domination; it is responsibility. The universe is God’s creation, and we are called to manage it in reverence, not exploit it in greed. Every act of stewardship—protecting life, cultivating the land, caring for others—reflects the Creator’s heart.
To mistreat creation is to misunderstand its purpose. The earth is not sacred in itself, but it is sacred because it belongs to God.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,
The world, and those who live in it.”
— Psalm 24:1 (NASB)
Creation and Redemption: The Cosmic Story
The story of the universe does not end in Genesis. Just as sin corrupted humanity, it also brought brokenness into creation. Paul writes that “the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now” (Romans 8:22).
But the story moves toward redemption. The same God who created the heavens and the earth will one day renew them. Revelation gives us this promise:
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away.”
— Revelation 21:1 (NASB)
God’s plan is not to abandon His creation but to restore it. The universe began with His Word and will be completed by His Word. The final act of His redemptive plan will be the unveiling of a new, perfect creation where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).
The Call to Wonder and Worship
Cosmology, rightly understood, leads not to pride but to humility; not to speculation, but to adoration. When Job questioned God’s justice, the Lord responded by revealing His creative majesty:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.”
— Job 38:4 (NASB)
Confronted with the grandeur of creation, Job could only respond with repentance and awe. Likewise, when we see the beauty and order of the universe, our proper response is worship.
“Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
— Psalm 95:6 (NASB)
The more deeply we understand the cosmos, the more deeply we should marvel at its Creator.
Conclusion: The Universe Declares His Glory
Cosmology asks, “What is the nature and purpose of the universe?” The Biblical answer is clear: the universe is God’s handiwork, designed to reveal His glory and to serve His purposes.
Every star that burns and every heartbeat that beats proclaims the same truth—God is worthy.
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power;
for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
— Revelation 4:11 (NASB)
When we see creation through this lens, life is filled with meaning. The same power that flung the galaxies into space now dwells in us through His Spirit. And one day, all creation will sing in harmony again, declaring the glory of the One who made it all.