Systematic Theology Scripture Defines Scripture Volume 3: The Doctrine of Creation Cosmology: Creation, Heaven, Earth, Providence, and the Goodness of God's Works

Before theology can speak of anything, Scripture must reveal what God has made.

Systematic Theology — Scripture Defines Scripture, Volume 3: The Doctrine of Creation examines the biblical doctrine of creation through one controlling conviction: God’s Word must define God’s world.

This volume does not treat creation as a narrow debate over origins. Creation is foundational to the whole Christian worldview. Before the church can think rightly about God, man, Christ, salvation, the body, marriage, work, rest, suffering, providence, resurrection, or the eternal state, it must answer one of Scripture’s first and most basic questions: Who made all things, and why?

In this volume, Jeff C. Edwards traces the doctrine of creation from Scripture itself, showing that creation is not God, but it belongs to God; it is not evil, but it is fallen; it is not ultimate, but it is destined for renewal under Christ.

This volume explores:

• Creation out of nothing
• Creation by the Word of God
• The triune God’s work in creation
• Time, heaven, earth, and the days of creation
• The order and goodness of the created world
• Providence, preservation, miracles, and Sabbath
• The goodness of the body and ordinary life
• Work, rest, marriage, fruitfulness, and stewardship
• Creation’s groaning under the fall
• The incarnation of Christ and the hope of new creation

Written with a Scripture-defines-Scripture method, Volume 3: The Doctrine of Creation calls readers to receive creation as God defines it: good, ordered, purposeful, dependent, fallen, groaning, and waiting for redemption.

This book may be read as a stand-alone study of the doctrine of creation, or as the third volume in the larger twenty-four-volume Systematic Theology — Scripture Defines Scripture series. Readers who want a serious, Bible-driven treatment of creation will find this volume complete in itself, while those following the full series will see how the doctrine of creation builds upon the doctrine of Scripture and the doctrine of God, and prepares the way for the doctrine of man and sin.

The Creator who made heaven and earth has not abandoned His works. The Word became flesh. Christ rose bodily from the dead. And God has promised a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.