God created all things; dual creation: spiritual realm and material universe
Armstrongism affirms Genesis 1:1-2 as describing God's creation of the physical universe ex nihilo. However, Armstrongist theology emphasizes a dual creation: the spiritual realm (including angels) was created in an earlier epoch (sometimes associated with Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28), and the physical creation in Genesis 1 represents a restoration or recreation after Satan's rebellion and fall.
This framework allows Armstrongists to explain the presence of Satan (a fallen angel) in the world and to emphasize God's redemptive plan. The universe has a beginning (Genesis 1:1), but pre-dates Satan's rebellion. God's creative work continues through the establishment of his Kingdom.
Key Distinctions
- Creation ex nihilo:
- ex nihilo; dual creation (spiritual realm and physical universe)
- Spirit role:
- Creation model:
Scripture References
Sources
- Herbert W. Armstrong, Mystery of the Ages (1985)