Creation ex nihilo; God's sovereign creative power affirmed
The LCMS affirms that Genesis 1:1-2 teaches creation ex nihilo — God created all things from nothing through his divine word and power. The LCMS doctrine of Scripture affirms that Genesis 1 is a reliable account of creation. God is the sole Creator; nothing exists except by God's will and creative power. This doctrine is foundational to Lutheran systematic theology and is affirmed in the Augsburg Confession Article I.
The LCMS teaching emphasizes that creation is not eternal or self-subsistent but is entirely dependent on God's continuous sustaining power. The Holy Spirit is understood as active in creation (Genesis 1:2). LCMS theology integrates Genesis 1:1-2 with the New Testament affirmation that Christ is the one through whom all things were created (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16).
Key Distinctions
- Creation ex nihilo:
- creation from nothing; divine creative power alone
- Spirit role:
- Creation model:
Scripture References
Sources
- LCMS doctrinal statements on creation
- Augsburg Confession, Article I (1530)
- Luther's Lectures on Genesis