The great reformer-theologian John Calvin (1509-1564) used the Latin metaphor theatrum gloriae to describe creation the “grand theatre” in which God’s glory, power, wisdom, and goodness are on public display, “being too clear to escape the notice of anyone, however obtuse.”
As we read in Psalm 19:1-2, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”
Creation presents an unmistakable, clear testimony to God’s: “…eternal power and divine nature, having been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20).
I recall a few years back talking with a defector from the Christian faith. He told me, “There is absolutely no evidence, anywhere in ‘creation’, of there being an eternal, creator-God.”
My suggestion to him was echoed recently in an article I read from Table Talk magazine: People “…who deny the existence of God on the basis of insufficient evidence should stop and look around. The fingerprints of God are everywhere…Creation leaves mankind without excuse. In addition to holding mankind accountable [see Psalm 14:1!], God’s creation stirs up wonder, love, and praise in the hearts of Christ’s disciples.”
Of course, living here in Brookings, Oregon, with such stunningly majestic landscape (both woods and coastline) makes appreciating creation and the LORD who fashioned it so very easy! As someone has said: “The signature of God’s creative genius is openly manifest from the Milky Way to the millipede.”
Yes, creation is truly God’s theatrum gloriae; may it continue to bear witness, to remind us, that God indeed not only exists but that He is powerful; may it be the catalyst which ignites our hearts with worship.
Finally, and most importantly, may this beautiful world be a reminder that the One through Whom God created our world (John 1:1-3) took on human flesh and sacrificed Himself on Calvary’s cross (Colossians 1:16-20) that we might, through faith in Him (Jesus) alone, be reconciled to God.