Christians: God made the universe out of nothing?

[sojourner]

I'm surprised to hear you say this, sojourner. I agree that it's not biblical. Do you personally believe in an ex nihilo creation?

No. First of all, the prevailing scientific explanation is the big bang. If there's nothing to go bang, how can it bang? Second, the world (cosmos) is talked about in Gen. 1 as being there before creation -- albeit "without form and void."

Third, to fundamentally separate God from the very core of creation is to separate God from the creation, meaning that creation -- including we -- are fundamentally not connected to God.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

the first point is to look at the context of Hebrews. Paul was not discussing creation, he was discussing why faith in God is possible and why the ancient people of old had faith in God.
Hebrews 11:3 "By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is beheld has come to be out of things that do not appear".
We can understand what he meant by looking at what he wrote in Romans 1:19 "because what may be known about God is manifest among them, for God made it manifest to them. 20 For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable; 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him
What Paul is saying here is that we can see God...who is unseen...through the things we CAN see such as his creations. This is what he was getting at in Hebrews too except he was applying the principle to 'faith'...basically we can have faith in God and the things he is yet to do because of the things we have seen him do in the past.
2ndly, the bible does in fact give an indication as to how God made the universe:
Isaiah 40:26 “Raise YOUR eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one [of them] is missing."
So the bible writers say that God used his 'energy' or 'power' to create the universe. This is scientifically sound because all matter is made from energy as Einstein rightly discovered.
hope that helps.

Very interesting ^above^ that God supplied the needed energy to create.
Psalm 104 v 30 adds that when God sends forth his spirit things are created.
That would also indicate the power or active force from God is Not nothing.

 

[obi one]

Does the Bible really make this claim? I was reading the book of Hebrews the other day, and I came upon this passage. I've read it before, but I've never really given it a second thought until now:

Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

So I got to thinking, does this passage say that God indeed made the universe out something (even though that something may be invisible), or does it say that God made the universe out of nothing? What other passages can we use to determine the answer? Is there any way to be certain? Does it matter? Does the question make sense? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Genesis 1:1," In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

There was a time before the beginning when there was no heaven and earth. According to scientist, that would be about 13 billion years ago. Age of the universe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The "Word" is how nothing became something. For to get matter out of nothing, you need anti-matter. The world was created out of nothing using the law of opposites. Such as you don't have sweet without sour, or bad without good. The "Word" is a code on how to create the world out of nothing. The 12 tribes of Israel as the basic source of the living temple of God, parallels the "standard" theory of scientist of having 12 basic particles. The problem with the scientifc theory is that there are not 12 basic particles, because Joseph was split into Joseph and Manassah, and you have 12 basic units plus a 13th unit called Levi. The scientists, except for a minority, such as Newton, didn't understand that the bible was the source book for creation. The True Bible code: Welcome to all who seek the truth!

By the way, Newton understood that the Trinity doctrine was totally a tradition of men.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

According to Isaiah [40 v 26] God did NOT create out of nothing.

God supplied the needed energy [strength and might] to create.

-Psalm 104 v 30; Jeremiah 10 v 12; 32 v 17

Hebrews 11 v 3 mentions God's word as does Psalm 33 v 6 where 'word' is used in connection to the 'breath' of God's mouth.

 

[jtartar]

Does the Bible really make this claim? I was reading the book of Hebrews the other day, and I came upon this passage. I've read it before, but I've never really given it a second thought until now:

Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

So I got to thinking, does this passage say that God indeed made the universe out something (even though that something may be invisible), or does it say that God made the universe out of nothing? What other passages can we use to determine the answer? Is there any way to be certain? Does it matter? Does the question make sense? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Strength & Honor,
Remember, the Bible was written by men as they were born along by God's Holy Spirit, 2Tim 3:16,17, 2Pet 1:20,21. Another thing to remember is; true science and the Bible agree completely. God happens to be the one who knows everything, so He makes no mistakes, Job 36:4, 37:16.
The Bible says that God made everything out of things invisible. Science understands that everything visible is made of energy, compressed energy. That is why an atomic bomb is so powerful. When the energy is released quickly it produces a massive explosion, especially so in some materials.
It is interesting the way that Isaiah wrote about energy at Isa 40:13,14, 25,26. The Bible says, in several places that God is Omnipotent, Allpowerful, Almighty, Ex 6:3, Rev 15:3. There is a term in large dictionaries; Ex Nihilo Nihil fit, which is Latin for; nothing is created out of nothing. This agrees with science, The Almighty God, whose Proper, Personal name is Jehovah, because of being Almighty created all of visible matter by compressing invisible energy into visible matter. Since He is All-powerful He has created all the heavens and the earth,and is still All-powerful.
The fact is; Only Jehovah God is Omnificent. When the Bible speaks about Jesus making things, these are things made out of matter that God created. Jesus was the Master Worker in all creation, Prov 8:22-31. All things were created for him and through him, but not by him, John 1:3, Col 1:16.

 

[rusra02]

Does the Bible really make this claim? I was reading the book of Hebrews the other day, and I came upon this passage. I've read it before, but I've never really given it a second thought until now:

Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

So I got to thinking, does this passage say that God indeed made the universe out something (even though that something may be invisible), or does it say that God made the universe out of nothing? What other passages can we use to determine the answer? Is there any way to be certain? Does it matter? Does the question make sense? I would appreciate your thoughts.

First, let me commend you for reading the Bible. The NWT renders the verse this way: "By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God's word, so that what is beheld has come to be out of things that do not appear." Clearly, the verse tells us that God's word or purpose was for the universe to exist. Thus, although we cannot see God, we see the evidence for God in what he has created. As Romans 1:20 says: "For [God's] invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship." God used his almighty power and wisdom to create the universe.

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[sojourner]

Genesis 1:1," In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

There was a time before the beginning when there was no heaven and earth. According to scientist, that would be about 13 billion years ago. Age of the universe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The "Word" is how nothing became something. For to get matter out of nothing, you need anti-matter. The world was created out of nothing using the law of opposites. Such as you don't have sweet without sour, or bad without good. The "Word" is a code on how to create the world out of nothing. The 12 tribes of Israel as the basic source of the living temple of God, parallels the "standard" theory of scientist of having 12 basic particles. The problem with the scientifc theory is that there are not 12 basic particles, because Joseph was split into Joseph and Manassah, and you have 12 basic units plus a 13th unit called Levi. The scientists, except for a minority, such as Newton, didn't understand that the bible was the source book for creation. The True Bible code: Welcome to all who seek the truth!

By the way, Newton understood that the Trinity doctrine was totally a tradition of men.

Who spoke the word?

 

[sojourner]

Another thing to remember is; true science and the Bible agree completely.

Surrously?

 

[obi one]

Who spoke the word?

The Spirit of God spoke the "Word". The "Word" was the alpha and the omega. It had a beginning, whereas, the Spirit of God, existed before time began.

 

[Quiddity]

It can be argued that ex nihilo is Panentheist (as the link below indicates).

Ex nihilo properly understood from a traditional theistic perspective, God creates the world ex nihilo [or] rather that out of His own substance.

Maverick Philosopher expands on this in detail:

<snip>

When I say that God creates ex Deo what I mean is that God operates on entities that are not external to God in the sense of having existence whether or not God exists. I build a rock cairn to mark the trail by piling up otherwise scattered rocks. These rocks exist whether or not I do. My creation of the cairn is therefore neither out of nothing nor out of me but out of materials external to me. If God created in that way he would not be God as classically conceived, but a Platonic demiurge. So I say that God creates out of ‘materials’ internal to him in the sense that their existence depends on God’s existence and are therefore in this precise sense internal to him. (I hope it is self-evident that materials need not be made out of matter.) In this sense, God creates ex Deo rather than out of materials that are provided from without. It should be obvious that God, a candidate for the status of an absolute, cannot have anything ‘outside him.’

<snip>

Maverick Philosopher: Creation: Ex Nihilo or Ex Deo? Am I a Panentheist?

I highly suggest anyone interested in classical theistic arguments read this as I think there is enourmous ignorance among Christians (and definately among non-theist) about what it the phrase means. It does take some metaphysical digging and know-how but if you calmly sift thru it you can pieace it together.

 

[ArtieE]

So the bible writers say that God used his 'energy' or 'power' to create the universe. This is scientifically sound because all matter is made from energy as Einstein rightly discovered.

hope that helps.

Since energy/matter can't be created or destroyed but must always have existed that means panentheism is the correct belief system?

 

[ArtieE]

Who spoke the word?

That would be the ancient Egyptian god Ptah. "It was said (in the Shabaka Stone) that it was Ptah who called the world into being, having dreamt creation in his heart, and speaking it, his name meaning opener, in the sense of opener of the mouth." Wikipedia

 

[Thief]

The title question cannot be answered.
It wraps around a state of being we cannot deal with.

In the beginning there was God.

The universe (the one word) had not yet been spoken.
The universe would be without form and in a 'void' state.

If there is substance in the presence of God it would have been uniform in all manner.
no heat, no cold...no light, no shadow,... no movement, no time....

Before He spoke, all things were uniform.
As He spoke, light became the first creation...the first aberration.

Immediately developing a sense of self and life....
He created heaven...a spiritual 'place'.

All of this to be able to say..."I AM".

You can't say you exist...if there is no proof of it.

 

[Carlii]

Does the Bible really make this claim? I was reading the book of Hebrews the other day, and I came upon this passage. I've read it before, but I've never really given it a second thought until now:

Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

So I got to thinking, does this passage say that God indeed made the universe out something (even though that something may be invisible), or does it say that God made the universe out of nothing? What other passages can we use to determine the answer? Is there any way to be certain? Does it matter? Does the question make sense? I would appreciate your thoughts.

Did God Create Our Universe from Nothing? No

Did God Create Our Universe from Nothing? No | BibleOpia Blog

The article addresses your question looking at Hebrews 11:3 specifically, and links to related articles and a creation presentation too. Hope this helps.

 

[paarsurrey]

Christians: God made the universe out of nothing?

Yes, G-d made the universe out of nothing, Jesus never made it.
Regards

 

[paarsurrey]

Christians: God made the universe out of nothing?

Yes, G-d made the universe out of nothing, Jesus never made it.
Regards

Jesus could not have made it because he was a human being, son of Mary.
Regards

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Christians: God made the universe out of nothing?
Yes, G-d made the universe out of nothing, Jesus never made it.
Regards

Would you call power and strength ( energy ) as nothing ?______
According to Isaiah 40:26 God supplied the abundantly needed dynamic power and strength ( energy ) to create the universe.
- Psalms 104:30; Jeremiah 10:12; Jeremiah 32:17

Who is the "us" at Genesis 1:26 that God is talking to but to His Son, the pre-human Jesus.- Revelation 3:14

 

[paarsurrey]

Would you call power and strength ( energy ) as nothing ?______
According to Isaiah 40:26 God supplied the abundantly needed dynamic power and strength ( energy ) to create the universe.
- Psalms 104:30; Jeremiah 10:12; Jeremiah 32:17

Who is the "us" at Genesis 1:26 that God is talking to but to His Son, the pre-human Jesus.- Revelation 3:14

I am an Ahmadi peaceful Muslim.
Who wrote Genesis?
Regards

 

[Johnlove]

Does the Bible really make this claim? I was reading the book of Hebrews the other day, and I came upon this passage. I've read it before, but I've never really given it a second thought until now:

Hebrews 11:3 - By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

So I got to thinking, does this passage say that God indeed made the universe out something (even though that something may be invisible), or does it say that God made the universe out of nothing? What other passages can we use to determine the answer? Is there any way to be certain? Does it matter? Does the question make sense? I would appreciate your thoughts.

The physical world we live in is not the real world. The spiritual is more real than the physical. The physical will all go away.


The physical laws we learn and use are what we know and understand, to some extent. God is not limited by our physical laws or our understanding of our physical world.


Jesus telling us that the Eucharist is his body and blood is a good example of our lack of understanding of the spiritual world.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

The physical world we live in is not the real world. The spiritual is more real than the physical. The physical will all go away.

Why do you say the physical (material ) will go away when Ecclesiastes 1:4 B says: the earth remains forever ?
Please also see -> 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 78:69 B; Psalms 93:1; Psalms 96:10 Psalms 104:5; Isaiah 45:18
How can the meek inherit the earth forever if the forever abiding earth goes away ? _______ Psalms 37:11; Psalms 37:29; Psalms 104:35; Proverbs 2:21-22; Matthew 5:5
The real world, so to speak, to come is the millennial world to come under Jesus' coming 1,000 year governmental rulership over earth, when Jesus, as Prince of Peace, ushers in global Peace on Earth among men of goodwill. Then, Jesus will fulfill God's promise to Abraham - Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18 that All nations of earth will be blessed. Blessed with the benefits of the healing of earth's nations under Christ's millennium-long day of governing over earth - Revelation 22:2 - when mankind on earth will see the return of the Genesis ' tree of life ' on earth for the healing of earth's nations. Thus, opening up the way for everlasting life on a beautiful paradisical earth as Eden originally was.