I sought out some additional writings on verse 1:20 in Colossians that
describes more elequently than I ever could that, yes, the Bible teaches
that all Creation is in fact in a state of disruption from the original
plan and design of God. This theme is certainly not a new concept, not
something that I or creationists have developed, but rather has its
roots in traditional orthodox evangelical Christianity.
"The Son, the ruler of the kingdom of love, the effective agent and the
appointed end of the whole creation, has been revealed in his office and
function as head of the church and bearer of the whole pleroma of the
Godhead. In this capacity, and with this endowment, he is now revealed
as the effective agent of God in the reconciliation of the universe, in
the making of a cosmic peace. The need of reconciliation implies a prior
alienation of the universe from God; the need of peacemaking implies
that the cosmos is rent with conflict. Nothing is said here of the how
or why of this alienation; it is sufficient that this is the actual
state of the world, and that Christ is appointed to effect the remedy.
It is, however, of the utmost importance to Christian thought - which is
here in fundamental opposition to the postualtes of the comtemporary
philosophy, even in its highest forms - that this alienation from God is
not inherent in the Creation, but is somehow a departure of the creation
from its true relation to God. God is not dealing with an intractable
stuff, which is in origin and essence independent of Him and
incompatable with His nature, but with a frame of things that He Himself
has brought into being "in, through, and for" Christ. Its alienation is
therefore neither inherent or permanent; and it is His good pleasure to
restore it to His true relationship with Him and to its true internal
harmony; and this ultimate purpose is to be accomplished through Christ,
who acts as God's agent in reconciliation as in creation."
Francis W. Beare, The Interpretors Bible, Abingdon Press, 1955, in an
exegesis on Collosians 1:20
A disordered universe, a corrupted Creation, is Biblical and essential
to a full understanding of Christ as Creator and Redeemer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rv:4:11: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for
thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Durham
Oakland, Maryland
pdd@gcc.cc.md.us