Christendom: Providence Seen in the Creation Account

This is the second in a series of articles about the Biblical worldview of providence–which has to do with Christendom. Be sure to catch Part 1 on Providence here. For this article, we’re zooming in on examples about providence as taught in several of Biblical Classical Community’s online courses and as addressed in some of the Biblical Classical Homeschool Summits™ (online).

Review of Christendom

As noted in Part 1 of this series, Christendom means: “The territories, countries or regions inhabited by Christians, or those who profess to believe in the Christian religion; the whole body of Christians; Christianity; the Christian religion; as, while christendom prevailed.”(1)

Dr. Kevin Clauson, professor and board member of Christendom Bible College, explains it this way: “Christendom is the application of biblical principles to all of life and culture, including all spheres of authority in society, in order that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (CEI Summit, 2024)

As we build Christendom via our families—and others whom we disciple—in the Christian faith, it’s important to help them understand the Biblical worldview of providence. We learn of it both via Natural Law (aka General Revelation) and Revealed Law (aka God’s Word). In part, this helps individuals learn about and comprehend God’s sovereignty. Hopefully it will help them form Biblical convictions, and learn to deeply trust Him and His ways in all things.

The Context of Providence in Genesis

In the beginning, God created everything with great care, purpose, and foresight. Prior to creating mankind, He created the heaven, the earth, and everything in it (the context) in which mankind would dwell. Logical order is demonstrated during the days of Creation. That includes all that would meet mankind’s needs.

Revealed Law Teaches Us

Before we were given Revealed Law (Scripture), there was General Revelation. But, since we’re blessed with having Revealed Law, I’d like to begin with it. Providential History is seen throughout it:

Providence Before the Fall:

relationship (with our Creator God and eventually between Adam and Eve)
government (God established governmental boundaries with Adam and Eve)
family (the institutions of marriage and family started with Adam and Eve)
food (initially plants and herbs)
water (fresh water to drink)
soil (in which to grow food)
light (to help see during the day, for food to grow, Vitamin D, less light for sleeping at night, etc.)
atmosphere (the perfect atmosphere was created for mankind to thrive)

Providence After the Fall:

provision for salvation (Genesis 3:14, 15 and also see Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Genesis 3:15)
shelter (plants and animal skins)
food (plants with the addition of meats)
work (the ability to work and and instructions on what kind of work)
etc.

General Revelation

When we consider General Revelation, creation teaches us about our Creator God. We can see how He has providentially designed the earth to thrive and to meet the physical and material needs of His creation. To some degree it also meets our spiritual needs because His creation testifies of His glory:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” -Psalm 19:1-2 (KJV)
“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” -Job 12:7-10 (KJV)
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” -Romans 1:20 (KJV)

All of the abundance of the earth, provided by Creator God, teaches us to some degree about Him. So much of it takes our breath away and worship swells in our hearts for our Heavenly Father. Who is like Him and who can compare to Him? No one, no not one!

The Psalmist declares:

“Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.”
-Psalm 86:8-10 (KJV)

The Importance of Context for Providential History

Every single detail of creation—the context of history—matters because it all reveals His providence. He is a relational and loving God!

Consider how He uses the concrete in His creation to teach us spiritual truths (another provision because of His loving-kindness toward us):

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?”
-Luke 12:24 (KJV)

God’s providence is seen in many ways from the beginning of history. Guard your hearts, Christian parents. Don’t be deceived by those who deny providential history. Draw close to God! “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” -Psalm 77:11-12 (KJV)

An Example of What an Apple Can Teach Us About God’s Attributes

In the Principles of American Government class, which I teach to high school students, I have them consider what an apple can teach us about some of God’s attributes. Here is a list of what I cam up with as I considered this:

He is Sovereign: He chose to create the apple and He did.
He is Creator: He designed apples with color, texture, flavor, fragrance and created a variety of them.
He is Orderly: God created an order in which apples grow and an order in which apples reproduce more apple trees.
He is an Abundant Giver: He designed apples to contain many seeds, each seed produces a single tree, each single tree produces and abundance of apples.
He is an Artist: He chose how to use line and shape for every detail of the apple.
He is an Engineer: God intentionally designed the Seed Principle (apples can produce after their own kind).
He is Provider: God provides food; He provides the right environment for apples to grow; He provided a way for apple seeds to spread by man (agriculture), by birds and other animals (eating seeds and “passing” them via their droppings as they travel).
He is Lawgiver: He established natural laws for apple trees (follow the Seed Principle, grow a certain way, grow in specific types of locations, etc.)

What would you add to this list?

Biblical Worldview Courses

Do you want your child to grow up knowing the Biblical worldview in education? At the root of every subject is a Biblical foundation and a providential view of history. Our courses use Biblical principles to cultivate the Biblical worldview that brings liberty to the individual, family, church, and nation.

For More on the Battle of Worldview in Relation to Providence, read Nicki Truesdell’s article on Homeschool curriculum and the sovereignty of God.

Footnote 1: Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, christendom