Torch, Spring/Summer 2007

the creation” into partnership with science in an effort to avoid further environmental deterioration on our planet. Wilson’s appeal is consistent with the fact that science can point to physical causes of the environmental crisis, but the root cause is spiritual, and the ultimate cure is spiritual. Both the devaluation of human life and the abuse of God’s creation are rooted in human sinfulness. But God’s plan is to work through the transformed lives of His children, believers who refuse to be conformed to this world system and whose lifestyle demonstrates the hope of heaven while caring properly for His creation. But can Christians be heavenly minded and still be concerned with earthly good? Spring-Summer 2007 21 God values not just human life but all of His creation. Indeed, He has given His Son to reconcile creation as a whole (Romans 8:22). The book of Colossians teaches us that the natural realm is of great value to the Creator. Here we learn that Jesus Christ created the heavens and the Earth for His purposes (1:16); that Jesus rules and sustains His creation (v. 17); and that His death and resurrection set the stage for the redemption and reconciliation of all creation, “whether things on earth or things in heaven” (v. 20). A theology of creation that teaches the full scope of God’s redemptive plan is essential both to effective evangelism and discipleship and to victorious living in our materialistic culture. “Biblical evangelism” and “biblical environmentalism” should go hand in hand. Environmentalism without a correct theology of reconciliation will lead to environmental programs and perhaps even the worship of creation while ignoring the cause of its alienation: unresolved sin in human hearts. Scope of Sin Effects of Sin Scriptural Basis Reconciliation Heart Root of Alienation Loss of Reverence and Thankfulness to God Will Social Individual Alienation from God Defiance of God’s Word Material Self-Alienation Personal Anguish Alienation from Others Interpersonal Strife Alienation from Creation Defiance of God’s Word “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks ... their foolish heart was darkened.” Rom. 1:21 “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, ... a delight to the eyes, and ... desirable to make one wise, she took ... and ate ...”. Gen. 3:6 “... I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” Gen. 3:10 “... The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” Gen. 3:12 “... served the creature rather than the Creator ...” Rom. 1:25 “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away ...”. II Cor. 5:17 “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.” I Cor. 15:22 “These things I have spoken ... that in Me you may have peace.” John 16:33 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” I John 4:7 “... through Him to reconcile all things ...”. Col. 1:20 God’s Redemptive Plan The full scope of redemption addresses alienation from God at all levels — our heart and will, our personal and interpersonal relationships, and our stewardship of His creation.