What exactly is "Principled Creationism"? It is God creating by means of His "Principle of Creation" - through His Word, laws and precepts (Ps.19:7; 111:7; 119:4) blessed with a teleological end (Is.45:18; 46:10 - the fundamentals of which were described in the early parts of this series). The Principle of Creation is the operating principle for the substantiation or incarnation of God’s word – ‘Logos’ (Jn.1:14). It is the very Principle utilized by God to create man and all things. In the Bible, God spoke to Job in the context of, and in light of His methodical and principled actions in the creative process (Job 38, et al; see also Prov.8:25-29). In 38:33a, Job is asked: "Do you know the laws of the heavens?" This is a clear reference to the fact that His creative acts are governed by specific divine laws.

All miraculous and scientific happenings in creation take place through God's Principle of Creation. Example; in the classic biblical event of God creating light (Gen.1:3), we see: "And God said: 'Let there be light', and there was light." Here, we encounter a statement that shows that God desired (purposed) light. In respecting His principle of creation of time, space and materiality, He followed a (scientific) path for the interaction of the fundamental ingredients that would produce the specific kind of light that He originally desired (Job 38:19-20). To say, "And there was light", means that the result met His expectation. Of course, one could assume that light came without following a prescribed scientific path (a view of miraculous actualization), but this would only mean that God by-passed or ignored His principles and laws which He initially laid down. The Bible, however, informs us that He does not violate them in any manner (Ps.18:30).

Likewise, in the creation of plants (Gen.1:11-12): "Let the earth put forth vegetation.... And it was so." this also gives a miraculous impression of Him by-passing a biological process. However, in the second creation narration (2:5,9) we see that God had purposed the plants and herbs "to grow," "to spring up” from the ground (i.e., to germinate from seeds/seedlings) based on well-suited biological conditions, the presence of moisture (verse 6). If one is only thinking in a miraculous and spiritualized manner, one is apt to overlook the biblical evidentiary content for a logical, scientific understanding.

Many of the weaknesses of fundamental creationism reside in the fixation on a solely miraculous interpretation of God's creative acts. All that God has done, and continue to do, can be regarded as miraculous; but He does not disengage from His Principle. As modern science continues to inform us, even now, amazing creations of new galaxies, etc., are taking place in our ever-expanding universe.

When we examine the scriptures closely, it becomes quite obvious that God follows, very precisely, His Principle of Creation. The Bible, although not a scientific manual, is written in a manner that appeals to all ages (generations); primitive, medieval and modern. The Unification Principle has now appeared to logically and systematically explain God's purpose, manner and mode of creation so that the mentality of our age can better appreciate His great works; scientifically, artistically and heartistically.

What does it mean: "And God said, 'Let there be ....' And it was so."? This refers to God's (the Sovereign Creator’s) desire to have something done, and it is accomplished to His pleasure. The angelic world which He created (not specifically mentioned in the Genesis narrative of creation (See Job 38:7; Heb.1:13a) are given the responsibility to assist Him in His grand design. All cooperate in carrying out their respective duties so that God's desire can be perfectly actualized. This does not mean, however, that they do not follow the ground principles and laws established to accomplish His desire. Or, that time and space are not involved.

Next Issue: Understanding the many uses of the word "day" in the Genesis creation.
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*Later parts of this series will deal with the critique and counterproposal of evolution, critique and counterproposal of various aspects of fundamental and traditional creationism and, Unification insights into particular biblical texts pertaining to God's creation of the world from the "Principle" perspective.

Family is Forever Corner

“God’s lineage contains the seed of true love. God’s lineage provides the context and environment for a true life. Hence, for us to become the ideal people envisage by God, that is, people of ideal character who can create ideal families, we first need to be linked to His lineage. Only when we are linked to God’s lineage is it possible to create God’s homeland, the ideal nation. Only when we are linked to God’s lineage is it possible to establish the Kingdom of the peaceful, ideal world.

Please inscribe the importance of lineage in your hearts. This is because the parent-child relationship is the highest and most important of all relationships.”

Inspiration by Rev. Moon

Divine Principle

Why a Second Coming?

Jesus spoke in many instances (in the first person) of his return. In the presence of his disciples he laid out the all important condition by which he will come to them (Jn. 14:21). He further beseeched them repeatedly to: “abide in me” (15:4-11). When asked why he “would not appear to the world,” his response was that “he would only appear to those who love him, those who keep his words” (Jn.14:22-24). Based on this condition, Jesus returned many times after his resurrection to be with his disciples, for various reasons. And, throughout the ages of the church, including present-day Christianity, he has appeared to many faithful and sincere Christians (I, myself have had several personal visitations from him in which he has shown me essential details concerning the Second Coming - some matters I will share at the end of this series).

The many visitations of Jesus (e.g. Acts 23:11, et al) to those who love him, took place on the spiritual plane (Acts 1:11), because he inhabits the spirit world (Paradise) in a spiritual body (1Peter 3:18). Jesus and the Holy Spirit work to enlighten, encourage and empower those who sincerely love God and His Will.

However, the main event to conclude the providence of God - to consummate human history and to transform the nations of the earth into the Kingdom of God is the special coming of the Son of Man (the Lord of the Second Advent). Thus, Jesus spoke in the third person (e.g. Luke 17:22-37, Matt.24:36-51). He it is who is born on the earth as a male child (Rev.12:5), who will inherit the spirit and power of Jesus (2:26-28) to fulfill the will of God. Jesus will work in one accord with him (3:12, 13).

Continued in Next Issue