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God’s Love Expressed in Creation, February 5
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities,
or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
Colossians 1:16
.
“God is love” (
1 John 4:16
). His nature, His law, is love.... Every manifestation
of creative power is an expression of infinite love. The sovereignty of God involves
fullness of blessing to all created beings....
The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first
began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin,
is also a demonstration of God’s unchanging love.
The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He
had an associate—a coworker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share
His joy in giving happiness to created beings. “In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning
with God” (
John 1:1, 2
). Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with
the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, in purpose—the only being that
could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. “His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace” (
Isaiah 9:6
)....
The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings. “By him
were all things created, ... whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him” (
Colossians 1:16
). Angels are
God’s ministers, radiant with the light ever flowing from His presence and speeding
on rapid wing to execute His will. But the Son, the anointed of God, the “express
image of his person,” “the brightness of his glory,” “upholding all things by the word
of his power,” holds supremacy over them all (
Hebrews 1:3
)....
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness
of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles
of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love—service
that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced
obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary
service.
So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was
perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host
to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and
showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another
was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial
harmonies (
Patriarchs and Prophets, 33-35
).
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