Understanding God’s Call for Justice in Creation
Many Christians today see their faith mainly as a way to secure a place in heaven. They perceive Christ’s death and resurrection as a ticket to escape the struggles of this world. The hope of heaven is undeniably central to Christian belief. Yet, this perspective often leads to neglecting the vital concerns of social, economic, and ecological justice right here on earth. But is this what God intends for us? To fully understand our purpose, we need to revisit how we view the world and our role within it.
Rethinking Creation and Redemption
The world is often seen through the lens of the “fall” for many evangelical Christians. It is viewed as a world filled with sin and evil. In this framework, redemption is primarily about saving individuals from sin. This way, they can escape the brokenness of the earth and live forever in heaven. This mindset often leads to a division. Heaven is deemed good. Earth is considered bad. Our mission is limited to saving souls.
But what if we shifted our perspective to start not with the fall, but with creation? The Bible teaches us that when God created the world, he declared it “good.” God delights in his creation, extending his rule and care over it. The psalmist writes, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” This reminds us that creation continues to proclaim God’s glory. This tells us that the world, even in its brokenness, still matters deeply to God.
Yes, sin has entered the world, introducing pain and suffering. But this does not erase creation’s significance in God’s plan. In fact, the Apostle Paul encourages us with a promise. Creation itself “waits in eager expectation” for the day it will be freed from its bondage to decay. It will then take part in the redemption of God’s children. Isaiah and John echo this hope, foretelling a “new heaven” and a “new earth.” Clearly, the story of redemption is not about forsaking the earth but renewing and restoring it.
Our God-Given Purpose
From the beginning, God gave humanity a unique role in creation. As bearers of God’s image, Adam and Noah were given a task. They were to “be fruitful and multiply” and “fill the earth and subdue it.” This wasn’t a license to exploit the earth but a mandate to care for, develop, and steward it. We see this lived out in the early generations of humanity. Jabal, son of Lamech developed livestock production. Jubal, also a son of Lamech became a musician and craftsman. Tubal-Cain, a descendant of Cain advanced bronze and ironwork. Even in a world marred by sin, they fulfilled their calling to contribute to God’s creation and build human culture.
Sin, then, is not the presence of human creativity or culture but the misdirection of these gifts. Evil is the corruption of God’s good creation, leading to suffering and injustice. But in the context of God’s creation order, redemption takes on a much richer meaning. Christ’s work isn’t just about saving us for heaven. It’s about renewing and liberating us from sin’s power. This renewal allows us to return to the task God originally gave us: to care for and nurture his creation.
Justice as Part of the Gospel
When we understand redemption in this way, the call for justice becomes impossible to ignore. The good news of Jesus Christ is not limited to individual salvation. It is the announcement that God is triumphant. The world belongs to him. Through Christ’s redemptive work, all things are being made new. This is good news for sinners, yes. It is also good news for the suffering. It is good news for the oppressed and the marginalized as well.
As Christians, we are called to spread this good news with words and actions. Sharing the gospel means addressing the spiritual needs of people, but it also means addressing their physical and emotional needs. Jesus cared for the whole person—he healed the sick, fed the hungry, and welcomed the outcast. Likewise, as followers of Christ, we are called to care for those made in God’s image. We should work to alleviate suffering and promote justice in every area of life.
Living Out the Mandate for Justice
So, what does this mandate look like in practice? It starts with seeing the world as God does. It means recognizing the value of creation and the dignity of every human being. It means acknowledging that our purpose is not to escape the world but to join in God’s work of renewal.
· Social Justice: This involves standing up for the oppressed. It includes advocating for fair treatment. It also ensures that everyone has access to basic human rights. Whether it’s fighting against racism, supporting refugees, or addressing systemic inequality, social justice reflects God’s heart for his people.
· Economic Justice: God’s creation is abundant, but greed and corruption often prevent resources from being distributed fairly. As Christians, we are called to support ethical business practices. We should supply for the poor. We must promote economic systems that reflect God’s generosity and care.
· Ecological Justice: The earth is not ours to exploit; it belongs to God. Caring for the environment—reducing waste, protecting natural resources, and addressing climate change—is part of our responsibility as stewards of creation.
A Hopeful Future
When we embrace the full biblical story—from creation to redemption—we start to see our faith in a new light. Christ’s work is not just about saving us from sin. It’s about empowering us. We are empowered to fulfill our God-given purpose as caretakers of his creation. Our mission is not to abandon the world but to transform it, bringing glory to God in all we do.
This is the mandate for justice. We are to live as God’s redeemed people. Our mission is spreading His love, care, and renewal throughout His creation. It’s a calling that challenges us, inspires us, and fills us with hope. For as Christ makes all things new, we get to be part of His incredible work, here and now.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 