Catechism Question 29

Did Jesus’ work as Redeemer accomplish anything else?

Jesus’ redeeming work is the beginning of reconciling all fallen creation.

Focus and Purpose of this Question

In this question, we show the effectiveness of the Redeeming work of Jesus on the rest of creation. Not only did Jesus’ death open reconciliation between God and humanity; it also reconciles all of creation, which was affected by our fall, with God. This aspect will reach its consummation at the return of Christ when all things are renewed by God.

It is important to note the word ‘may’ which appeared in the answer to the previous question does not appear in this answer. While Christ’s redemptive work is only effective for some human beings (those who are His people and look to Him in faith), there is no such contingency relative to creation. His reconciling work is effective for creation, which does not have to respond (nor could it) in faith.

Additional Questions:

What did Jesus’ work do for creation?

What did it accomplish for the rest of creation?

How did Jesus’ work affect the rest of the universe?

Scripture References:

Colossians 1:19–20

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Romans 8:19–23

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Acts 3:21

He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Matthew 19:28

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Questions for Further Discussion:

Is Jesus only the creator of humans, or all creation? Does His redemptive work only apply to humanity, or does it affect all of creation?

If Jesus’ work had all of creation in view, how should we view creation? Is it important to God?

What is the future of the present creation? Will it simply be destroyed, or does God plan to renew it because of Christ’s redemptive work?

Additional Information:

This question is based on question 26 of the New City Catechism.

For additional information, see the teachings “The Cosmic Scope of Christ’s Redemptive Work” (June 17, 2007); “The New Heavens and the New Earth (Part 1)” (August 19, 2007); “The New Heavens and the New Earth (Part 2)” (August 26, 2007); “The Preeminence of Christ” (March 11, 2012).

Suggested Worship Song:

All Creatures of Our God and King (Francis of Assisi, 1225)

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!