The three preeminent works of God, as understood in theological contexts, are Creation, Providence, and Redemption. These works describe how God interacts with and sustains the world and humanity from a divine perspective.
These three divine actions comprehensively describe God's relationship with His universe:
| Work of God | Description |
|---|---|
| Creation | God's act of bringing all things into existence ex nihilo (out of nothing). |
| Providence | God's ongoing preservation and governance of all His creatures and all their actions. |
| Redemption | God's supernatural work specifically aimed at the salvation of His people. |
1. Creation
Creation refers to God's fundamental act of calling the entire universe into being from a state of non-existence. This work establishes the foundation of all reality, from the cosmos to life itself, demonstrating God's absolute power and sovereignty. It's not merely the initial act of making, but also encompasses the inherent design and order within the created world.
2. Providence
Providence describes God's continuous and active engagement with His creation. It encompasses two primary aspects:
- Preservation: God upholds and sustains everything He has made, ensuring its continued existence and preventing its collapse back into nothingness.
- Governance: God actively directs and rules over all His creatures and all their actions, guiding events towards His ultimate purposes. This implies that nothing happens outside of His knowledge or control, and He orchestrates all things according to His will.
3. Redemption
Redemption is God's specific and supernatural intervention to save humanity from sin and its consequences. This work highlights God's immense love and mercy, providing a path for reconciliation and restoration with Him. It is particularly focused on His people, demonstrating a deliberate and powerful act to bring about their spiritual salvation and eternal well-being.
