The Bible supports the concept of a need for balance between order and chaos. God brings and maintains order, demonstrating His sovereignty over chaos. His relationship is not one of equality but of a sovereign Creator over His Creation. You find this in the very first verses. Genesis 1:1-2 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.“
“Formless and empty” (Hebrew: tohu v’ bohu) describes a state of disorder, emptiness, and chaos. This is the raw material, the Universe before God acts. His divine act of creation is a systematic, week-long process of bringing order to this chaos. God separates light from darkness, the waters above from the waters below, and the seas from the dry land. He then fills these distinct domains with living creatures and plants, each “according to their kinds,” establishing a structured world as we know it.
The culmination is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), signifying that the result of God’s ordering has placed everything in a state of peace and harmony. It is here that we find our God to be the ultimate source of order, who is not intimidated by chaos but uses it as the material for His creative work. However, chaos, whether you call it evil, Satan, or even sin, remains a constant threat to God’s ordered world. Our world, without God’s continued oversight and presence, will regress into moral and spiritual chaos again and again. Where God is absent, chaos reigns supreme. Godlessness is described as a state of disorder, emptiness, and confusion.
Adam and Eve’s disobedience disrupted the perfect harmony of Eden (Genesis 3). Because of humanity’s free will, there is a chaotic relationship between humanity and God (hiding from God), between male and female (strife), and between humanity and the natural world (thorns and thistles). God’s creation requires ongoing work to maintain order and peace.
The Bible makes it clear that while humans are created in God’s image and given the task to “subdue” and “have dominion” over the earth (Genesis 1:28), they are not capable of creating perfect order on their own. Humanity is in constant rebellion against God. Humanity is the moral and spiritual chaos that corrupted God’s natural order of creation. This is why we observe phenomena such as pain, suffering, and conflict in the world. Our own efforts to bring order often bring more chaos due to our fallen nature (e.g., wars fought in the name of “peace,” or systems of justice that are corrupt). We need a mediator who is not subject to the chaos of sin.
God is not only the one who created order out of chaos, but also the one who actively sustains order. Colossians 1:17 says of Jesus, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Without God’s constant, active presence, the ordered cosmos would descend back into chaos. This is not just about the physical laws of the universe but also about moral and spiritual order. God’s redemptive work, through Christ, is the ultimate act of restoring order. God takes the chaos of human sin and offers forgiveness and new life, bringing people into a state of peace (shalom) with Him and with one another. The final vision in Revelation of a “new heaven and a new earth” is the ultimate expression of this restoration, where God’s perfect and eternal order triumphs over all remaining chaos. Look carefully at your world. Do you see anything that doesn’t make sense? You will not find Jesus or God in these places!
When our Savior is present, you will find a stable and predictable environment, which is essential for planning, growth, and human development. He allows societies to function smoothly, with established laws and norms guiding behavior. An orderly society is generally safer, as rules and regulations help prevent chaos and anarchy. This security fosters a sense of well-being. There will be higher productivity and better outcomes in life, including economics, education, and healthcare. An ordered society will align with moral and ethical frameworks that promote justice, fairness, and respect for others.
Some will claim that a little bit of chaos is a good thing, that it breeds creativity and innovation. Order, however, is an inherent attribute of God’s character. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” This implies that chaos is fundamentally antithetical to who God is. He is perfect, complete, and harmonious within Himself (as seen in the Trinity). Therefore, for order to exist, it must originate from Him. Chaos, in this worldview, is not an equal and opposing force, but a state of being that God’s very nature overcomes. Without a divine, uncreated source of order, the universe would be forever trapped in the “formless and void” state described in Genesis 1. Society without God degrades into an intolerant society filled with chaos and hatred.
In conclusion, the necessity of God’s mediation cannot be overstated. As the sole source of true order, God stands as the ultimate mediator in a world marred by chaos. Humanity, in its fallen state, is both a victim and a perpetrator of disorder, incapable of establishing a lasting and perfect order on its own. It is through God’s divine intervention that a structured world is not only created but also sustained. Ultimately, it is God’s redemptive power that will restore and redeem the world from the chaos introduced by humanity. This study underscores the profound need for God’s continuous mediation to bring about and maintain divine order in our lives.
Contemplations
- How does the concept of God’s sovereignty challenge our understanding of free will and human responsibility?
- Ideas to Explore: What do you think about the balance between God’s control over the universe and human free will? How do we reconcile the idea that God is in control with the notion that humans have the freedom to make choices? Consider biblical examples where God’s sovereignty and human actions intersect, such as the story of Joseph and his brothers.
- In what ways can we see evidence of God’s order during the chaos in our world today?
- Ideas to Explore : Think about current events or personal experiences where God’s hand can be seen bringing order out of chaos. How do these instances strengthen our faith and understanding of God’s role in the world? Reflect on how God’s order is manifested in nature, society, and individual lives.
- What specific actions can individuals take to align their lives with God’s order amidst chaos?
- Ideas to Explore: Have you thought about God’s Will for you? Your purpose in life?