Overview

God executes His decrees first in creation. This section covers the work of creation in general (Q15), the creation of angels (Q16), and the creation of man (Q17). The Larger Catechism uniquely includes a question on angels, and gives a fuller account of the image of God in man.

The Questions & Answers

Q15. What is the work of creation? A. The work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning, by the word of his power, make of nothing the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Heb. 11:3, ESV)

“…for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11, ESV)

Further proofs: Gen. 1; Ps. 33:6; Prov. 16:4; Col. 1:16.

Q16. How did God create angels? A. God created all the angels spirits, immortal, holy, excelling in knowledge, mighty in power, to execute his commandments, and to praise his name, yet subject to change.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14, ESV)

Further proofs: Col. 1:16; Matt. 22:30; Ps. 103:20; 2 Pet. 2:4; Matt. 25:31.

Q17. How did God create man? A. After God had made all other creatures, he created man male and female; formed the body of the man of the dust of the ground, and the woman of the rib of the man, endued them with living, reasonable, and immortal souls; made them after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it, and dominion over the creatures; yet subject to fall.

Scripture Proofs (ESV):

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Gen. 1:27, ESV)

“…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:24; cf. Col. 3:10, ESV)

Further proofs: Gen. 2:7, 22; 1:28; Eccl. 7:29; Rom. 2:14–15.

Exposition: Q15 confesses creation ex nihilo (“of nothing”), by God’s word, “for himself” (to display His glory), in six days, “all very good.” Q16, distinctive to the Larger Catechism, describes the angels — spirits, immortal, holy, knowing, powerful, made to serve and praise God — “yet subject to change,” which explains the fall of some into demons (2 Pet. 2:4). Q17 gives a detailed account of humanity’s creation: male and female, body formed from dust (and the woman from man’s rib), endued with rational, immortal souls, made in God’s image “in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness,” with the law written on the heart, “power to fulfil it,” and dominion — “yet subject to fall.” Original humanity was righteous and able to obey, but mutable, on probation.

Connections

• WSC Q9–10 — the work of creation; how God created man.
• WCF 4 (Of Creation) — the full doctrine, including the image of God.
• Loci: Creation (ex nihilo; angelology); theological anthropology (the image of God; the constitution of man as body and soul).

Pastoral & Practical Significance

This section grounds several truths the believer needs. Because God made all things “for himself” and “all very good” (Q15), the created world — including the body, work, marriage, and the material order — is His good gift, to be received with gratitude rather than despised. Q16’s teaching on angels reminds us that we are surrounded by unseen “ministering spirits sent out to serve” those who inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14) — a quiet comfort that God’s care for His people extends through realms we cannot see. Q17’s rich account of the image of God establishes human dignity: every person, male and female, bears God’s image and so possesses inherent worth, the ground for honoring all people. It also deepens the tragedy of the fall and the wonder of redemption: we were made righteous and holy for communion with God, and grace in Christ is remaking us “after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24). What was lost in Adam is being restored, and more, in Christ.

For Memory & Reflection

• Memorize Q17 (the fuller account of man’s creation); anchor verse: Genesis 1:27. Q15 is also worth committing.
• I am God’s image-bearer, made for communion with Him. How does that shape my sense of worth and purpose?
• Original humanity was righteous “yet subject to fall.” How does this make both the fall’s tragedy and redemption’s grace more vivid?