Read the official text, or choose a simpler explanation to explore together.
1. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good.
Scripture proofs: Heb. 1:2; John 1:2-3; Gen. 1:2; Job 26: 13; Job 33:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:12; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 33:5-6; Gen. 1; Heb. 11:3; Col. 1:16; Acts 17:24.
2. After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female, with reasonable and immortal souls, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after His own image; having the law of God written in their hearts, and power to fulfil it: and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change. Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.
Scripture proofs: Gen. 1:27; Gen. 2:7 with Eccl. 12:7, and Luke 23:43, and Matt. 10:28; Gen. 1: 26; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24; Rom. 2:14-15; Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 3:6; Eccl. 7:29; Gen. 2: 17; Gen. 3:8-11, 23; Gen. 1:26, 28.
Words to know
- Creation
- God’s making everything out of nothing.
- Image of God
- The special way human beings reflect and represent God as his creatures.
WCF 4.1 · God made everything
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created everything, visible and invisible, out of nothing. The Confession describes this work as taking place in six days. Everything God made was very good. Creation displays his power, wisdom, and goodness.
Hebrews 1:2; John 1:2-3; Genesis 1:2.
What does creation tell us about its Creator?
WCF 4.2 · Made in God’s image
God made human beings male and female, with souls that continue beyond bodily death. Adam and Eve knew him and were upright and holy. They could obey him, but could also choose wrongly. He gave them responsibility over creation and commanded them not to eat from one tree. While they obeyed, they enjoyed fellowship with him.
Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:7.
What responsibilities did God give the first people?
Source: The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, updated 2026, A-19, A-20.

