Is It Really a Beautiful World?

Sometimes Christians give the wrong impression that the existence of a “loving and wise Designer” is obvious simply because we see so much “beauty” in creation.

They often fail to consider the ugly things in this world—mutations, deformity, decay, and death. While we see many elements of beauty and design in the universe, it’s important to remember that God cursed this world because of Adam’s sin. It’s no longer perfect.

According to Genesis, God made the original world “very good” (1:31), but Adam’s sin brought God’s curse on all creation. The whole universe now “groans” under this curse, waiting for things to be set right (Romans 8:22).

We don’t have all the pieces to figure out God’s whole plan, but the Bible reveals the most important part. God made the world very good, but humans corrupted it by their sin. Yet God continues to love us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our judgment on Himself.

God promises to set things right in the end, restoring a new heaven and earth where “there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 21:1–4; 22:3). This promise awaits all who turn from their sin and trust in Him.

When adults look at a broken statue, they can appreciate the wisdom and skill of the artist, even if only a remnant of the original design remains. A child, on the other hand, only sees what’s in front of his eyes. The same is true about our world. “The whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:22).