The Bible speaks to the fear of death, offering hope and assurance through the promise of eternal life in Christ. While death is a natural part of life, Scripture reminds us that believers have nothing to fear because of Jesus’ victory over the grave. Let’s explore how the Bible encourages us to trust God and find peace in the face of death.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Missing Someone
What Does The Bible Say About Art And Creativity
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
This verse sets the foundation for the importance of creativity, as it reveals that God Himself is the ultimate Creator. He is the source of all artistry and creativity, and as His image-bearers, we are called to reflect His creative nature.
Exodus 35:31-32
“and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.”
This passage highlights how God empowers individuals with His Spirit to possess creativity and skill in various artistic endeavors. It demonstrates that art and creativity are not only aesthetic expressions, but also valuable for practical purposes in serving God and His people.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
This verse reveals that God’s creativity extends beyond our understanding. He has a divine plan for everything, and His artistic touch is evident in the beauty and purpose of His creation. It reminds us that our own artistic endeavors can reflect His beauty but will always fall short of comprehending the entirety of His creativity.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse reminds us that we are intricately designed by God, and every aspect of our being reflects His craftsmanship. It encourages us to appreciate and celebrate the creative work of God in our own lives and recognize the significance of art and creativity in expressing His wondrous works.
Proverbs 8:22-31
“The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.”
This poetic passage personifies wisdom, revealing that wisdom was present with God during the creation of the world. It implies that creativity and artistry are at the core of God’s work and are intertwined with His wisdom. It encourages us to seek wisdom from the ultimate Creator as we engage in our own artistic endeavors.
Exodus 31:1-5
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.'”
This passage highlights how God specifically chose individuals and equipped them with creativity and artistic skills for specific purposes. It emphasizes that art and creativity are not only expressions of personal preference but also serve important roles in fulfilling God’s plans and purposes.
Psalm 33:3
“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”
This verse encourages the use of musical and artistic talents to worship and honor God. It emphasizes the importance of skillful and joyful expressions of creativity in praising and glorifying the Lord.
1 Chronicles 29:2
“With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God—gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, and all kinds of fine stone and marble—all of these in large quantities.”
This verse demonstrates King David’s commitment to providing the finest materials for the construction of the temple, showing that art and creativity are valued and should be invested in when used for the glory of God. It affirms that excellence and quality should be pursued in artistic expressions dedicated to God.
Psalm 150:3-5
“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.”
This verse encourages the use of various musical instruments and forms of artistic expression to worship and honor God. It emphasizes the diversity and beauty of artistic praise and demonstrates that creativity in worship is pleasing to the Lord.
Isaiah 64:8
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
This verse portrays God as the ultimate artist, shaping and molding His people according to His divine plan. It communicates the intimate connection between the Creator and His creations, highlighting the profound artistic nature of humanity.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse encourages artists and creatives to approach their work with wholehearted dedication, recognizing that their artistic endeavors are ultimately an act of service to God. It emphasizes the importance of honoring God with our creative pursuits, regardless of the human recognition or rewards.
Jeremiah 18:6
“He said, ‘Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?’ declares the Lord. ‘Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.”
This verse illustrates God’s sovereignty over His people and His ability to shape and refine them, much like a potter molds clay. It emphasizes the intimate relationship between the Creator and His creation, highlighting the artistic process of creating and transforming.
Psalm 104:24
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”
This verse acknowledges the vastness of God’s artistic creations. It highlights the intricacy and diversity of His works and reminds us that artistic expressions have an abundance of inspiration found in the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse underscores the importance of using our artistic talents and creativity to serve and bless others. It reminds us that our gifts are not meant for self-glorification but for the edification and encouragement of those around us.
Exodus 35:35
“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”
This verse highlights that creativity and artistry encompass various forms of craftsmanship and design. It emphasizes the value of skilled artisans and their ability to contribute to the beauty and functionality of the worlds they create.
Psalm 96:1-2
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”
This verse encourages the use of fresh and innovative expressions of worship. It urges us to bring forth new melodies, lyrics, and artistic forms in praising God, reflecting the ever-changing nature of artistic expressions.
Psalm 98:4
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.”
This verse celebrates the exuberance and joy that can be expressed through artistic mediums. It urges us to use our creative abilities to create art that evokes feelings of joy and praise, both within ourselves and in others.
Psalm 33:5
“The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.”
This verse reminds us that art and creativity are not merely about aesthetic appeal but can also serve as a means to communicate profound truths and inspire social change. It encourages artists to use their talents to promote righteousness and justice in the world.
Isaiah 35:2
“It will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.”
This verse vividly depicts the transformative power of artistic expression. It describes how art can illuminate the beauty and splendor of God, bringing forth rejoicing and a revelation of His glory to those who encounter it.
Psalm 115:1
“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
This verse reminds us that creativity and artistic expressions should always point to God and give Him glory. It emphasizes that as artists, our primary aim should be to reflect His love and faithfulness rather than seeking personal recognition or acclaim.
Exodus 35:25
“Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen.”
This verse highlights the contributions of women in artistic and creative endeavors. It demonstrates that art and creativity are not limited to a specific gender but are open to all who are willing to use their skills and talents to serve God and His people.
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
This verse acknowledges the transformative power of artistic expressions. It depicts how art can bring comfort, healing, and joy, as it enables us to express and process our emotions before God and experience His restoration and redemption.
Romans 12:6-7
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
This passage reminds us that art and creativity encompass a broad range of talents and gifts. It encourages us to embrace and utilize our specific artistic abilities for the edification of the body of Christ, recognizing that each individual’s artistic expression is unique and valuable.
2 Corinthians 4:6
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
This verse illustrates how God’s creative power brings light into darkness, transforming and illuminating our lives. It emphasizes that our artistic expressions can reflect this divine light, conveying the knowledge of God’s glory and pointing others towards the beauty and truth found in Christ.