MANKIND

On the sixth day of creation, “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female” (Genesis 1:26–27).

What theologically significant truths can we glean from this “first mention” of humans?

First, “we are God’s masterpiece” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT), the climax, the apex, the pinnacle of creation. Creation wasn’t complete until God created our earliest ancestors to rule the rest.

Second, “God created man in his own image.” We are intellectual, emotional, and moral creatures. We are creative and free. While God is triune, man is body, soul and spirit. And just as God exists in Divine triune-community, man was created to live in community, in relationship with both God and man.

Third, we were created to bear God’s image. Hebrew scholars suggests that verse twenty-six might read: “Let us make man AS our image.” We are created to represent God in creation, to serve Him and His creation as His appointed representatives.

Fourth, we were created male and female. That was God’s design, not to be toyed with according to our selfish impulses or whims.

And, we were given life, a sacred gift not to be snuffed out by abortion or euthanasia.

You are of great value! God created you that way!

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).