What is Man? God’s Creation of Man

Introduction

In the grand narrative of creation, humanity holds a unique and profound place. 

According to Genesis 1:26-28 (NKJV), God declared His intention to create man in His own image and likeness, bestowing upon humanity the responsibility to have dominion over the earth and its creatures. 

This passage not only highlights God’s purposeful design but also His ability to implement His divine plan. 

By exploring the deeper meaning behind these verses and their implications, we gain insights into God’s nature and our place in His creation.

God’s Intention and Implementation

The foundational passage in Genesis 1:26-28 sets the stage for understanding God’s intentionality in creating humanity. God’s declaration, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness,” reveals a deliberate plan to fashion humans with a unique resemblance to the divine. 

This intention goes beyond mere physical creation; it encompasses the attributes of rationality, morality, and spirituality that reflect God’s character.

Genesis 1:27 further emphasizes that God not only declared His intention but also brought it to fruition: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” 

This act of creation underscores two significant lessons about God’s nature: His ability to accomplish what He intends and His knowledge of how to fulfill His plans.

Lesson 1: God is Able to Do What He Intends to Do

The phrase “So God created man in His own image” powerfully illustrates God’s ability to actualize His intentions. God’s declarations are not empty promises; they are accompanied by action. This is evident throughout the Bible:

a. Jesus Triumph Over Satan: In Genesis 3:15, God proclaimed that the Seed of the woman would bruise the serpent’s head, a prophecy fulfilled through Jesus Christ as described in Colossians 2:15.

b. The Flood of Destruction: In Genesis 6, God informed Noah of the impending destruction of the wicked and the preservation of the righteous, which came to pass as recorded in Genesis 8.

c. The Destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah: God foretold Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which was executed as narrated in Genesis 19.

Isaiah 46:10 (NIV) encapsulates this truth: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” This assurance of God’s ability to fulfill His purpose is a cornerstone of faith for believers.

The lyrics of Darwin Hobbs’ song “He’s Able” resonate with this theme: 

“God is able to do 

Just what he said he would do 

He’s gonna fulfill every promise to you.”

Lesson 2: God Knows How to Do What He Intends to Do

The creation of humanity in God’s image also demonstrates His profound wisdom in execution. He knows how to do what He has declared to do.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) describes the creation of man: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” 

This meticulous process reflects God’s intimate involvement and knowledge in creating life.

The creation of woman, as recorded in Genesis 2:20-22, further exemplifies God’s thoughtful design:

“So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.”

This passage highlights the complementary nature of male and female, both created in God’s image to fulfill distinct roles. 

Galatians 3:28 reinforces the equality and unity in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Psalms 8:3-5 (NKJV) captures the awe of humanity’s place in creation:

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.”

Psalms 139:14 (NKJV) further emphasizes the marvel of God’s creation:

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

Conclusion

In examining God’s creation of humanity, we see a clear demonstration of His ability to fulfill His intentions and His wisdom in executing His plans. 

God’s purposeful design in creating man in His own image reflects His desire for humans to reflect His character and exercise dominion over the earth. 

This understanding should inspire us to live in alignment with God’s intentions, recognizing our unique role in His creation and trusting in His ability to accomplish His purposes. 

Ultimately, the creation narrative affirms that God is both a powerful Creator and a wise Executor, worthy of our trust and worship.

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