Day 2 Through the Bible
The Divine Creation of Man: Embracing Our Purpose and Honor in God’s Design
The truth about man's creation is foundational to the Christian faith. It shapes our understanding of who we are and how we should live according to God’s will. On Day 2 of our exploration of biblical principles, we delve into the profound truth that man is a creation of God, made in His image and void of anything from any evolutionary process. This foundational truth carries spiritual significance and practical applications that impact every area of our lives.
Biblical Foundation: Man as God’s Unique Creation
The Bible presents a clear and unequivocal account of the creation of man, emphasizing that humanity is not the product of random chance or evolution but God's intentional design. The foundational verses in Genesis offer insight into our origin and our purpose:
Genesis 2:7: "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 soul."
Genesis 1:26-27: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them."
Genesis 5:1-2: "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made He him; male and female created He them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created."
These scriptures reveal a profound truth: God directly created humanity in His own image. Unlike animals or plants, which were created according to their kind, mankind was specially fashioned by God and made in His likeness. Furthermore, God endowed humanity with a unique position of dominion over the earth and everything in it.
One key aspect of this divine creation is that man was created as a "living soul"—body, soul (mind, will, emotions), and spirit (eternal being). This threefold nature of man reflects the complexity and intentionality of God's design. Man’s creation was not a random or gradual process but a deliberate act by a Creator with purpose and intention.
Why I Believe Man Was Created by God and Not by Evolution
The question of whether man evolved over millions of years or was created by God has been a point of contention in many debates. The truth of Scripture is clear: God created mankind in His image. The Bible doesn’t leave room for ambiguity in this matter. It specifically says that God made man, breathed life into him, and gave him dominion over creation. The idea that humans evolved through random processes does not align with the clear, divine revelation in Scripture.
God’s Word is not only a historical account but also a revelation of His eternal plan for humanity. By creating man in His image, God imbued each individual with intrinsic worth and purpose. This divine creation points to a higher calling, not just to exist but to fulfill God's plan and to live in communion with Him. On the other hand, evolution strips humanity of its purpose and reduces life to mere survival and adaptation.
Understanding that we are created by God and not the result of an impersonal, random process instills in us a sense of identity and purpose. We are not here by chance. We were made with the intention of knowing God, reflecting His image, and fulfilling His purposes on earth.
Practical Application: Honoring God with Our Bodies
Understanding that we are God’s creation leads to a vital practical application in our daily lives: honoring God with our bodies. Scripture tells us that our bodies are not our own; they belong to God because He created us and redeemed us through Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 6:19: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
This verse has profound implications for how we live. If our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, we must be careful to honor God in how we treat them. Every aspect of our lives — from what we watch and consume to where we go and what we say — should reflect our understanding that we are created by God and bought with a price.
Consider how this truth applies to three key areas of life:
What we look at: Our eyes are a gateway to our hearts and minds. As the song says, "Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see..." The things we expose ourselves to, whether through media, entertainment, or even the people we surround ourselves with, should honor God. It’s not enough to ask, "Is this permissible?" We must ask, "Does this reflect God’s holiness and purpose for my life?"
Where we go: Our feet lead us to places and situations that can draw us closer to God or take us away from Him. Every decision, from the places we visit to the activities we engage in, should be made with the recognition that we are not our own. Our bodies belong to God, and He calls us to walk in righteousness and truth.
What we say: Our words are powerful and reveal what is in our hearts. The song, "Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say," reminds us that what we speak should reflect our Creator. Every conversation and every interaction should be guided by a desire to honor God, talk about truth, and encourage others.
Living with an awareness that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit means that we do not take our health, choices, or behavior lightly. We must treat our bodies respectfully, recognizing they are part of God’s divine creation.
Conclusion: A Purposeful and Intentional Life
When we grasp the truth that we are created in God’s image, with a body, soul, and spirit designed for His glory, it transforms how we live. We no longer see ourselves as random products of evolution but as intentional, purposeful creations of a loving God.
This truth should inspire us to live lives that reflect the dignity and purpose God has placed within us. By honoring God with our bodies, minds, and actions, we fulfill our calling to reflect His image and bring glory to His name. Each day becomes an opportunity to live intentionally, with a heart that desires to honor the Creator who formed us from the dust and breathed His life into us.
Let us embrace our identity as God’s creation and strive to live in a way that honors Him in all things.
