Topical Bible: Man: Design of the Creation of

◄ Man: Design of the Creation of ►

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The creation of man is a central theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting the intentional and purposeful design by God. According to the Scriptures, man is uniquely crafted in the image of God, setting humanity apart from the rest of creation. This divine design is foundational to understanding the nature, purpose, and destiny of mankind.

Creation in the Image of God

The Book of Genesis provides the primary account of man's creation. Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage emphasizes that man is made in the "image" and "likeness" of God, indicating a special relationship and resemblance to the Creator.

The concept of being made in God's image encompasses several aspects, including rationality, morality, creativity, and the capacity for relationships. It implies that humans are endowed with the ability to reason, make moral choices, and engage in meaningful relationships with God and one another. This divine image also confers a sense of dignity and worth upon every individual.

Purpose and Dominion

The design of man includes a specific purpose and role within creation. Genesis 1:28 continues, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'" Here, God entrusts humanity with the responsibility of stewardship over the earth. This dominion mandate involves cultivating and caring for creation, reflecting God's sovereign rule and care.

The command to "be fruitful and multiply" underscores the importance of family and community in God's design. It highlights the role of human beings in continuing the work of creation through procreation and the establishment of societies that reflect divine order and justice.

The Formation of Man

Genesis 2 provides a more detailed account of the formation of man, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of God's creative act. Genesis 2:7 states, "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This verse illustrates the dual nature of humanity, composed of both physical and spiritual elements. The formation from "dust" signifies man's connection to the earth, while the "breath of life" signifies the divine spark that animates and sustains human life.

The Creation of Woman

The creation of woman is also a significant aspect of the design of man. Genesis 2:18 records, "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.'" The subsequent creation of woman from man's rib (Genesis 2:21-22) highlights the complementary nature of male and female, designed to live in partnership and mutual support. This relationship is foundational to the institution of marriage, as described in Genesis 2:24 : "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."

Theological Implications

The design of man as described in the Bible carries profound theological implications. It affirms the inherent value and dignity of every human life, as each person bears the image of God. It also establishes the basis for human responsibility and accountability to God, as stewards of His creation. Furthermore, the relational aspect of humanity's design points to the importance of community and the centrality of love and fellowship in human existence.

In summary, the biblical account of the creation of man reveals a deliberate and purposeful design by God, with humanity uniquely reflecting His image and entrusted with a significant role within the created order.

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Psalm 8:6-8
You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet:
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Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made all things for himself: yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
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Isaiah 43:7
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yes, I have made him.
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Library

Of the Creation of the Human Race in Time, and How this was ...
... Chapter 14."Of the Creation of the Human Race in Time ... How This Was Effected Without
Any New Design or Change ... caused time to have a beginning; and man, whom He ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 14 of the creation of.htm

Of the Creation 0F Man
... a strange distemper it hath put in the creation,"what miseries ... Christ, a Mediator
and Redeemer of fallen man, may be ... in us, for he had this design to repair ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xix of the creation.htm

The Motive that Led Men to Adopt Darwinism.
... improved so far upon the "Vestiges of Creation" as to ... Let us hear Strauss once more:
"Design in nature, especially ... they account for the origin of man, and, in ...
/.../the motive that led men.htm

Eighteenth Lesson Whose is this Image?'
... plan. To rule creation by man is His design; to carry on the worship of
creation by man is no less part of His design. Priesthood ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/eighteenth lesson whose is this.htm

Divorce
... here shown that such prudential calculation degrades man, leaves him incomplete,
traverses the design of God Who from the beginning of the creation made them ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 1-12 divorce.htm

Immanuel
... have fallen short of the original law and design of their creation, and indeed have
acted in direct and continual opposition to it. For the duty of man, to love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon v immanuel.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... the whole gospel, the great and grand design,"to destroy ... cannot but destroy us; for,
if any man will needs ... the only thing that in all the creation hath the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii my little children.htm

The Words "Let us Make Man" Agree with the Testimony of Proverbs.
... has pointed out, [2173] that God speaks in the creation of man with the very same
design, in the following words: Let Us make man after our image and likeness. ...
/.../chapter lxii the words let us.htm

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
... And Communion With God The End And Design Of The ... His glory is the ultimate end of
man, and should be ... The end of our creation is communion and fellowship with ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ii union and communion.htm

Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ...
... 593] that is, the natural and the earthly man. ... he previously fashioned all things
(according to his own design). ... that is, the produce of the creation, of which ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxi justinus triad of principles.htm