Topical Encyclopedia The concept of man being created in knowledge is rooted in the biblical narrative of creation, where humanity is depicted as a unique and intentional act of God. This entry explores the theological implications and scriptural basis for understanding man as a being endowed with knowledge from the moment of creation.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural reference for the creation of man is found in Genesis 1:26-27 : "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 highlights the unique status of humanity, created in the image and likeness of God, which implies a reflection of divine attributes, including knowledge. The Image of God and Knowledge The "image of God" (imago Dei) is a foundational concept in understanding human nature. While the full scope of this image encompasses various attributes, knowledge is a significant aspect. Being created in God's image suggests that humans possess a rational and intellectual capacity that mirrors God's own perfect knowledge. This capacity for knowledge is not merely functional but is intrinsic to human identity and purpose. Knowledge in the Garden of Eden The narrative of the Garden of Eden further illustrates the theme of knowledge. In Genesis 2:19-20 , Adam is given the task of naming the animals: "So the LORD God formed out of the ground every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name." This act of naming signifies an exercise of knowledge and authority, reflecting Adam's understanding and discernment. Moreover, the presence of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17) introduces a moral dimension to knowledge. The command not to eat from this tree implies that knowledge is not merely intellectual but also ethical, involving the discernment of right and wrong. The Fall and Its Impact on Knowledge The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, profoundly affected human knowledge. While Adam and Eve's disobedience led to a distortion of their original state, it did not erase the imago Dei. Instead, it introduced a separation from God, the source of true knowledge, resulting in a corrupted understanding. Despite this, the capacity for knowledge remains, albeit marred by sin. Redemption and Restoration of Knowledge The New Testament offers hope for the restoration of knowledge through Christ. Colossians 3:10 speaks of believers being "renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." This renewal signifies a return to the original purpose and capacity for knowledge, made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Conclusion The concept of man being created in knowledge underscores the inherent dignity and purpose of humanity. It affirms that humans are not only capable of intellectual pursuits but are also called to a relationship with God, the source of all knowledge. This understanding invites believers to seek wisdom and understanding, aligning their knowledge with God's truth and purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library General Index of Chapters. The Knowledge which Comes through Faith the Surest of All. The Institutes of the Christian Religion God's Approbation of his Works Note on the Treatise "On the Making of Man. " The Certainty of Sacred Theology Original Sin Every Thing Proceeding from the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable. Of the Devil, the World, God, Providence, Man, and his Wisdom. Of Evil Angels Resources What does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.org How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.org Man: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |
    |