Topical Bible: Man: Created in Uprightness

◄ Man: Created in Uprightness ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of man being created in uprightness is rooted in the biblical narrative of creation, where humanity is depicted as being made in the image and likeness of God. This foundational idea is primarily drawn from the early chapters of Genesis and is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing the inherent dignity and moral responsibility bestowed upon mankind by the Creator.

Creation in the Image of God

The book of Genesis provides the initial account of man's creation, stating, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness...'" (Genesis 1:26). This declaration underscores the unique status of humanity in the created order, distinguishing man from all other creatures. Being made in the image of God implies a reflection of divine attributes such as rationality, morality, and the capacity for relationship.

Uprightness and Moral Integrity

Ecclesiastes 7:29 further elaborates on the original state of man, asserting, "Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes" . This verse highlights the initial moral integrity with which humanity was endowed. The term "upright" suggests a state of righteousness and alignment with God's moral order, indicating that man was created with an inherent sense of justice and ethical conduct.

The Fall and Its Consequences

Despite being created in uprightness, the biblical narrative recounts the fall of man in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's disobedience led to the introduction of sin into the world. This act of rebellion resulted in a fundamental alteration of human nature, as described in Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned" . The fall represents a departure from the original uprightness, introducing a propensity towards sin and moral failure.

Restoration through Christ

The New Testament presents the redemptive work of Jesus Christ as the means by which humanity can be restored to its intended state of uprightness. Through faith in Christ, believers are justified and sanctified, progressively conformed to the image of God. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" . This transformation is a return to the original design, enabling individuals to live in accordance with God's righteous standards.

Moral Responsibility and Ethical Living

The biblical portrayal of man as created in uprightness carries with it an inherent moral responsibility. Believers are called to live lives that reflect the character of God, as seen in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . This call to ethical living is a response to the divine image within, urging individuals to pursue justice, mercy, and humility.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of man created in uprightness serves as a reminder of the high calling and purpose for which humanity was made. Despite the fall, the possibility of restoration through Christ offers hope for a return to the original state of righteousness and moral integrity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 7:29
See, this only have I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Destiny of Man
... it was fitting that man should be created, in the ... Man was, therefore, made upright,
and in such a ... he could either continue in that uprightness"though not ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxviii the destiny of.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... factious spirits and monastic saints, who base their holiness and uprightness solely
on ... a Christian should strive to be found in this new man created after God ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

Of the Creation 0F Man
... sweet heat and warmness of holiness and uprightness in the ... so it might again be said,
let man be made ... Certainly you must again be created into that image if ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xix of the creation.htm

Why Man is Destitute of Natural Weapons and Covering
... VII. Why man is destitute of natural weapons and covering. 1. But what means the
uprightness of his figure? ... gives:--"Why man was not created with horns and ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/vii why man is destitute.htm

The Likeness of God
... simple righteousness of God, which is created in justice ... it is beneath the spiritual
pride of man. ... persons of good common-sense, uprightness, and truthfulness ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxiv the likeness of god.htm

Of the First Covenant Made with Man
... The state wherein man was created at first, you heard ... doth yet appear between a learned
man and an ... consider, what a beautiful rectitude and uprightness, what a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxi of the first.htm

That Everything which the Grace of God Does in the Way of Rescuing ...
... any one to trust that he has passed from the one man to the ... in the exercise of free
will, continued steadfast in the uprightness in which it was created. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 15 that everything which the.htm

Good Works
... and a new-born creature"the man created in Christ ... any man's soul, honesty to every
man's conscience and ... in honesty and integrity, in uprightness, in godliness ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/good works.htm

The Theology of Grace.
... God created man upright, and endowed him with human faculties, including free will;
[144 ... him freely that grace by which he was able to retain his uprightness. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iv the theology of grace.htm

Letter Li. From Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, in Cyprus, to John ...
... and know that God's image remains in all men, and we leave it to Him to know in
what respect man is created in His ... A man of your uprightness should be ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter li from epiphanius bishop.htm