Topical Bible: Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures

◄ Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures ►

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The nature and constitution of man, as presented in the Bible, reveal a unique creation distinct from all other creatures. This distinction is rooted in both the physical and spiritual aspects of humanity, as well as in the purpose and role assigned to mankind by God.

Creation in the Image of God

The foundational aspect of man's uniqueness is his creation in the image of God. 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 underscores the spiritual and moral dimensions that set humans apart, endowing them with attributes such as rationality, morality, and the capacity for relationship with God.

Dominion and Stewardship

Man's role as a steward over creation further distinguishes him from other creatures. 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.'" This mandate to exercise dominion reflects a responsibility and authority that is not granted to any other part of creation, highlighting man's unique position in the divine order.

The Breath of Life

The method of man's creation also emphasizes his distinct nature. Genesis 2:7 describes, "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." Unlike other creatures, which were spoken into existence, man was formed with intimate care and given life through the breath of God, signifying a direct and personal act of creation.

Moral and Spiritual Capacity

Man's moral and spiritual capacity is another key aspect of his constitution. Ecclesiastes 3:11 notes, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." This eternal perspective and the ability to discern right from wrong are unique to humans, reflecting their capacity for spiritual understanding and moral decision-making.

The Fall and Redemption

The narrative of the Fall in Genesis 3 illustrates the moral agency of man and the consequences of sin, which affected not only humanity but all of creation. Romans 5:12 states, "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." Despite this fallen state, the promise of redemption through Jesus Christ underscores the continued significance of man's unique nature. Romans 5:18 declares, "So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men."

Eternal Destiny

Finally, the eternal destiny of man further distinguishes him from other creatures. While animals are part of the temporal creation, humans are destined for eternal life, either in communion with God or separated from Him. John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise of eternal life is a testament to the unique spiritual nature of humanity and the profound love of God for His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:39
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... men, and necessarily proceeds from and accords with the nature of God. ... has been said,
we would, therefore, conclude that the constitution of man was fitted ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

Upon Human Nature.
... if we will fall in with, and act agreeably to, the constitution of our nature: that
this ... what is the latitude and compass of the actions of man with regard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon ii iii upon human.htm

Introduction to Proverbs viii. 22 Continued. Absurdity of ...
... God, willing the creation of originated nature, and deliberating ... the woman the glory
of the man [2391] ,' so ... will being sufficient for the constitution of all ...
/.../chapter xvii introduction to proverbs viii.htm

The Natural Supremacy of Reflection
... the latter is contrary to our nature, considered in a higher sense, as a system
and constitution contrary to ... than that, exclusive of revelation, man cannot be ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon iii the natural supremacy.htm

Two Senses of the Word Son, 1 Adoptive; 2 Essential; Attempts of ...
... too needed another Mediator for his own constitution. ... does not indicate a different
nature; but attaches ... to understand something above man's nature, instead of ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii two senses of the.htm

Footnotes:
... is plainly somewhat which answers to all this in the moral constitution of man.
Whoever will consider his own nature will see that the several appetites ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/footnotes .htm

Upon Human Nature.
... we are born under, and the whole constitution of man ... review and comparison of the
nature of man as respecting ... same kind of indications in human nature, that we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon i upon human nature.htm

Examination of the Meaning of Subjection:' in that He Says that ...
... in a number remains the same in nature whether we ... after Paul, indicate that he was
other than a man? ... Father, as supplying the cause of His constitution, of the ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 16 examination of the.htm

Lessons from Nature
... God, in nature, has placed life in singular spots, and so ... place, and I believe that
each constitution is meant ... such is the raving lunacy of a man who neglects ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

Upon Compassion. Preached the First Sunday in Lent.
... This is what the constitution of nature before explained marks out as the course ...
of sense or appetite, to those who will consider the nature of man and our ...
/.../butler/human nature/sermon vi upon compassion preached.htm