Insights through questions
By Jerry Batson, Th.D.
Special to The Alabama Baptist
Last week’s question raised the topic of the nature of Christ as God’s Son. This week’s question opens for us the matter of the nature of man. The psalmist asked this question on an occasion of pondering the wonder of God’s creation: “What is man that you are mindful of him?” (Ps. 8:4)
Of importance, both in the psalmist’s question and in this week’s topic, is the meaning of man. In both instances the term “man” is used generically as reference to a human being, not for distinguishing a male from a female. When we read the psalmist’s question we think, “What is a human being?”
The answer to this question and its insight into human nature is found in Genesis 1 when God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (v. 26).
Thus the Bible directs us to answer the question about being human by considering the image of God. The image of God obviously does not refer to a physical form since “God is spirit” (John 4:24). The image of God has reference to our spiritual nature.
Right vs. wrong
Aspects of our spiritual nature that mirror God’s likeness include the fact that we are personal beings. We possess individual existence and are capable of actions above mere animal instinct.
Human beings possess the ability to make decisions instead of living with a herd mentality. As beings existing in God’s likeness we possess uncanny intellectual power, albeit not unlimited power on par with God who knows all things from beginning to end.
Humans also mirror God’s image in the possession of a moral nature that is capable of individual feelings of “right” and “wrong.”
However dimmed this distinguishing characteristic might be — because without exception we are all crippled by a sinful nature — people possess some sense of right and wrong, though we may turn from what is right.
Our essential kinship with God is also seen in what may be termed the perpetuity of existence beyond earthly life. We think of this as the immortality of the soul. Human likeness to the eternal God declares that physical death is not the end of spiritual life.
Nature of man
This brings up three truths about the nature of man: First, the image of God in humans has been distorted through sin. Second, the image of God can be restored through Christ. Third, the restoration of this image is partially possible now through spiritual growth in Christ but will only be perfected in eternity.
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