Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com
Yesterdays podcast… wow, I am so rusty that I forgot to give the application at the end… If you were listening you were probably like… great story… but what about it?
God IS at the true center, but man is the Subject - the central focus of God’s dealings,
covenants,
redemption,
Salvation
And all of creation
1. Man as the Crown of Creation
- In Genesis 1, God creates everything else (light, land, plants, animals) in preparation for mankind.
- Man alone is made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:26–27), setting humanity apart with dignity, responsibility, and eternal purpose.
C.S. Lewis: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”
From The Weight of Glory. Lewis emphasizes the eternal significance and divine dignity of every human being.
2. The Fall of Man Brings the Central Problem
- The story of sin (Genesis 3) revolves around mankind’s choice.
- All of Scripture unfolds as God’s response to man’s fall — judgment, mercy, covenants, law, prophecy, and redemption.
3. God’s Covenants Are Made With Man
- Noah, Abraham, Moses, David — all receive covenants that are not just about them but about mankind’s destiny.
- Each covenant progressively points to how God will restore man to Himself.
4. The Law and Prophets Were Given for Man’s Guidance
- The Law was given to teach man holiness, reveal sin, and point toward the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24).
- The prophets consistently address man’s rebellion, calling him back to God.
5. Christ Took on Humanity for Man’s Salvation
- The Incarnation is God becoming man (John 1:14), placing mankind at the heart of redemption’s story.
- Jesus is called the “Son of Man” over 80 times, highlighting His role as the perfect representative of humanity.
When I was in 8th grade I remember understanding how important a play was when my coach who had no pads on went through the drills to show us.
6. The Cross Was for Man’s Redemption
- The central event of Scripture is the death and resurrection of Christ — entirely for the salvation of mankind (Romans 5:8).
- The cross demonstrates God’s love for man while satisfying His justice.
7. The Church Is Composed of Redeemed Men and Women
- The Church is the body and bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27).
- God’s plan is centered on transforming human lives into Christ’s image and using them for His mission.
8. The Holy Spirit Indwells Man
- God’s Spirit lives in believers, making man the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- This shows that the Bible’s story is not just about man being saved but about man becoming the very dwelling place of God.
9. Man Will Reign With Christ
- Revelation 5:10 says believers will “reign on the earth.”
- God’s original intent in Eden (dominion over creation) will be fully restored — man will rule with Christ in righteousness.
10. The Eternal State Is Focused on Man’s Fellowship With God
- The climax of the Bible’s story is Revelation 21–22, where redeemed humanity dwells with God forever:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” - Heaven and earth are renewed specifically for man to live in perfect fellowship with his Creator.
It can be said ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS, BUT JESUS IS ALL ABOUT US/MANKIND!
Gen. 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
A.W. Tozer: “The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man.”
From The Pursuit of God.
