Description

Anthropology: Man

Theological anthropology is theological because it seeks to understand the nature of the human person in light of scripture, and discerning what it means to be made in the image of God has huge consequences for how we think about every other aspect of our humanity.

Genesis 1:26-31 shows us that we are made in the image of God; in other words, we are the Imago Dei. We are the pinnacle of all of God's creation, and we are unique in that way. Although we are "like" God, we are not God.

Realities of this biblical worldview:

• Man is created - not made by random chance or evolving. We are made with distinct and good genders - male and female, to reflect God.

• Man has purpose - God did not create us because he was lacking or needing anything. He wasn't lonely. He chose to create us to bring Him glory. As creatures made in God's image, we were also made to be His representatives on the earth. Since "the earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof (Ps 24:1), we fill the earth (multiply) and are involved in every place where God rules and reigns.

• Man has value and dignity - The Maker assigns the value, and He loves you because He created you. Every person has equal value in the eyes of the Creator.

• We see and value others because God has assigned value - The fall and curse of humanity distorts the image of God in man but does not remove it from him. After the fall, the image of God remains the basis for human dignity and biblical ethics. C.S. Lewis said, "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal."

How do we live in light of this Truth:

1. Every ethnicity is equal in value and dignity
2. The pre-born are created humans and deserve value and worth
3. The elderly are created humans and deserve value and worth
4. Those with disabilities are created humans and deserve value and worth
5. The orphan and widow are created humans and deserve value and worth
6. Our political opponents are created humans and deserve value and worth

YOU are created with value and dignity

YOU are created with purpose

YOU are fiercely loved by your Creator

You can't fully love others until you understand how loved you are...

Questions to consider

1. Why do we treat people differently?
2. Where do you struggle with loving people? (What really gets under your "skin" and makes you feel anger or disgust towards a person or group affiliation, or people group?)
3. Where do you need to confess sin and ask for forgiveness?
4. What can you do to have a reminder that every person has equal value? How do you show all people the dignity they inherently have and deserve as God's pinnacle of creation?

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