Biblical Anthropology

God chose to create man for his own glory (Is 43:7, 21; Eph 1:12), and did not need to do so (Acts 17:24-25). Man is therefore dependent upon God (Acts 17:28), and is distinct from Him (Num 23:19; John 8:23). However, God created man uniquely among His creation by giving him dominion over the animals, and allowing him to name them (Gen 1: 28, 2:19).

All Men are created in the image and likeness of God regardless of status, race, or gender (Gen 1:26-27, 5:1; Prov 22:2). Our creation in the image of God demonstrates our worth, purpose, and dignity. This is not based upon what we do, but who we are as humans. Therefore, we are not to kill or even curse those who bear his image, but love them as ourselves (Gen 9:6; Jas 3:8; Mt 22:39). God’s image is manifested through our creative abilities, innate morals, abilities to relate to others, reasoning skills, and spiritual nature.

God created Men and Women equally, yet with different functions. Man was created first and the Woman was created as his helper (Gen 2:18, 23; 1 Cor 11:8-9; 1 Tim 2:13). Man was made as the head of the Woman in a functional sense (1 Cor 11:3), yet the differing functions do not change their ontological equality, how they relate to God, or the fact that they both bear His Image (Gen 1:27, 5:1-2; Gal 3:28).

Man is essentially composed of two distinct substances; the physical and spiritual (1 Cor 7:34; 2 Cor 7:1). These two substances do not work separately but are unified and can affect each other. After the death of our bodies, the soul does not die but continues to live eternally in either Heaven or Hell (Mt 10:28; Lk 23:43; Phil 1:23, Rev 6:9). Although physically we inherit our parent’s genes and DNA, we do not inherit our spirit for it is given to us from God (Ps 139: 13; Ecc 12:7, Zech 12:1).

Adam was originally created in a state of righteousness, but through his disobedience death and sin spread to all men (Ro 5:12). Consequentially, man inherits Adam’s sin (Ro 5:18-19), and is born as a sinner (Ps 51:5; Eph 2:3). Sin has ruined man’s relationship with God and renders him without an inclination towards doing good or pursuing God (Ps 14:3; Jn 6:44, 65; Ro 3:10-11, 7:18, 8:7; 1 Cor 2:14). The failure to meet God’s perfect standards is ultimately what constitutes sin (Ro 3:23; Jas 2:10).

God is transcendent above mankind in his nature and abilities (Is 55:8-9; John 8:23), yet he also displays immanence through upholding creation and showing intimate concern (Lk 12:6-7; Acts 17:27; Col 1:17). God acts within his creation for the praise of his glory and according to his own purposes (Is 46:10; Eph 1:11-12), which includes natural disasters and man’s evil intents (Gen 50:19-20; Is 45:7; Am 3:6; Acts 4:27-28). However, God is not charged with evil (Job 1:22). God’s sovereign purposes also do not minimize man’s moral accountability (Gal 6:7-8). However, salvation is ultimately God’s work and is not based on man’s will or efforts (John 1:13; Ro 9:16; Acts 13:48; Eph 2:8-9).