Introduction: Why Did God Create Mankind?
What does it really mean to be human?
“Throughout history . . . the human race has sought answers to the fundamental questions of life: Who are we? Why are we here?”—Daniel Boorstin, The Seekers, 1998
The meaning of life is of vital concern to every man and woman in the world. All should ask: What is man? Why do we exist? What is our destiny? Why were we created?
From a strictly physical standpoint, people are but physiological and chemical phenomena. That is, we are made of matter—out of “the dust of the ground,” as the Bible puts it.
But what does it really mean to be human? Do we just exist for a short time and then disappear forever? Or were we created for a special purpose? What sets us apart from the animal world? What makes us different from any of the other living creatures?
Direct, unvarnished biblical answers to these questions will provide us with an accurate understanding of our human destiny and shed some seriously needed light on the mystery of our existence.
Lesson 3 Glossary
Character: Spiritually defined as the ability to discern God’s right way from the wrong, then voluntarily surrendering one’s own will to do what is right in God’s sight and, with the supernatural help He promises, resisting the wrong even under pressure and temptation to give in. God has perfect, righteous character inherent in His very being.
Heaven: The Bible speaks of three heavens: (1) the atmosphere surrounding the earth, that is, the sky (Acts 1:9-11); (2) outer space, including our solar sys-tem and the distant stars and galaxies (Genesis 1:14-18; Psalm 8:3); and (3) the location of God’s throne, from where He governs the entire universe, called “the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2). Solomon said, “God is in heaven and you are on earth” (Ecclesiastes 5:2). In the Bible, the context usually tells us which heaven is being discussed.
Image: The word image is generally used throughout the Bible in a literal sense to denote a physical or material representation, whether in human or animal form. In a theological sense, it denotes a kinship between man and his Creator, God.
Image of God: This biblical expression points to the purpose of God’s creation of humankind. As explained in this lesson, mankind was created for a special relationship with God and with the potential of taking on the character and nature of God.
Likeness: Denotes similarity, resemblance, representation, etc.
Man: Biblically defined as specially created by God as both male and female in His own image and likeness—a distinction not accorded to the animal world. At creation man was given free will, a capacity for rational thought patterns, and dominion over the animals.
Science: Primarily the pursuit and study of physical and material knowledge, particularly in a systematic and organized manner.
