“God saw everything that he had made, and it was very good.” (Gen 1:31 NIV). Of all the biblical doctrines, the doctrine of humanity is the most powerful. Humans are designed and created by God in His image. From creation, humans are automatically created having significant dignity, worth and value. With this, God set humans apart to be His image bearers and charges humans to go spread His name to the ends of the earth.
Biblical scripture in Genesis 1:26-28 validates the creation of humans; male and female in His Image and likeness. As Christians we know there is more to this story. We know from Genesis 3:6 that when Eve ate the fruit of the tree this caused separation from God. To restore and reconcile humans with God, he created His Son to forgive us of our sins.
Jesus was sinless man who obeyed all of God’s laws. The humanity of Jesus reminds believers how Christians are called to live their lives. Jesus’ life reminds us that we will face setbacks, difficulties and temptations. The humanity shown in Jesus is His sacrifice on the cross, resurrection and life everlasting. From a historical perspective, scripture confirms creation in Genesis.
The book of Genesis clearly states how we are to express humanity. Not only are humans to be image bearers for Christ, scripture tells us in Genesis 2:15, “to take care of it” referring to protecting ourselves, our communities and the world. This command acknowledges our responsiblities to all humankind. The significance of understanding that humans are created in His image demonstrates that human life belongs to God.
As such, humans are called to serve and honor. By God’s design, humans were created different from the other beings that God created. Humans were set apart to have authority over the rest of God’s creation. God’s creations are like puzzle pieces that fit and work together in perfect unison. In the New Testament, we see the gift of Jesus and the examples of his love, care and concern for all people furthering demonstrating humanity.
One way to apply humanity in my life is to protect the world that God has provided. Not only can I take better care of the environment and use resources wisely, but I can be involved in influences environmental causes. By doing this, I show the humanity as indicated in Numbers 35:26, “Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell.” A second way is recognize that all life is sacred and valued. Showing God’s love to the oppressed, the oppressor, and the marginalized affirms the human side of Jesus.
The third and final way to demonstrate humanity in my life is as an image bearer for Christ and to use the opportunities’ that I have to share the Gospel and help people seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ. As Acts 1:8 tells us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
