Humanity

The first man and woman were created by God in his own image, as the high point of his creation, to reflect his holiness and enjoy his friendship. They were placed in a perfect environment which offered physical, emotional and spiritual fulfilment, and were called to love and obey their Maker and to exercise responsible rule over his creation. The first man, as our covenant representative, failed the test given to him, and by his fall brought all humanity into sin. God's curse brought disruption where there had previously been perfect harmony. Humanity became subject to death -- physical, spiritual and eternal.

All men and women still retain elements of the image of God, although it has been terribly marred. This image is seen in our sense of personal identity, in our thinking and choosing, in our creativity, and in our capacity for fellowship. The Christian has a very high view of the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, and we insist that there is only one human race in which all equally bear the image. Above all else the image-bearer is a spiritual being, with more than just physical needs. Made for God, people are incurably religious, and so develop their own religions or fill the void with something else.

The sin and suffering of the world in which we live is due to the fall, the resultant entry of sin into the human race and the curse on the earth. All have lost the original holiness which Adam knew, and sin has polluted every aspect of our nature. We are unable to obey God's law and we actively rebel against it. All of us know that we do not live up to our own ideals, and we fail miserably when compared to the perfect standard set by God's law, summarised in the Ten Commandments. We are sinners who need to be changed and to be forgiven.

What commands was the first man given?

Genesis 1: 28; 2: 15-17

Discuss the progress of temptation in the story ofddam and Eve, and in our own lives.

Genesis 3: 1-7

How do we experience the effects of the Fall in these areas?

Human relationships -- Genesis 3: 12; 4: 8-10
Relationship with God -- Genesis 3: 8-14 23-24
Work and environment -- Genesis 3: 17-19

Select one or two of the Ten Commandments, and assess how our lives match up, in our thoughts, in our words and in our actions.

Exodus 20: 1-17

In what ways are human beings still special, different from the animal world and different from machines?

According to the verses below, what qualities of the image of God are lost and need to be regained?

Ephesians 4: 24; Colossians 3: 10