Musick-al note # 185
The Bible is God’s revelation to man concerning Himself and His relationship to man. The Bible reveals the beginning of mankind, his fall into sin, man’s history as God has dealt with him, God’s redemptive plan for man, the destiny of those who do not obey His will and the eternal glory awaiting those who are obedient to His divine will.
The Bible speaks of the creation of man in this way, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His <own> image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27). In the next chapter, the Bible says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7). God formed Eve by taking a rib from the man and made Woman and gave her to the man (Genesis 2:21-23). Thus man (or mankind) is God’s creation, made in His own image, created from the dust of the ground and having the breath of life, being made in the form of man and woman.
No direct statement is given in the Bible as to God’s purpose for man, however one can derive God’s purpose by what He has done for man. God created man to give fellowship, honor and devotion to Him. He planned that man would eventually be with Him in Heaven and enjoy His fellowship forever. Man sinned (as God knew he would) so God set in motion His eternal purpose to redeem man. When the fullness of the time had come, (Galatians 4:4-5). God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. God’s plan included an acceptance of God’s redeemer and obedience to His will. All who believe and follow His teachings will be blessed with that eternal fellowship with Him for they will have demonstrated that they want to be with Him by obeying His Son (Hebrews 5:9).
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 