We have been considering the nature of God to this point. Next, we need to begin considering the nature of humans and their relationship with God, this is BIBLICAL ANTHROPOLOGY. In fact, the category that we are considering (as our fifth and final category) is a combination of three theological categories: humanity, sin and salvation (there are other theological terms for these but you are not responsible for them).
So we begin with human nature. The first and, according to some, the most important thing to consider about the nature of the human is that humans are made in the "image of God." This is, in fact, very important to realize because God values each human so much. It is the human who has received the revelation of God. It is the human who communicates with God. It is the human for whom God paid the ultimate sacrifice - in dying for the human's reconciliation with Himself.
What then, is the image of God? Some have said that it is the ability to communicate with God, others that it is the ability to love God, still others the ability to imagine. I think all of these are correct. But I would contend that it is also about higher thought, reason.
Further, when we consider the nature of humans, there are two ways of thinking about this, humans are:
a) two part: body and soul
b) three part: body, soul (mind, emotion and will) and spirit (everlasting)
There is a fine distinction between the soul and the spirit. Some would say that the second idea of body, soul and spirit are the most biblical as they point ot the teaching of Paul and the quote in Hebrews about God's Word separating the soul and spirit. Which is right is not what I ask you to figure out, but that you give thought to the everlasting aspect of you.
The human is fallen. Fallen-ness affects all aspects of human life. Some would go so far as to assert that the whole of creation was impacted by the fall. The ground was cursed, says Genesis. The creation eagerly awaits the redemption of the human to set things right, says Paul.
The fallen-ness of the human affects not just his spirit in that they are separated from God BUT it causes them to be sick, hurt, ill, and die... but the impact is also on the emotions, the will and all aspects of life...
Humans are made in God's image. They are fallen. They need to be reconciled with God, because of sin.
Definitions
Sin - “to miss the mark.”
Salvation - God making humans right with Himself as they have faith in God’s work.
Justification - God declaring a human to be right with God
Sanctification – the process by which the believer is steadily and gradually made into Christ-likeness by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
One of the great explanations of man, sin and salvation is the New Testament book of Romans. This important book is looked upon as pinnacle of Paul's writing... but first, we need to consider the life of the writer, Paul the Apostle.
TEXTS EXAMINED IN CLASS
Gen. 2-3
Acts. 3.17-26
Deut 6.4-6
1Chron. 28.9
Luke 10.25-28
1Pet. 3.8
Psa 51