Anthropology

Creation

God did not need us

Jn 17:5,24

They had perfect love and glory before creation.

We were created for His glory

Is. 43:7.

meaning and value to human life/answers question of purpose of life

we are important to God, he rejoices in us.

IS. 62:5.

we experience joy when we act in accordance with our purpose

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) Explanation and Scriptural Basis > Chapter 22: Man as Male and Female

The creation of man as male and female shows God’s image in (1) harmonious interpersonal relationships, (2) equality in personhood and importance, and (3) difference in role and authority.

In practical terms, we must never think that there are any second-class citizens in the church. - Grudem

Image of God

made “very good”. Gen 1:31.

Gen 1:26. were were made like God, to represent God.

The expression “image of God” refers to every way in which man is like God. -Grudem, 568

there are very degrees (complex animals v. simple animals) of the ways in which different aspects of creation represent God yet man, as the closest image bearer of God is said to be made in His image and likeness. Eph. 5:1.

We are uniquely called to grow to become more like God. 1 Tim. 4:15.

nothing else is said to be made in the image of God.

Moral Aspects

called to represent his holiness 1 Peter 1:16.

inner sense of right and wrong

Spiritual Aspects

interaction with God

Jn. 4:24. called to worship in Spirit.

immortality

Mental Aspects

Animals throughout history do not develop in philosophy, skilled labor, understanding of time, creativity, or the use of complex and abstract language.

Relational Aspects

marriage, family

church fellowship

relationship to creation. Gen.1:26.

Physical Aspects

God is Spirit Jn. 4:24.

Yet we have mouths as those who represent a God who speaks, etc.

The Fall

Image distorted but not destroyed. Gen 9:6. James 3:9.

Attacking man, as the closest representation to God in creation, resembles a desire to attack God himself.

moral purity lost, sinful nature v. holy God

Redemption

Col. 3:10. image being restored.

we begin to think more and more of the thoughts that God himself thinks - Grudem

Goal of Redemption: restoration to the conformity of the image of Jesus Rom 8:29. 1 Jn. 3:2.

Dignity as Image Bearers

we are more like our Creator than anything else, even the starry universe.

Every human, no matter how sinful or different from us are God/image bearers. James 3:9.

Essential Nature of Man

Dichotomy - body and soul (spirit often used as biblical term in all ways that soul could be used)

Unity of 2 parts at creation is the biblical focus. Ps. 84:2.

Argument against Trichotomy: What can the spirit do that the soul cannot?

Unity is to be restored in the Resurrection, though instead of an earthly body, it will be raised an imperishable spiritual body 1Cor 15:44,53.

The soul diferentiates us from animals.

Soul/Spirit

Jn. 12:27, 13:21. soul and spirit used in same way.

Spirit and be used where one might expect the word soul or even reference to the person as a whole. 1 Cor. 5:5. 2 Cor. 7:1.

“spirit” (πνευμα) and “soul” (ψυχη) are both used to refer to someone’s death. Lk. 12:20, Jn. 19:30.

caveats - soul” can be used to refer to the person as a whole. Mt. 10:28. the Hebrew word could also be used to denote life in general but it is not to be confused with the aspect of man that allows us to worship God.

The non-material component of humans referred to as spirit/soul is what allows for intellect, emotions, YET ALSO the component that gives us spiritual ability to worship God and relate to Him, the part that is immortal and will await the bodily resurrection.

Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon: Commentary Chapter 2

Death, of course, is separation. When the spirit is separated from the body, physical death occurs. When the spirit is separated from God, spiritual death occurs. When the spirit and the body are both separated from God, eternal death (the second death) occurs.

God creates the soul. Ps 139:13.

Sin

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) (A. The Definition of Sin)

sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature

act - adultery Mat 5:27.

attitude - lust Mat. 5:28.

nature - Eph. 2:3.

Consequences

Legal Guilt

Distorted Nature bent towards sin

Death, separation from God.

Origin of Sin

Not from God. Deut. 32:4.

Not caused by God. James 1:13.

Not dependent of the given law even though it was not counted, they still died. Rom. 5:13.

Adam earned us imputed sin, Jesus earned us imputed righteousness.

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 1. Inherited Guilt: We Are Counted Guilty because of Adam’s Sin

God regards the human race as an organic whole, a unity, represented by Adam as its head. And God also thinks of the new race of Christians, those who are redeemed by Christ, as an organic whole, a unity represented by Christ as head of his people.

Sin in Angelic world by Satan and his followers before the Fall of Man.

In relation to mankind, the first sin was that of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Gen 3.

Sin came into the world through Adam and all of mankind was then considered by God to have sinned. Rom. 5:12.

Inherited Corruption/Sinful Disposition Ps. 51:5, 58:3, Rom. 7:18.

Renders us incapable of pleasing God. Rom 8:8.

spread to all mankind. Ps. 14:3.

We remain responsible for the command is to be perfect. Mat. 5:48.

Legal Guilt

Gal. 3:10 equal to all

Degrees of sin

Jn. 19:11. Caiaphus sin worse than Pilates

weightier matters of the law being justice, mercy and faithfulness. Matt. 23:23.

degrees of judgement. James 3:1.