Man, as described in the Bible, is a being created in the image of God, yet fallen into sin and in need of redemption. Though flawed and finite, man has great value and purpose in God’s eyes. Scripture provides insight into the origins, nature, and destiny of humankind.
The Creation of Man
The Bible teaches that God created man. Genesis 1:26-27 states, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’…So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Being made in God’s image distinguishes man from the rest of creation. It shows that humans are like God, capable of spirituality, morality, reason, creativity, relationships, and stewardship over creation.
Though made in the image of God, man is not divine. He is a created being, dependent on his Creator. Psalm 100:3 affirms “It is he who made us, and we are his.” And Isaiah 42:5 says, “Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it.” Human dignity and value derive from being lovingly fashioned by God, not an accident of nature.
Man in the Garden
After creating the first man, Adam, God placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it (Gen 2:15). Adam experienced close fellowship with God there. He was given the responsibility of naming the animals, and God brought Eve to him as a helper and companion. In the garden, the man and woman lived in innocence and simplicity, needing nothing apart from what God provided. Though given freedom within limits, Adam and Eve were to obey God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, under penalty of death (Gen 2:17).
The Fall of Man
However, Genesis 3 records the temptation and disobedience of the first couple. They distrusted God’s word and sought autonomy. In the garden, Adam shirked his duty as head and protector by passively following Eve into sin. By rebelling against God’s wise boundaries, they brought about their own ruin.
This monumental event, known as the Fall, profoundly affected mankind. It permanently marred, though did not obliterate, the image of God in humans. Sin created an unnatural separation between God and man, plunging creation into disorder and corruption. Adam’s sin brought guilt, shame, and death upon all his progeny (Romans 5:12). Now a sinful inclination or “bent” exists in all people, preventing them from living as they should or attaining their highest purpose.
The Nature of Fallen Man
Due to the Fall, the Bible depicts man as fundamentally flawed and wayward in his nature. Genesis 6:5 states, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Ephesians 2:1-3 explains unsaved humanity’s condition further:
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air…and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”
Fallen man cannot save himself by his own power or works. Jeremiah 13:23 asks rhetorically, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Romans 3:10-12 echoes, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks God… no one does good, not even one.”
Man’s predicament is dire – trapped in sin, apart from God. Left in this state, all people justly deserve condemnation. Romans 6:23 declares, “The wages of sin is death.” Thankfully, the bleak description of humanity in the Bible is not where the story ends.
God’s Plan of Redemption
From the very beginning, God purposed to redeem mankind from the devastating effects of the Fall. He put a plan into motion to save people from sin and restore them to fellowship with Himself. God’s plan centered upon His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior of the world. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
The incarnation of Christ was part of God’s eternal plan. The Son of God took on human flesh and entered into the human experience He had created while remaining fully divine. He lived the perfect life mankind had failed to live, died as a substitute sacrifice for sins, and rose again, conquering death. Because of Christ’s atoning work, sinners can be forgiven, declared righteous, and adopted into God’s family. Man’s redemption from spiritual death is wholly undeserved and an act of pure grace.
Those who repent and believe in Christ are spiritually regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Though not yet perfected, believers undergo moral transformation as God renews them in His image. Colossians 3:10 exhorts, “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” Through Christ, godly character and direction are restored to humanity.
Man’s Purpose in Life
With redemption also comes a clarity of purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” The Westminster Shorter Catechism summarizes man’s primary purpose as “To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
Fulfilling this high calling requires pursuing intimacy with God and obedience to His Word. Micah 6:8 gives clear direction – “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” As Christ’s ambassadors, believers are charged to practically live out their renewed status before God. 1 Peter 2:9 urges, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Man’s Destiny
Due to Christ’s redemptive work, the future of redeemed mankind is a glorious one. Their destiny is eternal life in God’s presence and the restoration of all things (Revelation 21:1-4). In resurrected bodies, believers will inhabit the new heavens and new earth ruled fully by Christ. There will be no more sin, pain, tears, or death – all will be made right. Man’s original purpose in glorifying God and enjoying Him forever will find complete fulfillment.
For unbelievers, the Bible warns of eternal separation from God and all good. Jesus spoke often of the reality of hell and punishment for unrepentant sins. But God takes no pleasure in judgment, desiring all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). While on earth, the destiny of all people remains open. God’s amazing grace is still offered to any who will call upon Christ’s name.
Conclusion
The Bible provides a sweeping story of human origins, an honest diagnosis of fallen man’s condition, hope in the redemptive plan God set into motion, and a glorious destiny for those united to Christ. Man has great dignity as an image bearer of God, yet is deeply stained by sin apart from the saving work of Christ. Scripture offers truth, wisdom, and guidance for how redeemed men and women can fulfill God’s purpose in their lives today. As redeemed beings, may we walk humbly with our God.
