Anthropology
From Theologica
Contents |
Overview
In comparison to God (Is 40:1-31), in comparison to creation (Ps 8:3; 19:1), what is man?
The Image of God
Of all of creation, man alone is said to be created in God's own image.
Key verses
- Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1-2; 9:6
- I Corinthians 11:7
- James 3:9
Form
Wherein it is discussed in what form the image of God in man takes. This discussion will center around three primary areas of interest: physicality; mentality; and spirituality.
Key Verses
Gen 1:26-28; 1:31; 2:7; 2:18; 2:21-25; 5:1-3; 9:6 Ps 139:14; 100:3 Is 43:7 Acts 17:26-28
Physical
It is undeniable that man is at least partly a physical creation: We have flesh; we recognize touch; we can alter our surroundings by our actions. What remains to be seen is whether or not the physical nature is part of what it means to be created in the image of God. God, after all, is not physical (John 4:24; I John 1:5). But does God's lack of physicality disqualify the physicality of man from being part of what it means to be God's image bearer? And if not, why not?
- Stopped here ***
Ryrie - Basic Theology
"Man was no afterthought, but the result of deliberate forethought on the part of the Godhead. And after God created man, He then said that everything He had made was 'very good'." (pg, 216) Four traits - 1) Includes man's body; 2) A living being; 3) Intelligent and has a will; 4) fellowship/relational/moral
Sproul - Essential Truths of the Christian Faith "We are the icons of God, creatures made with a unique capacity to mirror and reflect the character of God." (131) - Does this mean that when man makes idols, He not only takes glory away from God, but also takes glory away from what God has created, i. e. Man?
Mental
Spiritual
Function
Sproul - Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
"We are called to dress, fill, and keep the earth as God's vice-regents. Here we are called to reflect the character of God's righteous rule over the universe. He never ravages or exploints what He rules, but rather reigns in justice and kindness." (132) Ryrie - Basic Theology "However, observe that the phrase 'subdue the earth' is not part of the mandate given to Noah and his descendants (including us) after the Flood (Gen 9:1).
Ruler
Relational
Fall
Key Verses
Gen 1:31; 3:1ff; 5:3 Rom 5:12-21 1 Cor 15:21-22 1 Tim 2:14
Ryrie - Basic Theology "If the image concept was described correctly, then if man lost it he would no longer be a living, rational being." (220)
Relationships
Internal Relationship
External Relationship
Gen 1:27; 2:18; 2:21-25; 5:2 Matt 19:4 James 3:9
Vertical Relationship
Lk 20:20-26 Mt 22:15-22 Mrk 12:13-17
The Image Incarnate
Rom 8:3 2 Cor 4:4 Phil 2:5-11 Col 1:15-17 Heb 1:3
From Glory to Glory
Ps 17:15 ???; 6:5 Rom 8:29 1 Cor 15:49 2 Cor 3:18 Eph 2:10; 4:24
Bible Study
Prayer
Praise
