Seven precious babies were born into our family. My wife gave birth to each one in the safety and warmth of our happy home. I have often marveled at the smallness and complexity of these little human bodies.
Scientifically we understand some things about how these babies develop and are born. We understand that every person has their own DNA code that works as their own unique manual. This is why everyone is different. This DNA code decides everything from the exact color of your eyes to how tall you grow. It’s stored in almost every cell of your body and is passed down from your parents, which is why you might look like them or have similar traits.
Sometimes I get asked what I mean by God creating each person when we are simply the product of two human beings – male and female. It’s all logical. Observable. We are a product. Right?
In the realm of theological inquiry, the question of God’s intent behind the creation of mankind has long fascinated philosophers, theologians, and believers alike. The Bible, as a sacred text revered by millions, provides profound insights into this unfathomable query. This sermon delves into the biblical perspective on why God created mankind, exploring His divine purpose and shedding light on the profound relationship between the Creator and His creation.
In the Bible, we see that God’s creation of mankind stems from His boundless love and His desire for fellowship and communication. The book of Genesis explains that God fashioned human beings in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). This divine act emphasizes the uniqueness and inherent worth of humanity, positioning them as cherished recipients of God’s love and companionship. By creating mankind, God sought to establish an intimate relationship that enables humans to participate in His divine love and experience the joy of divine fellowship.
The biblical narrative highlights another purpose for mankind’s creation – to serve as God’s stewards and representatives on earth. In the book of Genesis, God commands Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over . . . every living thing” (Genesis 1:28). This charge endows humans with a divine responsibility to care for the earth, to steward its resources, and to reflect God’s character in their interactions with the rest of creation. The creation of mankind signifies God’s intention to share His authority over creation, entrusting them with the role of co-creators.
The Bible also teaches that God created mankind with the gift of free will. Unlike any other creature, humans possess the capacity to exercise moral judgment and make choices. This gift, although fraught with the potential for both good and evil, enables mankind to experience genuine love, worship, and obedience towards their Creator. It is through this voluntary relationship that humans can fulfill their purpose and find spiritual fulfillment. Thus, God’s creation of mankind reflects His desire for a reciprocal relationship grounded in love and faithfulness.
The Bible also suggests that God created mankind to experience spiritual growth and transformation. Throughout the Scriptures, humans are portrayed as beings capable of learning, changing, and deepening their relationship with God. The journey of faith, marked by trials, tribulations, and triumphs, serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth. By navigating the complexities of life, mankind has the potential to develop virtues such as love, forgiveness, compassion, and humility, aligning themselves more closely with the divine nature. Therefore, God’s creation of mankind embodies His intention for their spiritual journey towards personal and collective transformation.
The scriptures that indicate that Jesus was present at creation as the Word of God holds profound theological significance. This concept is rooted in the opening verses of the Gospel of John and affirms that, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). This passage not only establishes the pre-existence of Jesus, but also His divine nature and active role in creation. The Word, as described here, is not merely a passive utterance but a personification of divine wisdom and authority. When God spoke to create the universe, it was through the Word—Jesus—that His commandments took form and substance.
This idea deepens our understanding of the relationship between Jesus and creation. Jesus, as the Word, is intimately involved in the creation process, infusing it with purpose and life. His presence at creation signifies that the universe is not a product of random forces but a deliberate act of love and intentionality. The Gospel of John further explains that “all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (John 1:3). This emphasizes the central role of Jesus in bringing forth creation, highlighting His power and sovereignty.
Moreover, the concept that Jesus, as the Word, brought forth man as a living soul reveals the spiritual dimension of human existence. It implies that humanity is not merely a biological entity but possesses a spiritual essence, given life by the very breath of God through the Word. This living soul is what differentiates humans from the rest of creation, endowing them with unique qualities like consciousness, morality, and the ability to connect with God on a spiritual level.
The presence of Jesus at creation also prefigures the redemption story. Just as He was instrumental in giving life at the beginning, He later came as the embodiment of the Word to restore and redeem that life through His ministry, death, and resurrection. This continuity from creation to redemption illustrates a divine narrative of love, sacrifice, and renewal, with Jesus as the central figure linking God’s initial act of creation with His plan for salvation.
The biblical account of mankind’s creation reveals a multifaceted understanding of God’s divine purpose. God’s love, desire for fellowship, and the longing for co-creation, in conjunction with granting free will and the potential for spiritual growth, all contribute to a comprehensive portrait of His intentions. As believers and seekers of truth, understanding God’s purpose in creating mankind allows us to embrace our identity as cherished beings, entrusted with the responsibility to steward creation, and strive for spiritual growth in our quest for divine companionship – a closer walk with the Jesus who created you and me.
5 Responses
Huh? I’m not really up on Christian theology, but I’m pretty sure it was God who was supposed to have done the creating, not Jesus.
Jesus was born in the vicinity of 0 AD, but humans were around before that time. Even if you accept bishop Ussher’s estimate that god created the world in 4004 BC, that still leaves a lot of people to be created by some entity other than Jesus…so did he take over the creating after he was born, or what? And why? If he did, is he a God? If so, monotheism is kind of out the window.
Gen 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen 1:26-27,And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: So God created man in his own image, male and female. John 17:15, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 10:30, I and my Father are one. John 14:9, he that hath seen me (Jesus) hath seen the Father. John 1:1, 14, (1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 5:22, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. A further study of creation and the global flood will confirm an earth that was created and not evolved. Can science prove evolution through duplication or replication that nothing has created everything? God is an eternal being that is not bound by time, space, and matter.
I thought Jesus died for our sins, died for our sins… so why are you still calling us sinners
(1 John 1:8–9). It is clear from this passage that even those who have been born again and redeemed by the blood of Jesus will still sin. Through thought, attitude, or action, we will “grieve” (Ephesians 4:30) and “quench” (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the Holy Spirit at times. But this passage also reassures us that God offers continual, ongoing grace whenever we agree with Him about our sin and ask for His cleansing. Jesus truly died for our sins, now we must accept that forgiveness. A humble attitude will keep pride in check and grace in abundance.
God is jealous; He wants a personal relationship moment by moment with us to show us how to live and love Him and NOT just any ol PLan… ..Yes, God DOES have a plan and He alone knows ahead of time showing it as you pray to Him and ask for His help along the plan…but He doesn’t just throw one at us and not give us any time to respond…He’s there thru every moment and although it seems like a normal pace…He sees and knows every aspect we DIDN’T choose and yet causes it all to work to His glory (credit)and then for our good. Its a plan from a REAL PERSON…and ONE who REALLY cares…
named God…and Jesus is His name!