In this turbulent world, the quest for answers culminates in the pivotal question of God’s existence. The struggle to grasp life’s purpose is often rooted in a lack of understanding of God’s identity and His role in human life. Is God merely a figment of imagination, or an irrefutable reality in the discourse of life? Who is God, and what is the intent behind His connection with humanity? While some insights have been gained on this topic, much remains to be explored to fully harness its potential benefits.
For the Bible-believing people, comprehending humanity cannot be considered challenging, as outlined in Genesis 1:26-27. Humans were created in the image of God, which necessitates an understanding of God’s structure and nature. Given this insight—that humans are made in God’s image—the quest to understand God is inextricably linked with understanding humanity. It is impossible to seek comprehension of God, whom one has not seen, without first understanding the human being proclaimed to have been made in God’s likeness.
Jesus proclaimed that no one could comprehend God as He could, for He originated from God. The simplest path to understanding this concept is to begin with self-understanding. While others are also created in God’s image, it is more rational to understand oneself before trying to understand others. Humans are described more in spiritual, rather than physical terms. Although humans bear similarities to animal species, they are distinct due to their ability to reason. The spiritual nature of humanity has been scientifically validated through the study of the mind.
Language is the key medium of communication, and a precise understanding of terminology is crucial for grasping any subject. The Book of Genesis originally penned in Hebrew, details the creation of Adam from the dust in Genesis 2:7. The term “nephesh” in Hebrew, often translated as “creature” in English, is rendered as “soul” in this context. While “nephesh” is translated consistently as “creature” for animals, its translation as “soul” for Adam is notable. Essentially, Adam’s creation from the dust resulted in a living being, akin to the animal species.
The act of “forming” Adam from the dust of the ground, as described in Genesis 2:7, differs from the term “created,” used in Genesis 1:26-27, for the creation of Man. “Creation” suggests the development of an idea from a concept, while “formation” indicates the moulding of one object to resemble a particular design. Here, the dust was moulded into Adam, who would not physically resemble God’s image. This method of forming a physical appearance was also applied to the animals, whose creation came before that of humankind.
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name” (Genesis 2:19 NKJV).
Adam’s physical form does not embody God’s image, as described in the creation narrative of Genesis 1:26-27. The term “soul,” as used by English translators, implies that Adam’s physical state is distinct from that of other animals, which is misleading. In reality, humans are not physically different from other species. Like other creatures, Adam originated from the earth.
The physical form of Adam is not necessarily the image of God as depicted in Genesis 1:26-27. Rather, this form is a temple housing the true self, made in God’s likeness. When one communicates about bodily pain, it is often interpreted as a distinction from the body itself. Similarly, at death, a corpse is referred to as the body of the individual, suggesting that the body alone does not define the true essence of a person, which is reflected in their character.
The most precise way to describe a human being is as a spiritual entity. When observing a human in their physical form, one might compare them to an animal species. However, it is the spirit within a person that distinguishes him from animals. A spiritual being is distinct from anything that is physically maintained by the elements of the physical universe. Thus, a human being should not be compared to the products of the physical universe.
In the sphere of spirituality, the evaluation of a human being is a profound inquiry. The Bible asserts that humans are made in the image of God, which calls for a deep understanding of God’s character. To comprehend this image, self-reflection is crucial. How does one measure up to their creator? The spiritual essence within each person is aware of God’s nature. Humans have an inherent sense of right and wrong, stemming from their creation in God’s likeness. The story of Adam illustrates the fall of humanity from grace, leading to the current state of moral erosion. It is believed that all humans are descendants of Adam.
The narrative of Adam in the Garden of Eden, leading to his fall, offers a profound understanding of the divine blueprint for humanity. Fashioned in the likeness of God, humans were destined to undergo a trial of their essence, affirming their sovereign nature. The attribute of mirroring God’s image required validation, before ascending to divine benchmarks. Thus, the formation of Adam from the earth’s dust aimed to purify his essence before his admission into the Divine Realm. This process parallels the firing of clay in a kiln to ascertain its strength before deeming it fit for service.
In the genealogy of Adam, we observe humanity in a fallen state, struggling to differentiate between good and evil. This confusion leads to an escalation of human issues, as evident in today’s global landscape. While commendable efforts are made in some areas to tackle humanity’s challenges, true success necessitates addressing the root of the problem. Moreover, engaging with the authority who fashioned humanity in His image is arguably the most ideal approach. Any alternative might only lead to further confusion amidst a myriad of complexities.
The paramount discovery is the affirmation of humanity’s spiritual state. Humans are spiritual beings, akin to God, who is spirit and in whose likeness humans were created. The sole distinction between humans and God is that God is devoid of the confusion that afflicts humanity. The coming of Jesus has paved the way for humans to re-establish their connection with their creator. Belief in Jesus results in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, transforming believers back into the children of God.
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-11 NKJV).
Paul discloses a mystery: “Who can know a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them?” This underscores the belief that humans can utilize their inherent spirit to connect with God, who made them in His likeness. However, it remains a personal choice. God respects an individual’s decision not to engage with this privilege. To do otherwise would negate the autonomous state required for one to enter God’s Kingdom. It is now essential to discern the distinction between God’s Spirit and the human spirit. The spiritual condition cannot be compared to anything physical.
The distinction between God’s Spirit and the human spirit lies in the latter’s condition of contamination. “Holy” denotes being free from contamination, which is different from “sacred,” a term that describes objects consecrated for ritual use. “Holy” suggests a state of purity. Thus, the human spirit is akin to the Holy Spirit except for its contamination, preventing it from aligning with the Divine Spirit.
The spiritual state enables an eternal existence. This justifies why God subjects humanity to a physical condition before entry into His Kingdom. Humans must experience a physical state where learning and decision-making are feasible. Without a physical form, the human spirit lacks purpose. The physical body is essential for the awareness required to discern good from evil. Life’s journey in the physical realm provides the chance to distinguish right from wrong. This is what confirmed the advent of Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:16-20 NKJV).
This passage contrasts the condition of the human spirit with that of the Holy Spirit. The human spirit, being flawed, needs the sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit. Although deserving of destruction, Jesus provided salvation to those who repented. He had illustrated the need to be ‘born again’ to Nicodemus, explaining that descent from Adam’s line hinders union with the divine likeness. To be reborn, one must surrender all that confers self-importance, forsaking their social rank and any other esteemed positions. This can never be said to be easy but being the only way through.
The final part of the scripture reads: “Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light, lest their deeds should be exposed.” This raises the question: Why would someone reject the light, unwilling to reveal their wrongdoing? This is the essence of the human dilemma. Jesus represents the light, guiding us to salvation, yet individuals despise the light as it reveals their misdeeds. At the core, pride prevails. Humanity’s sinful nature strives to maintain status, and the light renders the concealment of this sinfulness, which upholds one’s dignity, impossible.
When Jesus expressed sorrow over the lack of faith among His disciples, He was highlighting the state of humanity, even in the absence of the Holy Spirit. The sole limitation of humanity is the impurity of the spirit. The vast array of scientific breakthroughs and innovations serves as evidence that humans have boundless potential. Their constraints are rooted in the impurities within their spirit. As Jesus stated, if one has faith as small as a mustard seed, then nothing is impossible for those made in the image of God.
The attempt to connect with unlimited power is futile when one is unaware of the contamination within their spirit. In our communities, some individuals consider themselves superior to others, which reflects the impurity of their spiritual state. This impurity gives rise to many falsehoods, including a lack of awareness that other fellow humans are equally created in God’s image.
The aversion to the light of Jesus, as pointed out, stems from the revelation of this deceit. Those who are held in high esteem find it difficult to abandon their status and are uncomfortable with being seen as equal to those they have previously scorned. It can be inferred that pride is humanity’s sole sin. If not for pride, the arrival of Jesus could address any sinful condition without obstacle. The deeds of Jesus declare God’s love, unparalleled by anything in this world.
The flaws of humanity are readily apparent to those who choose to scrutinize the essence of human existence. Some detest the achievements of those they view as rivals, preferring to undermine these successes rather than offer praise. Yet, their own egos remain their downfall. They overlook the transient nature of human life, focusing solely on self-enhancement rather than contributing to the progress of humanity as a whole.
One community mockingly scorns another for appearing uncivilized, yet extends no help. In such a diminished state, humans become absorbed in self-gratification, failing to recognize the value of their neighbours. The accomplishments of others are viewed with contempt. Even Jesus’ revered display of wisdom was rejected by His own community, who scorned the notion that someone seen as unlearned could attain such enlightenment. People are mistakenly evaluated based on status and class, influenced by a distorted view of humanity.
The narrative of Jesus illuminates the path to salvation. Regrettably, this path may not seem appealing, as it demands actions that humanity might deem humiliating. One must humble oneself before God can elevate them. This tenet is the sole escape from the bondage of sin. Otherwise, humans are no different from their Creator, in whose image they were created. Life necessitates a departure from what is conventionally deemed valuable. The opportunity for such transformation exists only while one is still alive.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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