The Bible does not depict angels as being made in God’s image, a trait uniquely ascribed to humans. The creation of Adam signifies the culmination of God’s image in quality. In this respect, humans are akin to God, mirroring the relationship between Jesus and God. Both humans and angels are spiritually created (Genesis 1:26-27 & Ezekiel 28:13, 15). The fundamental distinction is that humans were fashioned in the likeness of God. Comprehending the significance of God’s image is essential, as it transcends mere physical existence.
The Bible indicates that Satan was one of the three Cherubs positioned near God’s throne, alongside Michael and Gabriel. It is suggested that Satan’s mental faculties might have been as unblemished as those of God. Angels were created before the physical universe, as evidenced in Job 38:4-7, where it is described that angels rejoiced when God created the earth. The exact timing is not specified, making it a non-issue. However, this should not be confused with the account in Genesis 1, Biblically estimated to be around six thousand years ago.
The Genesis narrative is better understood as a parable rather than as a scientifically verifiable account. Spiritual truths are not bound by physical laws. Time, as understood in the physical universe, does not limit the spiritual domain. For example, in our physical reality, time limits human existence. Every tangible element is subject to time. At this stage in my life, I realize that I may not be present, a few years from now. Yet, in a spiritual sense, my existence could be perpetual, provided I adhere to spiritual principles.
Humans tend to perceive physical appearances as more concrete than spiritual realities because of their strong connection to the physical world. Many overlook the traits that distinguish them from animals. However, it is the spiritual reality that forms the foundation of human existence. This spiritual essence outlasts the physical form, which is evidently fleeting. When comparing authenticity with treachery, it becomes evident that the authentic endures much longer than what is transient treachery. This upholds the purpose of Jesus and His teachings.
The spiritual state forms the foundation of a person’s reality. Forgetfulness and human constraints arise from physical attachments. Conversely, one finds greater liberty beyond the physical body than within it. The dread of life beyond the body stems from ignorance. While many take solace in the physical form, genuine security lies in the spiritual realm, untainted by sickness and other constraints. Our present human incapacitation leads us to believe that Satan holds more power over us, yet Satan cannot surpass those created in the image of God.
The account of human creation is encapsulated in Genesis 1:26-27. However, during God’s dialogue with the patriarch Job, angels are projected as having been created well before the earth. Humans were created after the physical universe and were the last, following animal species. One can grasp the importance of God creating humans in His image, while also subjecting them to the physical realm. This was a privilege not extended to angels.
This distinction provides ample insight into the profound nature of being made in God’s image. The physical state is inferior when compared to the spiritual realm. Pride, fueled by any achievement, is foolish. Existing in a physical body is profoundly dehumanizing. No folly is greater than assuming superiority over others while in a physical form. Understanding why we inhabit physical bodies, even though we are created in God’s image, requires a brief consideration of the historical account of Satan.
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth amid fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.
“By the abundance of your trading, You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendour; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you. You defiled your sanctuaries By the multitude of your iniquities, By the iniquity of your trading; Therefore I brought fire from your midst; It devoured you, And I turned you to ashes upon the earth In the sight of all who saw you” (Ezekiel 28:13-18 NKJV)
As previously mentioned, Satan existed before the Earth’s creation, possessing qualities akin to those of God. This continued until iniquity was discovered within him, indicating a state of pride. In His supreme wisdom, God chose to use Satan, to develop humans to reach the status of God’s image; aiming at humans eventually succeeding Satan, before Satan’s banishment. In working with humanity, consequently, God deemed Satan’s fallen state to be most suitable, as an instrument. The narrative unfolds with Adam and Eve encountering a cunning entity, seemingly outsmarting God.
To help new readers on this platform, we will provide a summary of the content from previous submissions about the creation narrative. Genesis 1:1 presents God as the creator of the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:2 depicts the earth as having become formless and empty, with darkness covering the deep waters, while the Spirit of God hovered over the surface. This imagery conveys a state of chaos often associated with Satan (1 Corinthians 14:33).
In Genesis 1:3-4, Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness.” Before the creation of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, the concept of dividing light from darkness is mentioned. To fully grasp the light in question, it is insightful to examine John’s account, which echoes the notion of the beginning, although seemingly about divine communication.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5 NKJV).
It is not difficult to comprehend that John was discussing “light” as a metaphor for knowledge, with ignorance symbolizing darkness or confusion. Thus, we can deduce that the light mentioned in Genesis 1:3-4 signifies God’s act of distinguishing knowledge from ignorance. This symbolizes the initial step in recognizing human consciousness. The capacity to discern between what one knows and what one does not is fundamentally crucial. Taking the first step towards gaining understanding is vital, especially when it comes to acquiring Biblical understanding.
In life, there are knowns and assumed knowns that remain unverified. This can lead to confusion, causing one to mistake falsehoods for truth and vice versa. Confusion arises from blurring the lines between good and evil. Normally, a conscious individual will discern knowns from unknowns. Yet, some feign ignorance of their knowledge for convenience, highlighting a human frailty. This statement encapsulates the origins of problems inherent to humanity.
After creating humanity in His image, God placed them within the physical confines of planet Earth. Humans are unique in that they do not seamlessly integrate into the equation of physical creation. They dwell in a realm that is not inherently theirs. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 serves as an apt analogy for humanity’s current state. In that parable, the Prodigal Son symbolizes humanity, while Jesus is depicted as the faithful Son who stayed with the Father when the younger brother strayed. To summarize, the faithful Son had to be sacrificed to save his wayward brother, upon close examination of the story.
The Prodigal Son is welcomed back after he humbles himself. The father did not look for him. It was the son’s prerogative to return after enduring hardships in the wilderness, even sharing food with pigs. This reflects the human state on Earth, living under dilapidated conditions not meant for humans. Humility alone allowed him to regain his dignity, considering persuading his father to accept him as a servant. The shortcomings of Christianity can often be attributed to a lack of understanding of the significance of parables.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:7-10 NKJV).
Why did God allow humanity to suffer under harsh conditions of satanic influence from the beginning? There is a saying that rings true: “When what you receive is not what you wished for, it becomes an experience.” Character development is shaped by experiences that grant one-upmanship over others. For instance, being born into comfort does not automatically confer desirable characteristics. Unfortunately, numerous parents equate providing a comfortable upbringing with showing love to their children. This approach, however, can sometimes render the children unprepared to face the harsh realities of life.
In horse riding, there’s another saying: “A good rider has fallen off many times.” This implies that a rider, who has never fallen, may live in fear of the unknown fall. Such a rider cannot deliver the entertainment that spectators anticipate. Essentially, a person’s quality is shaped by the experiences they have gained in their field of expertise. Life’s experiences, when harnessed objectively, can fortify one’s character. Any adverse experience one endures can be turned to their advantage, often surpassing those who have not faced similar challenges.
To achieve the likeness of God, one must experience situations that cultivate the capacity for making prudent life decisions. The Prodigal Son, before embarking on his quest for pleasure, thought that exciting experiences lay outside his father’s domain. Yet, he came to understand that no thrill could match the assurance found in his father’s riches. With this realization, it is improbable that the Prodigal Son would revert to his previous state of decline.
In creating humanity, God may not have fashioned something vastly different from Satan’s former identity as Lucifer. Humanity needed to develop certain qualities before qualifying as God’s children. This development would provide humanity with an advantage over Satan. The term “God,” derived from the original Hebrew “Elohim,” should be understood in a plural sense, akin to a football team composed of eleven players, yet collectively referred to as one team.
The idea of incorporating more children into the deity suggests an enlargement of the Divine family. The precise intentions of God for humanity to share in the divine essence may not be immediately evident. It is important to recognize that confining God to a singular or Trinitarian concept is not accurate. As revealed by Jesus, it was believed that before His death, He was the sole begotten Son. However, following His ascension, many children of God have been accepted, signifying that Jesus is no longer the solitary begotten Son.
This presentation aimed to clarify that Adam’s creation represents the apex of God’s image, signifying the highest level of refinement. The Bible records the creation of humans in God’s image in Genesis 1:26-27. Had Adam taken the tree of life, before taking the wrong fruit, he might have possessed power similar to Lucifer’s, though risking what befell Satan. That condition would be irredeemable, just as Satan cannot be redeemed.
To prevent this, God allowed humans to be vulnerable to Satan’s deceit. This vulnerability provided opportunistic redemption through Jesus, as long as not having eaten the Tree of Life. Attaining the character of God is not through might or advanced training at a prestigious Bible college. It becomes possible through Jesus, for those ready to emulate Jesus’ walk and adhere to His teachings. The path of Jesus may seem challenging due to pride, an attribute linked to the deceiver known as Satan.
Jesus’ directive to those earnestly seeking salvation is a complete willingness to renounce all and follow Him. Proud people might reject new concepts, particularly when appearing to originate from scorned sources. However, the essence of physical existence allows for transformation in those who believe that Jesus is humankind’s sole Saviour. The fleeting nature of life ought to be utilized for repentance, while it lasts. For those who revel in life’s ephemeral pleasures, a second opportunity may not present itself.
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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