Why did God send His only begotten Son to redeem sinful humanity?
The universe abounds with wonders far more spectacular than humanity. From a purely material perspective, humans appear bound by the same constraints as all physical existence—matter, energy, space, and time. Yet, an enduring question captivates the human intellect: What distinguishes humanity from all other created beings in terms of culture, creativity, and moral consciousness? This inquiry leads to an even deeper one: What should humanity’s relationship with the physical universe—and its Creator—be?
Humanity as the Image of God
Scripture declares that humans were created in the imago Dei—the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Yet, human behaviour today often seems at odds with divine holiness. The greatest threat to human survival stems not from external forces but from humanity itself. Does this contradiction negate the claim that we bear God’s image?
To resolve this tension, we must first define what it means to reflect God’s likeness. Scripture reveals that:
- God is Spirit(John 4:24), unconfined by physicality.
- Christ is the perfect image of God(Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3).
Thus, the “image” in Genesis 1:26 transcends mere physical form. It signifies a spiritual and moral resemblance—a capacity for relationship, creativity, and dominion exercised in alignment with God’s will. This portrays the opposite of an insecure humanity, susceptible to diseases, old age and death by accident or lack of food.
Creation vs. Formation: A Critical Distinction
- Creation(ex nihilo) is uniquely divine, bringing something from nothing.
- Formationshapes preexisting materials (Genesis 2:7).
Adam was formed from dust, yet his true significance lies in what was created within him—an eternal spirit mirroring God’s nature. This duality is key:
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
God’s foreknowledge of Jeremiah, before his physical formation, reveals that humanity’s essence precedes biology. We are more than flesh; we are eternal beings shaped for divine purpose. Grasping this reality is the first step towards freedom.
The Fall and the Need for Redemption
Despite being designed for glory, Adam’s physical frailty made him susceptible to deception (Genesis 3). His failure infected all descendants with a character deficiency—a propensity toward sin. Yet, God’s response was not abandonment but redemption:
“As was the earthly man, so are those of the earth; as is the heavenly man, so are those of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:48)
Christ, the “second Adam,” restores what the first lost. Hence, Christians regard Christ as their brother, rather than their God. His mission is to show the way towards freedom from the physical nature, characterised in sin. Through His sacrifice, humanity is offered reconciliation and transformation, reclaiming the divine image corrupted by sin.
The Role of Free Will and Character
God does not coerce obedience because love requires voluntary surrender. Character—the sum of moral and mental choices—is forged through self-determination. Our physical existence grants us the freedom to choose:
- Earthly existence tempts with pride and sensory indulgence.
- Eternal life demands surrender to Christ’s likeness.
Salvation, then, is both a gift and a responsibility:
“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:50)
The hindrance towards freedom is caused by desiring to avoid pain and sustain the comfort that comes with it. To come out of the physical trappings requires the willingness to surrender, regardless of the pain that opposes that move. Hence, faith and belief in Christ are of utmost importance. Only through Christ can we exchange our perishable nature for the imperishable.
The Supreme Proof of Human Worth
Why did God send Jesus for humanity alone? Because no other creature bears God’s image. Everything is temporary, except what was created in God’s image. No other species was entrusted with stewardship, moral accountability, or the capacity to commune with its Maker. Tragically, many reject this redemption, clinging to transient comforts rather than eternal truth.
Yet, for those who embrace Christ, the promise is restoration:
- From dust to glory
- From sin’s bondage to divine fellowship
- From earthly decay to heavenly immortality
Dust does not reflect the image of God, yet His glory resides within the physical body, enabling transformation through the surrender of the mortal nature destined for the grave. Though sin appeals to the physical nature, its eradication becomes possible through the sacrifice of the body along with its sinful tendencies. The allure of the sinful nature is fleeting and perishable, necessitating renunciation to attain heavenly immortality.
Conclusion: The Call to Reflect God’s Image Again
Humanity’s inherent worth, though intrinsic, appears separated from humanity itself, yet it is redeemable through the redemptive work of Jesus. Although sin has marred the divine image, Christ’s grace offers restoration. The creation of Adam, originally in God’s likeness, seems to fulfil a singular and profound purpose: the development of character. However, all of Adam’s descendants inherit a deficiency in character due to their physical limitations.
As embroiled in sin, the most formidable question remains:
Will we remain conformed to the world, or will we be transformed into His likeness?
Through the redemptive work of Jesus, humanity is guided to embrace Godly attributes. Jesus exemplified the act of love, inspiring us to follow His example. Therefore, God does not enforce obedience but grants individuals the freedom to choose whether to follow Him or not. This choice, along with its eternal consequences, is presented to each person who has the privilege of recognising the voice of Jesus, even in the wilderness.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, 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 who have 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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