Gospel Tract Exercise

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The creation of mankind is explained by three major passages from the Book of Genesis. The passages explain the creation of man and woman. Genesis 1:26-27 is the first passage that explains on the creation of mankind by God. It highlights that God created mankind in his image and likeness (Clines, D. J. (1968). The concept that we are created in God’s image is in support of the theological base for the fundamental liberty principle and human equality. The image of God is termed as nonmaterial because God is spirit.

Mankind is created with major spiritual elements such as personality, spiritual being and moral nature. Personality incorporates aspects of self-determination and consciousness which distinguish mankind from animals it also assists man to develop the world and exercise dominion over the earth (Genesis 2; 15). The aspect of being a spiritual being involves the human soul being a spirit with attributes of conscience, will and reason and hence distinguishing him from other inhabitants (Enns, 2008). On the other hand, the moral nature of mankind includes aspects of holiness, knowledge and righteousness.

Genesis 2:7 is the second passage which records that God created mankind from dust of the earth. He then breathed life into him for him to start living. According to Genesis 2 verse 7, Adam was formed from the ground and dust, making his origin to be from the earth (Buswell, 1962). Relevantly, analyzing the body chemically shows that mankind is made up of earth components such as potassium, iron and calcium. In addition, it is believed that, at death, the body reunites with the dust and from which it originated. The human body is also material and hence depreciates.

The 3rd passage is Genesis 2; 18-25 where God highlights that “it is not good for man to be alone”. God therefore created a woman to provide man with company. He created a woman to unite her with man in unity and peace for the continuation of human race and God’s creation. He then granted them authority give a name to everything on his behalf (Allen, 1984). This was a sign of dominion over the earth to treasure both the earth and life.

Why mankind needs salvation

Salvation refers to Gods way of forgiving sins and ensuring that mankind receives eternal life. It includes man being delivered from sin and evil as well as the penalties due to sin. Adam and eve are believed to be historical people who sinned against God through their disobedience (Buswell, 1962). Their sin has been passed from their generation to the other and hence every human need to be saved from the sin and which is present at birth.

Salvation is provided to mankind through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This depicts the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made due to man’s sins and to liberate man from the penalty of his sin which is death. According to Hebrew 9:12, Jesus made a sacrifice on behalf of mankind using his own blood and not the blood of calves and goats to grant us salvation and eternal life (Thiessen, 1979). According to the bible, the salvation is offered to every human on the creators’ initiative and to also show his love for all sinners. In John 3:16, it is clear that God gave his only begotten son to protect those who believe in him from perishing and to acquire eternal life.

In conclusion, mankind is created by God in his image and likeness. Genesis 2:7 explains that God created man from dust and breathed life into him. He also created a woman to keep man Company and to also continue the creation process. Despite falling into sin and disobeying God, God had mercy and endless love for humans and hence gave his only begotten son to save the world from sin and death. Salvation through Jesus Christ work granted the humankind with eternal life as a free gift on the basis of God’s grace.

References

Allen, R. B. (1984). The majesty of man: The dignity of being human. Multnomah.

Clines, D. J. (1968). The image of God in man. Tyndale Bulletin, 19(53), 103.

Enns, P. P. (2008). The Moody handbook of theology. Moody Publishers.

Buswell, E. J. (1962). A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion (Grand Rapids: Zondevan, 1962), 1: 185-8; Paul Enns. The Moody Handbook of Theology, 162-6.

Thiessen, H. C. (1979). Lectures in systematic theology. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.

Radmacher, E. D. (2007). Salvation. Thomas Nelson.