259. GEN 1:27. CREATION OF MAN

Gen_1:27. Creation of Man

"So God created man in his own image."’97Gen_1:27.

One important branch of human study should be man. We ought not to be ignorant of our species’97of ourselves. Our text refers to the creation of the first of our race, "So God created man in his own image."

Let us consider,

I. Some general Circumstances connected with the Creation of Man.

There is something striking,

1. In the manner of his Creation.

With respect to other departments of God’s works, there was the simple expression of the Divine will: as, "Let there be light," "Let the waters bring forth," &c. But a sort of council seems convened, when man is to be formed, and we hear the language of the Divine plurality of distinctions in the Godhead, saying, "Let us make man," &c.

Observe also,

2. The period of his creation.

He was the last, as well as the fairest of the Divine works. His residence, and all other things necessary for his comfort, was prepared for his reception. Then, when the earth had been fashioned in all its beauty, and Eden enriched with all her stores of enjoyment, "God made man," the climax of creating wisdom, power, and love.

Notice,

3. The exalted scale in the rank of beings in which he was placed.

Made vastly superior, to the animal creation; yet uniting all their excellencies in himself, and being thus allied to them.

Made, as to his soul, of kindred nature with the angels, and put a little lower in dignity and glory. In fact, man was formed as the mid-link between the animated creatures of earth, and the celestial hosts of heaven. A material, immaterial, earth-born, yet spiritual creature.

Observe,

4. The perfect happiness he possessed.

Arising from the sinless, undisturbed harmony of his faculties; the abundance of his enjoyments, intercourse with angels the favor and smiles of God, &c.

Let us notice,

II. The express Image in which Man was created.

So God created man in "his own image."

1. In the image of his spirituality.

"God breathed in man," &c. Soul formed after the spiritual likeness of God. "There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth him under standing." Job_32:8.

2. In the image of his perfections.

Hence his understanding, judgment, will, affections, all seem to resemble and reflect the glorious attributes of Deity.

3. In the image of his holiness.

"God made man upright." He made him holy, just, and good. See Eph_4:24. Without spot, or frailty, or imperfection.

4. In the image of his dominion.

God is the supreme Ruler over all worlds; and he made man lord of the lower creation; "gave him dominion," &c. Gen_1:28.

5. In the image of his immortality.

God made man a "living soul." Gen_2:7. Destined him for an endless duration of being. There can be no doubt that man, had he remained holy, would either have dwelt forever on earth, or, after filling up a period of probation, have been removed to the heavenly state. God designed that the soul of man should never die.

Application

1. Let us remember with gratitude to God the dignity he conferred upon us in creation. "What is man," &c. Psa_8:4.

2. Let us shed tears of sorrow over the fallen ruined state of man. Alas! how is human nature fallen’97degraded!

3. Man is still a precious creature, amid all the ruin sin has produced.

4. In redemption, we are exalted to dignity, happiness, and salvation.

5. Let us seek the restoration of the divine image on our souls; for without this, without holiness, no man can see the Lord

Autor: JABEZ BURNS