Brian Cole: 'Image Bearers' - Part 1

Genesis 1:26-31 – Image Bearers, Part 1

Now God comes to the climax and crowning day of His creation! All of creation up to this point has been merely a prelude to what would happen at the end of day six. The creation of the human race was the central object of God’s purpose from the beginning.

In an important sense, everything was created FOR humanity, and every step of creation up to this point had one main purpose: to prepare a perfect environment for Adam. And the human race is STILL at the center of God’s purpose for the entire material universe.

We know this because Scripture says everything will eventually perish. It will cease to exist. According to Jesus, there is a time coming when even “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken” (Mark 13:24- 25). Ultimately, even the heavens will roll up like a scroll (Revelations 6:13-14). And 2 Peter 3:10 says: “The heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.”

What it boils down to is that everything that was created will be uncreated. Everything in this universe will cease to exist.

Except humanity! God created us to glorify Him and to enjoy Him forever! And when every other element of this universe is long gone, a vast multitude of the Redeemed human race will dwell in the presence of the Lord forever!

It is clear that the creation of the human race is the main issue in Genesis 1. Everything culminates in this event, and Scripture devotes more space to describing Adam’s creation than to any other aspect of creation. In fact, as we will see, because this final act of creation is so crucial, ALL of Genesis 2 is devoted to an expanded description of it.

Genesis 2 is not a different story or an alternate account; it is an expansion of the description of day 6 from Genesis 1. These verses we are going through today simply give the basics about day 6.

Keep in mind that the creation of Adam happened on the same day all the other land animals were created. Adam, as we see from the text, was specially and personally created by God, and not a result of “evolution.” Genesis 2 is explicit: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground. And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Gen. 2:7).

Genesis 2 also describes how the first woman, Eve, was made from the rib of her husband (vs. 22). So, the man and the woman were each created individually – both of them by direct and immediate acts of God.

And we are IMAGE BEARERS! What does it really mean that we are made in the “image of God?” We will cover this in detail in part two next week.

I will end this article with a reminder. I have had a few people who “demand” answers to their questions in regards to some of these messages which are posted on DrydenWire. As I have stated in the past, I am certainly willing to talk, discuss or debate (not argue) with anyone about any topic. However, if you wish to do so, do not expect me to do it in the “comment” section. If you wish to direct a  legitimate question at me, please go to my ministry page, “Brian Cole” and private message me and I will be happy to discuss any questions you have.

Blessings to you all.

https://youtu.be/c1ewBAiYh8Q (404)

Editor's Note: Every Sunday, DrydenWire.com publishes a submitted article in a weekly series from Pastor Brian Cole. If you would have a question for Brian or would like to learn more about him, visit his website or his official Facebook page.