While we're at it...

I already posted my personal creed on God, and just yesterday had to turn in this paper concerning God and humanity. This one is a little more scattered, my prof was pretty vague on the guidelines this time, so we shall see what grade he decides to grant me :) But here it is...

I believe:

God created the universe in its entirety (Gen, 1:1; Col. 1:16; Acts 14:15). Before the universe and all humanity were created, God existed (Ps. 90:2; Gen. 1:1; Col. 1:16). God created man in his own image in order to represent himself in the purest form (Acts 17:28; 2:7). God created man to be unique individuals with the ability to govern their own lives and decisions (Gal. 6:7-8; Eph. 2:10). Humanity was created in God’s image and was specifically appointed to rule all other aspects of creation (Gen 5:1-2; Gen. 1:26-28). Even though man was created in the Image of God, man is not identical to God, but is instead a representation of him (Gen 5:1; Gen. 1:26-27). Because humanity was created in the Image of God, man belongs to God and has great significance. Therefore, human life is deeply valued, worthy of respect and should be modeled after that of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:16; Mark 12:13-17).

God is on an infinitely higher level in relation to humanity, but is still completely active and present in the midst of creation at all times (Eph. 4:6; Job 12:10; John. 8:23). God is extremely prevalent in the lives of humanity, and he provides all things needed in order for man to exist and guides him in the direction he should go (Ps. 145:15; James 4:13-15). Humanity was not created because God was lacking anything within himself, rather man was created in order to be in a relationship with God (Acts 17:24-25; John 17:3). Man, and the relationship between God and man, was created as a fulfillment of God’s purpose to bring glory to himself (1 Cor. 10:31; Ps. 19:1; Isa 43:7; Rev. 4:11).

Humanity has been defined on two levels, ontological and functional. Ultimately, humanity was modeled after God’s image and is now tainted by the fall of man but not destroyed and still holds as the biblical platform for humanity (1 John 4:21-21; Matt. 22:37-40; James 3:8) Human beings are comprised of two parts: the spiritual and physical (Ecc. 12:7; Matt. 10:28). The spiritual part consists of the soul or spirit, and the physical part consists of the body; both of which are vital components that together create the essence of humanity (Mark 12:30; Heb 4:12).

Men and women, as equal parts of humanity, are also equally created in the Image of God. Therefore, they are both equally fallen in their sinful nature and need to be redeemed (Gen 1:27; Gen 2:28). In his sovereignty, God allows evil to occur amongst his creation, but is not responsible for the evil actions done by humanity (Job 1:21; Deut. 32:39). As a result of the allowance of sin, humanity apart from God is totally incapable of receiving salvation from sin and death. Therefore, man is not able to know, see, surrender, and understand God and because of this is not equipped to live for and glorify Him (John 3:3; 6:44). Although humanity was considered “very good” at the point of creation, all humans are inherently sinful, but are brought out of sin and into life as a result of the redemption of Christ (Gen 1:31; Gal. 3:28; Rom. 3:23).