God’s Purpose with the Earth and Mankind

The purpose for the creation of mankind (Genesis 1:26–30)‌

Although we are not given details about how the fish, birds or animals were created, we are given both the reason for the creation of man (Genesis 1:26–30), and the way in which he was formed (Genesis 2:7). We are also told how and why the woman was made (Genesis 2:18–25). In this study we will consider these details.

“And God said, Let us make man” The Hebrew word used here for God is elohim and means “mighty or powerful ones”. It is a plural word from the Hebrew el meaning “power”. This word el is often translated “God” throughout the Bible (eg Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:18).

The word elohim is also used to speak of angels, for they do the will and work of God. It is used this way in Psalm 8:5, which is a commentary on Genesis 1:26. The angels “that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word” (Psalm 103:20) were thus entrusted with the formation of man.

“In our image, after our likeness”

Mankind was created in the physical shape or image of the angels. Angels have at times been mistaken for men (Genesis 18:1; cp 19:1; Joshua 5:13–15; Matthew 28:5–6; cp Mark 16:5–6; cp James 3:9; Genesis 9:6).

Mankind was also created with the mental capacity to be in the likeness of God, that is, to absorb His thoughts and reflect His moral values. Unlike the animals, mankind can reason on a moral plane and can comprehend spiritual ideas. This distinctive feature is the basis upon which God deals with mankind.

God’s purpose in creating mankind in His “image” and “likeness” was so that mankind would come to understand the glorious character of his Creator, and try to develop that character themselves.

Adam failed to do this by sinning against God. However Jesus Christ, who always did his Father’s will, was the complete manifestation of his Father’s character. We read that he was “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), and again that he was “the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus could say to his disciples, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9), because he always spoke and acted like his Father.

As Jesus revealed God’s character, so those who desire to serve God are “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:28–29). He is the example we must follow that we might be like God.

“let them have dominion”

God intended mankind to have dominion over the works of His creation. This could only be sustained as long as he remained in harmony with God. But man sinned and lost his dominion. This does not mean that God’s purpose failed, but rather that man must now look for the way back to harmony with his Creator.

God has graciously provided this way through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, who by his perfect obedience gained the victory over sin and death. Through him God has opened the way for all those who faithfully obey his teaching to share this dominion in the future.

The Formation of Mankind

“The Lord God formed man” (Genesis 2:7)

We are now given a description of how God made man.

“formed” This word is the same Hebrew word translated “potter” (Isaiah 64:8). The angels formed the shape of man as a potter shapes the clay. The same word is used for the creation of animals and birds (Genesis 2:19).

“the breath of life” Hebrew neshamah chayim, literally “breath of lives”. This is the same breath as that breathed by animals (Genesis 7:22–23).

“living soul” We have looked at these same two words in Lesson 2 and learned that they are rendered “living creature” (Hebrew nephesh chayim) when referring to animals, birds and fish. These words in no way support the claim that man has an immortal soul. Man is a natural animal body. Immortality is a promise for those who faithfully serve God (1 Corinthians 15:45–54).

“It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18–25)

Man needed companionship to provide scope for the development of Godly qualities. He needed “an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). The Hebrew word translated “meet” means “a counterpart”. The idea suggests one who would reflect his character and therefore assist in a mutual development of the divine “likeness” to their Creator.

Adam was not deemed to be complete without his own companion. As he named the various creatures (Genesis 2:19), he was aware that each animal had its mate, but he was created alone. The affinity between male and female animals is purely sensual. Man needed more than that if he was to reflect the whole character of God. He needed a companion who would help him, one ideally suited to assist him in the purpose for which he was created. So by a distinctive act of creation God made the woman out of the man.

God caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam and from one of his ribs God built his counterpart—woman. Adam immediately realised that she bore a likeness to himself that was not to be found amongst the animals. So he called her “woman”, a word meaning “out of man”.

God now pronounced the principles for marriage. Companionship between the man and his wife was to produce a unity in harmony with God. These principles have never been changed by God and are as valid today as they were then. The purpose for this unity in marriage is that together a man and woman may develop Godly characters through a love for their Creator and one another, and a desire to develop a “likeness” to Him.

References to Marriage in the New Testament

The Lord Jesus Christ, when questioned by the Pharisees, referred them to the principles for marriage as set out in Genesis 2, thus confirming that they still applied (Matthew 19:3–9).

The apostle Paul in his instructions to husbands and wives saw that the formation of Eve was also a parable (Ephesians 5:22–33). He saw Adam as typical of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the deep sleep of Adam from which Eve was formed was like the death of Christ.

Through Christ’s death and resurrection those who believe and obey him have their sins forgiven and, as his bride, await his return when they will be united with him (Revelation 19:6–9).

There are several other lessons relating to marriage which are to be found in the Bible (cp 1 Peter 3:7; Malachi 2:14–16).

Adapted from “The Exploring the Bible Course” by David Evans