INTRODUCTON: On the sixth day God created man. In a variety of ways the importance of man's creation in God's plan is indicated.
I. THE HIGH-POINT OF THE CREATIVE WEEK.
Man was created last for several reasons:
A. Man was the high-point and the central purpose of creation.B. Because all else was created for the benefit of man. God finished man's habitation before He created man, so Adam could be placed in an already perfect environment [verses 28-30].
C. Some have suggested that man was created last, so that all would know that he neither advised nor helped God in creation [Job 38:1-4]
In stating that man was the high-point of God's creation, we do not mean to exalt man so as to create pride. There are, however, two things that ought to be remembered:
First, we need to recall that mankind alone was created in God's image.
Secondly, we must remember that in man's creation, God already knew about Adam's sin and the redemption through His Son. When we remember that Christ took upon Himself human form to die for sinners, we see the importance of man's creation. This is not cause for pride, but rather for gratitude and worship [Psalm 8:3-9].Note: The creation of angels is not mentioned in Genesis. We do know that they are created beings [Ezekiel 28:14-15].
II. MAN IN GOD'S IMAGE.
Man alone was created in God's image. The importance of this is emphasized, in that for the first time in the creation week, God deliberated with Himself [verse 26]. The plural pronoun [verse 26] again hints at the Tri-unity of God.
We need to ask ourselves what is meant by the "image of God?" Some have suggested that this refers to man's speech, intelligence, ability of domination, and undying soul.
While these things may be included in the concept, the main point, however, is man's original holy nature. Mankind was created with a love for God and goodness.
This image was marred and mostly lost in the Fall of Adam [Romans 5:12]. Through Jesus Christ this spiritual image is restored in the New Birth [Colossians 3:10, Ephesians 4:24]* No doubt the image will be even clearer at the resurrection when we are fully redeemed through Christ [Romans 8:29, I John 3:2].
III. THE SEXES - verse 27.
As this is discussed in chapter two, we will say little about it here. Keep in mind both male and female were created in God's image.IV. MAN'S DOMINION - verses 26 and 28.
God gave man not only the command to populate the earth, but also to take dominion over it. All of nature was created for man's use. In this command, we have the mandate for all true science. All advances in agriculture, animal breeding, transportation, energy, chemistry, medicine, and other fields, come under this mandate. How this refutes the modem environmentalists who view man as in intruder in the world. While it is foolish to abuse the earth's bounty, yet its legitimate use is man's God-given privilege.In Hebrews 2:6-8 we have a quote from Psalm 8, that expounds God's plan for man's dominion as originally stated in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. In the last part of Hebrews 2:8 we see that man has, however, failed because of sin. Science has made great strides, but because of the Curse [Genesis 3: 17 -18], much of nature is out of man's control. Famines, droughts, storms, vicious animals, blights, dangerous plants and insects, as well as disease and aging still curse the earth. Science is limited in its abilities. Death is the final end of all.
Praise God that Hebrews 2:9 gives glorious news! Though we do not see everything under man's dominion [Hebrews 2:8b], we see Jesus [Hebrews 2:9]. Having come in the form of a man, He will take the dominion that man failed to achieve. Not only will the curse of nature be lifted [Isaiah 11:6-9], but all will be under His control [Ephesians 1 :20-22; I Corinthians 15:25]. Jesus Christ, the last Adam [I Corinthians 15:45], will succeed where the first Adam failed.
V. GOD'S PROVISION FOR MAN - verses 29-30.
How good God is! Everything man needed was provided for him abundantly. Not only the necessities, but variety and beauty were provided. Even today, we must see nature as God's provision for us. Doubtless, sin's curse has greatly reduced the variety and ease of cultivation and harvest, but still we live in a world of bountiful capabilities. Even the hybrid plants and animals man develops are only possible because God placed those possibilities in the genetic make-up of plants and animals.VI. GOD'S SATISFACTION.
Every part of God's work, He pronounced good [verses 12, 18 and others]. Having finished the universe, however, He pronounced it all very good [Genesis 1:31]. God took delight in His creation. What a universe we live in! What wisdom and power are displayed in its design [Psalm 19:1-4]! What variety, beauty, goodness, and harmony are manifested. Man was holy. Creation was wonderful. What a habitation before sin's entrance.________________
* The spiritual change in salvation is called a New Birth because children bear the likeness of their parents [John 3:3].
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