The Nature of Man

Introduction: The nature of men and women—how they came to be, what happened to change them from having been created "very good" (Gen. 1:31), their restoration, and their ultimate destiny—is becoming increasingly important as we near the second coming of Christ. Much confusion exists about this important subject, and it is the purpose of this quarter's guide to focus on what the Scripture teaches.

Humankind did not spring out of nature by some natural evolutionary process, for according to Genesis, the creation of human beings is attributed directly to God. Men and women were created and formed by Him (Gen. 1:27; 2:7, 8). Also, while the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Elohim, plural for God) were involved in the creation process (Gen. 1:2, 26), Jesus was more directly involved. "All things were made through Him. . . . " (John 1:3, NKJV).

Even though there exists a close relationship between humans and nature, in contrast, humans were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), distinct and unique, with the capacity to "think God's thoughts after Him" (Education, p. 17). People were of more value to Jesus than the birds and the beasts (Matt. 10:31; 12:12). He saw them as sons and daughters of God first by creation (Luke 3:38) and then by redemption (John 1:12; 3:16).

Satan deceived our first parents by using the serpent to lie about God (Gen. 3:1-5). He continues to lie about our loving God and uses any means he can to lead us to doubt His love. But Jesus came to save the world, not to condemn it. Furthermore, Satan lied to our first parents about their destiny. He told them that they would not die (Gen. 3:4). This was the beginning of the belief in the immortality of the soul and opened the door to such evils as spiritualism.

As we near the coming of Christ, Satan will intensify his efforts to deceive (Rev. 12:12) and to deceive even the very elect (Matt. 24:24). Jesus' warning, "See, I have told you beforehand" (Matt. 24:25, NKJV), must be taken seriously. It is the context of the great controversy that makes this quarter's topic so important.

"Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. . . . When our first parents disobeyed God . . . the image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker."—"Fundamental Beliefs, 7." Quoted in Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines, edited under the direction of the Ministerial Association of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988), p. 78.

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