Human, Humanity: Created in God's Image, Redeemed by Christ's Love

Humanity occupies the pinnacle of God’s creation, fashioned in the divine likeness yet marked by the consequences of the fall. This paradoxical nature—bearing the image of God while wrestling with inherited sin—forms the foundation of the human condition and the central narrative of redemption.

The Divine Origin and Fallen Nature of Humanity

Humanity was created in the likeness of God (Gen 1:26), representing the highest achievement of divine creative work. From Adam and Eve, all humanity has subsequently descended, inheriting not only the divine image but also a sinful nature that has led humanity astray from God’s ideal (Isa 53:6; Rom 5:12, 3:10,23). This inherited condition means that every person enters the world with a natural inclination away from God.

We all have a fatal flaw – sin

God, in His infinite love, did not desire humanity to remain separated from Him because of this sin. The divine solution involved the Incarnation—Jesus becoming man and dying in humanity's place. This was necessary so He could die for the salvation of all who would believe in Him (Mt 1:20-21; Jn 1:14; Phil 2:5-11; Heb 2:14-15). The Incarnation represents God taking upon Himself the limitations of humanity to bridge the chasm caused by sin.

In His humanity, Jesus was like us in all respects except sin. Though tempted, He did not sin because He did not possess the same sinful nature that humans are born with; He had 'the mind of God' that cannot be tempted by sin (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22). He took His orders from the Father and focused on Him. In fallen humanity, when people look at the object of temptation rather than the Master, they yield to sin. The Bible instructs believers to "Look unto Jesus…" (Heb 12:2).

The nature we feed becomes the prevailing one

All people have within them two opposing forces—the natural, carnal flesh with its tendency to do wrong, and the conscience indicating what is right and wrong. Most non-Christians are reasonably law-abiding and morally upright, obeying their conscience to a large degree. However, when people become Christians, their spirit is made alive, making them spiritual beings living in a carnal, sin-saturated environment where they must choose which realm will dominate.

The Dual Nature and Spiritual Conflict

The Christian solution to this dilemma is to recognize one's position in Christ and yield to Him rather than being a slave to sin—"Dead to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom 6:2-13, 8:1-22; Col 2:13). There is an enormous contrast between these two natures with their resulting fruit (Josh 24:15; Rom 7:15-25, 8:5-13; Gal 5:17-23). Good and evil are at constant variance with each other, and the choice rests with each person as to which one will control, for no one can serve two masters (Gen 4:7; Mt 6:24; Rom 7:25).

We cannot serve two masters

"A person is a slave to whatever has mastered him" (2 Pet 2:19). It is each person's responsibility to put off this old nature and walk in newness of life in Christ (Gal 5:24; Eph 4:22-32; Col 3:5-14). Humans are answerable to God for all they do on earth, with the final analysis being that people will reap what they sow—destruction if pleasing the sinful nature, but eternal life if sowing to please the Spirit (Rom 14:12; Gal 6:7-8).

The "fleshly" appetite and aspect of humanity is to be under the control of the spirit, which in turn should be submissive to the Holy Spirit; otherwise, people will fall (1 Cor 9:27; Jas 1:13-15). It is the heritage of those in Christ to have the privilege of living on a higher spiritual level, not being dictated to by the carnal flesh—"walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Gal 5:16,25). This spiritual walk requires deliberate choice and ongoing dependence on divine power.

We are to walk in step with the Spirit

Living in Victory and Divine Purpose

Believers are to be imitators of God and live a life of love, with complete purity (Eph 5:1-5). Every aspect of life—spirit, soul and body—should be lived in submission to the Saviour—"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh" (Rom 13:14). Christian faith is based upon Christ's ability and power working within believers rather than their limited human perspective.

God said, "Every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood…It is not in man to direct his steps" (Gen 8:21; Jer 10:23). It is only as people respond to the Holy Spirit and walk in the ways of God, as shown in Scripture, that they can break out from that mould and live more in tune with God's original design. This transformation is not achieved through human effort alone but through cooperation with divine grace.

The highest purpose of humanity is to bring glory to God by fearing (honouring) Him and keeping His commandments within a loving relationship with Him (Eccl 12:13; 1 Cor 10:31; 1 Jn 3:1-2). This purpose transcends all earthly pursuits and gives meaning to human existence. When humanity fulfills this divine purpose, it experiences the fullness of life for which it was created.

We are created to bring glory to God

Reflection and Application:

Reflect on how the dual nature of flesh and spirit manifests in your daily life and choices.
Consider areas where you need to yield more fully to the Holy Spirit's control rather than the flesh.
Examine how understanding your position in Christ changes your approach to temptation and sin.
Explore practical ways to "walk by the Spirit" in your relationships, work, and personal conduct.