Man is the masterpiece of God’s creation. Man is separate in God’s creation as He gave man certain abilities and responsibilities that He did not give to other created beings. For example, man is an image bearer of God. As image bearers of our creator, God is revealed in creation. God also gave man the role of reflecting His glory in the world. Creation is a mirror of divinity. Before we go any further let’s define what is meant when the Bible mentions “man”. Scripture does not mean “the male”, rather the meaning is mankind or humanity.

God created mankind in His image. He created them male and female. He first created Adam (the male) from the dust of the ground, and secondly Eve (the female) from Adam’s rib. Both men and women are equal in terms of their worth and humanity. However, there is a distinction in roles. God created man to be the head of the woman. The woman was created as a helper for Adam. This is the same in the family and the Assembly. God has created the husband to be the head of the family. He also gave men the role of leadership in the Assembly.

Our Lord refers to himself as the “Son of Man” more than any other title in the four Gospels. Christ’s mission on earth as the second Adam was to restore mankind back to God. We read in Ephesians 4:24, “and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” We learn in this verse that the new man in God has been saved for righteousness, holiness, and truth. This is how Christian people ought to live. A life of righteousness and holiness reflects God’s truth. This thought is continued in Colossians 3:10. When a person is born-again, they receive a new knowledge of God. They receive the knowledge to obey God, to worship God, and serve God. We are all sinners by nature and do not desire to give God glory (Romans 1:21-22). This is why a new birth is needful. When we rightly obey God, we reflect the character of God.

What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him? And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him? Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God, And dost crown him with glory and majesty!

Psalm 8:4-5