Podcast: Download (Duration: 13:09 — 9.0MB)
The question of human nature is one of the central themes of Holy Scripture. The Bible reveals to us that humankind did not arise by chance, but was created in a special way in God's image. This truth shapes our self-understanding, our responsibility, and our hope. In Jesus Christ, God himself showed what life in accordance with his nature should look like.
The Bible, as God's message, reveals to us mysteries about the image of God. It shows Him as the great Creator who simultaneously brings a unique creature into being – humankind. “ And God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness […] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them ’” (Genesis 1:26-27).
God Himself used His own image as the model in creating mankind. “ So the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being ” (Genesis 2:7). This work came from His hand, and He Himself rated it as “very good”.
The further account in the Bible shows that humankind could not maintain the state of intimate fellowship under the glory of God in the Garden of Eden. This led to the Fall. Through the transgression of the commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, great tragedy befell the human family. God's word was fulfilled: death ensued, and with it, separation from God. Expulsion from the Garden of Eden, a life of hardship, and suffering are the consequences of this transgression.
But this state of affairs displeases the Creator. Therefore, He has determined a time when everything will change. The Bible says, “ The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and the serpent will feed on dust; they will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain ” (Isaiah 65:25). This gives hope and leads us to the question: When will this time come?
God's Creature – Responsibility and Vocation
The history of early humanity shows the special place God, the Creator, has bestowed upon His image. Animals and other living beings differ from humans in one crucial aspect: according to God's will, they bear no moral responsibility. Only humans are obligated to live according to ethical standards and to answer for their actions before God. This is made clear in the dialogue between God and Adam: " Where are you? Haven't you eaten? Didn't I tell you? "
The consequences of disobedience were severe. Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden of Eden, cultivate the earth, and struggle for life (see Genesis 3:7-19). Regarding humankind, the Lord God said, “ Now the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil ” (Genesis 3:22). This ability to distinguish between good and evil places a great responsibility on us for our actions and for life on earth. The very phrase “made in our image” sets the bar extremely high.
Anyone who delves deeper into this important and fascinating topic quickly arrives at the following question: “ What is the nature of God, to whom we are to be like? These are the greatest thoughts the human mind is capable of. The word about or for God is also the highest expression in every language ” [cf. AW Tozer – The Nature of God].
The heavenly Father has given us a perfect example in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself says in John 13:15, “ For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. ” This example calls us to act in the same way. Only in this way can we be true children of God, as Jesus explains in Matthew 5:45, “ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. ” The Apostle Paul also reminds us, “ Become imitators of God, as beloved children ” (cf. Ephesians 5:1).
These calls to action are not mere wishes or well-intentioned recommendations, but represent a serious responsibility before God and our fellow human beings. They confront us with the question: Do I truly know the nature of God? Do I know the heavenly personality revealed in Jesus Christ? In Jesus' actions on earth, we recognize divine attributes of the highest perfection, as the Bible testifies.
The glory of God and the following of Jesus
A correct understanding of God is the foundation for a vibrant faith life and a central need of God's children. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: “ And I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one just as we are one ” (John 17:22).
This glory does not consist of outward piety or rehearsed rituals that represent or symbolize a special form of worship. It is revealed in the constant and intimate communion with Jesus that shapes and molds every child of God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:14 we read: “ To which he called you through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ”
Jesus' life on earth was characterized by complete dependence on the Father: " Therefore Jesus said to them, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he. I do nothing on my own; I speak only as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him '" (John 8:28-29).
This calling to proclaim God's glory makes us realize that our own carnal self, the "old Adam," is incapable of it. Only God's Spirit can bring about the necessary transformation within us. Paul writes in Romans 8:17-18: " Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. "
And further in Romans 8:28-29: “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ”
The correct understanding of God is the foundation for a vibrant faith life and a central need of God's children.
A life without God – a life without a goal
In Psalm 73, the psalmist Asaph points out that people who do not seek God hardly differ in their behavior from animals. Those who do not recognize God's image in humanity and live according to their own whims resemble a foolish or even irrational animal (cf. Psalm 73:22). Such a life, which disregards God's nature and follows only one's own impulses, misses the purpose for which humankind was created. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Acts 17:28: " For 'in him we live and move and have our being,' as some of your own poets have said, 'For we too are of his offspring.' "
As part of God's lineage, we are called to a special place in the world. Peter confirms this: “ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light ” (1 Peter 2:9).
This high calling sets the standards for our values and ideals. But is it still possible to live up to this standard in our modern, technology-driven world? The words from Romans 1:18ff. were written for all generations, in all eras, until the return of the Lord Jesus. Thus, even today, it remains true that people who do not glorify God and give Him honor are separated from Him—with eternal consequences—damnation.
The Bible not only points out the problem, but also the solution, which is valid for all time. The loving, heavenly Father longs for true fellowship with His creation. And His answer is Jesus. As God-man on earth, Jesus shows how we, as holy children of God, should live in the fallen human family. He is the living example of a life in harmony with God's will and His glory.
Christ, the second Adam – the hope of glory
1 Corinthians 15:45: “ So it is written: ‘The first man, Adam, became a living being,’ and the last Adam became a life-giving spirit ”—Jesus Christ, the second Adam. This powerful example calls us to imitation and demands: Follow my example! The testimonies of Holy Scripture confirm that Jesus was truly human. They show that through devotion and love for Him, it is also possible for us to live in this way. The prerequisites for this are repentance, a purified life, and a renewed spirit in true righteousness and holiness (cf. Eph 4:20-24).
The way Jesus interacted with people serves as a model for us, inspiring us to follow him:
- Despite exhaustion and hunger, He helped the woman from Samaria (cf. John 4:1-30).
- He felt compassion when He saw the crowd (cf. Mt 9:36).
- He saw with compassion the sick mother-in-law of Peter (cf. Mk 1:30).
- He prayed for the people who harmed Him and crucified Him (cf. Lk 23:34).
The Bible makes it clear: Whoever wants to be a follower of Jesus must walk the same path. Only in this way can we attain the glory that God has prepared. Romans 8:17: “ And if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. ” The promise of glory and the transformation of our bodies are a powerful motivation for discipleship and devotion. Therefore, we should look to Jesus with fervor, keep the goal in mind, and live in anticipation of the coming glory. Those who overcome may hope for the promised kingdom of peace. But Jesus warns: “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
In 1 Peter 1:3-11, we read about the living hope. This hope obligates us to make divine life visible and to act rightly in all situations. Many role models stand by our side, above all Jesus himself. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us: “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
May God grant every reader a deep longing for true knowledge of God and the willingness to make His glory visible in fallen humanity.
Jürgen Berndt,
Municipality of Bassum