You Are Important To God: A Fresh Biblical Perspective.
INTRODUCTION
The Bible is filled with passages that emphasize the importance of human beings in God’s eyes. From creation to redemption, the Scripture consistently portrays humans as invaluable to their Creator. This post will explore a fresh biblical perspective on the importance of humans in the eyes of God.
1. ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD.
The concept of being created in God’s image is a cornerstone of Christian theology. This doctrine emphasizes the unique relationship between humanity and the divine, suggesting that humans are made in the likeness of God. This concept has significant implications for understanding human dignity, moral reasoning, and equality. By exploring the Biblical perspective on this idea, we can gain a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and our place in the world. The following will explore the Biblical perspective on this concept, examining the relevant scriptures and their implications.
Scriptural Evidence:
Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT) says “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”
This passage establishes the foundational idea that humanity is created in the image of God.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul also refers to this concept.
Colossians 3:10 (NLT) says “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.”
This verse suggests that as we grow in our faith, we become more like Christ, who is the image of the invisible God.
Colossians 1:15 (NLT) says “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,”
The idea that humans are created in God’s image has several implications. Firstly, it suggests that humans are inherently valuable and bear the dignity of being made in the likeness of God. This concept has been used to argue against slavery, genocide, and other forms of dehumanization.
Being created in God’s image means that humans have the capacity for moral reasoning and a relationship with the divine. This capacity sets humans apart from other creatures and is a key aspect of the image Of God.
The concept of being created in God’s image is often used to support the idea of human equality. Since all humans are made in the likeness of God, they are all equally valuable and deserving of respect and dignity, regardless of their race, gender, or social status.
2. THE COST OF REDEMPTION:
In the Christian faith, the concept of redemption is a central thread that weaves through the narrative of the Bible. This idea, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Old Testament prophecies, speaks to the inherent belief that humanity is not only capable of falling but also of being saved from its own mistakes and sins.
The cost of redemption, as outlined in the Bible, is a stark reminder of the depth of God’s love for humanity and the lengths to which He was willing to go to restore our relationship with Him.
The story of redemption begins in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God’s command led to their expulsion from the garden and a curse on the Earth. This act of disobedience, known as the Original Sin, not only affected the first humans but also set a pattern for future generations, leading to a separation between God and humanity. This separation is described as spiritual death, a state of being cut off from God’s love and grace.
The concept of redemption, therefore, becomes essential in the biblical narrative as it offers a path back to God, a way to bridge the gap created by sin. The Old Testament is replete with examples of sacrifices and rituals designed to atone for the sins of the Israelites, showcasing God’s desire to reconcile with His people. However, these sacrifices were temporary and symbolic, pointing towards a greater redemption to come.
This greater redemption is embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that God, in His infinite love and mercy, sent His only Son to Earth to live among us, teach us, and ultimately die for our sins. The cost of redemption is not just monetary but is epitomized in the sacrifice of Jesus, who willingly took upon Himself the sins of the world and died on the cross.
John 3:16 (NIV) says “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God paid dearly with the life of His Son, the highest price He could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the full price for our sins, and then offered us the new life He had bought for us.
The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of redemption. It represents the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, where God’s Son took upon Himself the punishment for humanity’s sins, thereby providing a way for all people to be forgiven and redeemed. The resurrection of Jesus, three days later, further underscores the triumph of redemption, symbolizing the defeat of sin and death and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
The cost of redemption, therefore, is not just the physical pain and suffering endured by Jesus but also the spiritual and moral transformation it demands from those who seek it. The Bible teaches that redemption is not just a one-time event but a continuous process of growth, repentance, and alignment with God’s will. It requires a genuine acknowledgment of sin, a sincere repentance, and a commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, the biblical perspective on the cost of redemption is a profound and multifaceted one, encompassing both the immense love and sacrifice of God and the deep transformation required from humanity. It is a story of hope, redemption, and the possibility of a restored relationship with God, underscored by the belief that through Christ, all things are possible.
3. A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD:
A personal relationship with God is a concept that is central to Christianity. The Bible teaches that God desires to have a close, personal relationship with each individual. This relationship is not just limited to religious rituals or formalities, but it is an intimate connection that shapes and transforms a person’s life. This relationship is not just an intellectual belief, but it is a personal, intimate connection with the Creator of the universe.
Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT) says “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
These verses indicate that God desires a loving relationship with each individual and expects them to treat others with the same care and respect they show themselves.
God created humans to have fellowship with Him. However, due to the fall of man this relationship was broken.
Please see Genesis 3 for all the details
The Bible teaches that God, in His love and mercy, desires to restore this relationship through Jesus Christ. A personal relationship with God is established through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith must be demonstrated by obedience.
John 14:6 (NLT) says “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”
James 2:17 (NLT) says “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.”
The Bible also teaches that a personal relationship with God involves communication – talking to God through prayer, through His Word, the Bible and through the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) says “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”
John 16:13 (NLT) says “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
A personal relationship with God also involves fellowship. The Bible teaches that we can experience God’s presence and enjoy His company
Psalm 16:11 (NLT) says “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”
This fellowship is not just limited to spiritual experiences, but it also involves serving God and others.
Matthew 25:40 (NLT) says “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
4. A CALL TO SERVICE:
The Bible is filled with passages that emphasize the importance of service. From the creation narrative to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the Bible provides a clear message that serving others is a fundamental aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
The concept of service begins in the very first book of the Bible, Genesis.
Genesis 1:26-28 (NLT) says “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
This passage suggests that humans are called to be stewards of the earth and to use their abilities and resources to serve and care for all of creation.
The life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide perhaps the most explicit example of service in the Bible. Jesus often referred to Himself as the “Servant King,” and His actions throughout the Gospels demonstrate a life dedicated to serving others.
Matthew 20:28 (NLT) says “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
This passage emphasizes the idea that service is not something that is done out of obligation, but rather is a choice to put the needs of others before our own.
God calls His followers to serve Him and others.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) says “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
These verses imply that every believer is important in spreading the gospel and making a difference in the world. The above verses are not an option, but a command to all who call Jesus “Lord”. We are all to go – whether it be next door or to another city or state – and make disciples. We all have received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission. As we obey, we have comfort in knowing that Jesus is always with us.
The Bible also contains many examples of individuals who were called to serve. In the Old Testament, we see figures such as Moses, David, and Esther, who were used by God to serve and protect His people. In the New Testament, we see Paul and other apostles who were called to serve and spread the message of Christ.
The Bible provides a clear and consistent message that service is a fundamental aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether it is serving others, serving God, or serving the world around us, the call to service is a vital part of the Christian faith. By embracing the Biblical perspective on service, we can live lives that are not only fulfilling but also make a difference in the world around us.
CONCLUSION
The Bible consistently portrays humans as valuable and important to God. From being created in His image, to the cost of redemption, having a personal relationship with God and fulfilling His call to Service, the Scripture emphasizes the significance of each individual in God’s eyes. By recognizing our importance to God, we can better understand our purpose and value in this world.
END OF POST
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