Anthropology / Hamartiology

Question 1

What does it mean that God created man in His own image and likeness; and what is the essential
make-up of man?

Answer 1

The phrase “God created man in His own image and likeness” is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, highlighting the unique nature and value of humanity. It implies that humans possess qualities and characteristics that reflect God’s nature. Here’s an explanation with relevant KJV Bible verses:

1. Created in God’s Image and Likeness:
   
   • Genesis 1:26-27 (KJV): “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
   • This passage emphasizes that humans were intentionally created by God to bear His image and likeness, signifying their unique value and dignity.
2. Essential Make-Up of Man:
   
   • Humans are composed of both physical and spiritual aspects. They have a physical body, which was formed from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), and they have a spiritual aspect, often referred to as the soul or spirit.
   • 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV): “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
   • This verse recognizes the tripartite nature of humanity, consisting of body, soul, and spirit.

The idea that humans are created in the image and likeness of God suggests that they share certain attributes with God, such as rationality, morality, and the capacity for relationship and love. It also underscores the intrinsic worth and value of every individual, regardless of external factors, because they bear the imprint of their Creator. This concept is foundational in understanding the significance of human life in Christian theology.

Question 2

Is there such thing as a free will?

Answer 2

However, the Bible clearly teaches that man has a will that is able to make choices.
In Genesis 2:16-17, God tells Adam that he is free to eat from any tree in the garden, but not from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This implies that Adam had a choice to make, and his decision would have consequences.
In Deuteronomy 30:19, God says, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” This passage also indicates that man has the ability to make choices.
However, the fall of man in Genesis 3 has had a profound effect on human nature. Romans 3:10-12 says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” This passage suggests that man’s will has been affected by sin, and that we are inclined to sin and rebellion against God.
Ephesians 2:1-3 also speaks of man’s fallen state: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
While man’s will may be hindered by sin, the Bible still affirms that we are capable of making choices. Therefore, the idea of free will is still a valid concept.

Question 3

What are the consequences of sin in the life of a believer?

Answer 3

1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
James 1:14-15 - “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

Question 4

How was sin imputed to man, and, what do we mean by the sin nature, and do all men have it?

Answer 4

1. Imputation of Sin:
   • The imputation of sin to humanity refers to the idea that the guilt and consequences of Adam and Eve’s original sin in the Garden of Eden are passed down to all of their descendants. This concept is often referred to as “original sin.”
   • Key Verse: Romans 5:12 (KJV): “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” This verse highlights that sin entered the world through one man (Adam), and its effects passed to all of humanity.
   
   2. Sin Nature:
      • The “sin nature” refers to the inherent inclination or propensity toward sin that is believed to be present in all human beings as a result of the Fall in Adam and Eve. It’s the idea that humans have a natural bent toward sinfulness.
      • Key Verse: Psalm 51:5 (KJV): “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” This verse suggests the presence of a sinful nature from birth.
   3. Universal Nature of Sin:
      • The Bible teaches that all humans, with the exception of Jesus Christ, have inherited this sinful nature and have sinned in their lives.
      • Key Verse: Romans 3:23 (KJV): “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” This verse emphasizes the universal nature of sin among humanity.

In summary, the imputation of sin to humanity is the belief that the consequences of Adam and Eve’s original sin affect all people. The “sin nature” refers to the inclination toward sin that is present in all human beings from birth. According to Christian doctrine, all humans inherit this sinful nature, and all have sinned in their lives, making the need for salvation through Jesus Christ essential for reconciliation with God.

Question 5

What is meant by the term, “total depravity”? Does it mean that man has total inability to choose to believe in Christ?

Answer 5

The term “total depravity” refers to the idea that every aspect of man’s being is corrupted by sin and that he is completely incapable of pleasing God on his own. This does not mean that man cannot make any choices or do any good deeds, but rather that all his actions are tainted by sin and fall short of God’s perfect standard. Here are some verses from the KJV that support the concept of total depravity:
1. Romans 3:10-12 - “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” This passage shows that all men are sinful and fall short of God’s standard.
2. Romans 5:12 - “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” This verse explains that sin entered the world through Adam’s disobedience, and all mankind inherited a sin nature from him.
3. Ephesians 2:1-3 - “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” This passage shows that all men are dead in their sins, controlled by the devil, and by nature children of wrath.
4. John 6:44 - “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” This verse indicates that without the Father’s drawing, no one can come to Christ.
In summary, these verses demonstrate that man is sinful and incapable of pleasing God on his own. However, this does not mean that he cannot make choices or do any good deeds, but rather that all his actions are tainted by sin and fall short of God’s perfect standard.

Question 6

What does Scripture say about the Fall?

Answer 6

The Fall refers to the event in which Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, leading to the entrance of sin and death into the world. Here are some KJV verses that defend this doctrine:
1. Genesis 3:6-7 - “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.” This is the account of Adam and Eve’s sin, in which they disobeyed God’s commandment and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
2. Romans 5:12 - “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” This verse explains that through Adam’s sin, sin entered into the world and all humans have inherited a sin nature.
3. Romans 3:23 - “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” This verse further explains the consequences of the Fall, stating that all humans have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard of perfection.
4. Ephesians 2:1-3 - “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” This passage describes the state of all humans before coming to faith in Christ - dead in trespasses and sins, following the ways of the world and the devil, and deserving of God’s wrath.
Overall, these verses affirm the reality of the Fall and its consequences for all humans.

Question 7

What is sin, original sin and what sin will send a man to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire?

Answer 7

Sin, original sin, and the sin that leads to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire are important concepts in Christian theology. Here’s an explanation of these concepts with relevant KJV Bible verses:

1. Sin:
   
   • Sin is the transgression or violation of God’s moral law. It involves any thought, word, or action that goes against God’s perfect standard of righteousness.
   • Key Verse: 1 John 3:4 (KJV): “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”
2. Original Sin:
   
   • Original sin refers to the inherited sinful nature and guilt that all human beings inherit from Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. It is believed to be the root of all personal sin.
   • Key Verse: Romans 5:12 (KJV): “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
3. Sin Leading to Eternal Punishment:
   
   • The Bible teaches that unrepentant, ongoing sin and rejection of God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ can lead to eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire, which is often associated with Hell.
   • Key Verse: Revelation 20:15 (KJV): “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This verse describes the ultimate fate of those whose names are not in the book of life, implying eternal punishment.

Additionally, other passages such as Revelation 21:8 (KJV) list specific sins that can lead to eternal punishment: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

In summary, sin is the violation of God’s moral law. Original sin refers to humanity’s inherited sinful nature and guilt from Adam and Eve. The sin that leads to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire is typically characterized by a persistent rejection of God’s grace and a lifestyle of unrepentant sin, as described in various Bible passages.

Question 8

What is the biblical definition of death? How many kinds of death are mentioned in the Bible?

Answer 8

The Bible mentions three types of death: physical death, spiritual death, and the second death.
1. Physical death: This is the separation of the soul from the body. The body returns to dust, while the soul goes to either heaven or hell, depending on whether a person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
“For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Genesis 3:19)
2. Spiritual death: This is the separation of the soul from God. It is the result of sin, and all human beings are born spiritually dead because of Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1)
3. Second death: This is eternal separation from God and is the final destination of those who reject Jesus Christ. It is also referred to as the “lake of fire.”
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14)
Sin is defined in the Bible as transgression of God’s law. It is any thought, word, or deed that goes against God’s holy nature and will.
“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4)
Original sin refers to the sin nature that every human being inherits as a result of Adam’s sin. It is not a sin that we commit personally, but rather a state of being that we are born into.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12)

Question 9

Why did God create man

Answer 9

According to Christian belief, the purpose of God creating humanity is rooted in various passages in the Bible.

1. To Glorify God:
   
   • 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) states, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This verse suggests that all of human life is meant to bring glory to God.
     .
2. To Worship and Enjoy God Forever:
   
   • Revelation 4:11 (KJV) acknowledges worship as a purpose: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

In summary, the Bible suggests that God created humanity to glorify Him, and worship Him.

Question 10

Can the Genesis account if taken literally support some kind of evolution

Answer 10

We do not believe in a macro evolution like the Big Bang because we believe that Jesus spoke everything into existence. But we do believe in micro evolution, which means that human beings are evolving overtime as a species.

Question 11

Explain the formation of the human soul, does God create each one individually, or is it formed at
conception?

Answer 11

• Individual Creationism: This view suggests that God creates each human soul individually at the moment of conception or some point before birth. In this perspective, the soul is seen as a direct creation of God.
• Supporters of this view often point to passages like Genesis 2:7 (KJV), which states, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” They interpret this verse to mean that God personally breathed the soul into Adam’s body, implying individual creation.

Question 12

Why can man be redeemed and angels cannot?

Answer 12

The idea that humans can be redeemed while angels cannot is a theological perspective held by many Christians, based on various passages in the Bible. This viewpoint is rooted in the belief that God’s plan of redemption and salvation is primarily intended for humanity. Here are some key Bible verses that support this position:

1. Hebrews 2:16 (KJV):
   “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.”This verse suggests that Jesus took on human nature, not angelic nature, to bring salvation. It implies that redemption is specifically related to humanity.
2. 1 Peter 1:12 (KJV):
   “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”This verse implies that angels are not recipients of the gospel but rather serve as witnesses to God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
3. Ephesians 2:7 (KJV):
   “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”This verse speaks of God’s kindness toward humanity through Christ as a demonstration of His grace. It emphasizes God’s redemptive purpose for humans.
4. Romans 5:8-10 (KJV):
   “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”These verses emphasize God’s love and sacrifice for humanity’s redemption through Jesus Christ.

These passages, among others, suggest that God’s redemptive plan and salvation are primarily directed toward fallen humanity. While angels have a different role in God’s plan, the focus of redemption is on reconciling humanity to God through faith in Jesus Christ.