THE HUMAN CONDITION Up to this point in this series we ...

1 THE HUMAN CONDITION teach you about God's purposes in creation? Was the earth and cosmos Up to this point in this series we have explored doctrines regarding the created the way God intended it? Trinity, including each member of the Godhead, and the Word of God, the Read Genesis 2:15 25. Bible. In this study we will examine the theological discipline of What command does God give the man (Adam means man in Hebrew)? anthropology, or the study of HUMAN beings. This discipline is foundational to an understanding of other areas of theology, because it represents the God's command to Adam is important n the way it is worded in verses 16 . groundwork for our relationship with God, the need for Jesus Christ to die on 17.

2 God emphasizes all that He has provided for Adam, while deemphasizing our behalf, the ongoing role of the Holy Spirit, etc. This is all centered on the the tree from which Adam should not eat. (This will be important for the next doctrine of the Fall . The Baseball Chapel doctrinal statement affirms its section). What reason does God give for this command? What will be the belief in the nature of humanity this way: result of disobedience? We Believe that man is created in the image and likeness of God, but because of our sin we are separated from God, which is spiritual What does God say about the man being alone in these verses? How does He death. Sinful people may be reconciled to God only through the shed remedy this situation?

3 What do you think the author means when he states blood of Jesus Christ, who conquered death in resurrection and offers they felt no shame in verse 25? eternal life to all who believe and receive. This salvation is not through works, but by grace alone through faith in Christ. THE FALL. In this study we will examine the biblical evidence for belief in this Read Genesis 3:1 24. fundamental Christian doctrine. What happens in these verses? Why do you think Adam and Eve are hiding? How does this compare to them being naked and unashamed in the previous CREATION passage? Read Genesis 1:1 and 26 31. In what form does God create humans? Why do you think this is important? How does the serpent deceive the man and the woman?

4 What does it mean to be created in God's image and likeness ? Just as God emphasized all that He had provided for Adam, the serpent If you scan the other days of creation, you will see that God was preparing emphasized all that Adam and Eve could NOT have . That is, the serpent everything else for the sixth day. Humans are special in God's creative deceived them into believing God was holding back from them and did not purpose: we are made in His image and likeness. The Hebrew terms used in want them to have the very best . This deception is at the heart of all HUMAN this passage suggest that God created us to be His co-regents: rulers in His disobedience, whether it is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the place over this creation.

5 In the ancient world, an image was beieved to pride of life (1 John 2:16), at its very core, sin is a result of not trusting God carry the very essence of that which it represented. In Genesis 5:1 3 we read and trying to get what we want in our own way! What punishment does God that Seth was made in the image of Adam. Therefore, we are not only give to Adam and Eve?..to the serpent? representatives of God, we are God's children, as well. Every HUMAN being is Remember, God warned Adam that disobedience would result in death. The made in God's image and therefore represents one of God's children. What fact that Adam and Eve did not immediately die suggests that God was does this teach you about the importance of humanity in God's economy?

6 Gracious and merciful to them. Despite their disobedience He would still What does God see about day six of creation in verse 31? Why do you think allow them to represent Him. Although the image of likeness of God had not it is important for God to reflect on this day of creation being good ? been erased, however, it had been defaced! The relationship between God and humanity had changed drastically! Initially, creation was exactly as God intended it. At the end of each day God saw that His creation was good. On day six, however, God was finished Read Romans 3:22 24 and 6:23. with creation and pronounced it very good . The Hebrew term suggests that What do these New Testament passages teach about the HUMAN CONDITION ?

7 The sixth and final day of creation was exceedingly great . What does this RECONCILED. Read Romans 5:1 11. What was God's answer to the HUMAN CONDITION ? Who satisfied the requirement for humanity to once again be seen as righteous before God? Guide 6. One of the most important theological terms in relation to Christ's work on the behalf of humanity is justification. This is the process whereby humanity is declared righteous and the process of conversion begins in the Christ- follower. It is the beginning of the process whereby humanity becomes the new creation restoring the curse of the old! In essence, we have been reconciled to God, our relationship with Him has been restored. We Believe.

8 Read Romans 5:12 21. How does Paul compare the work of Jesus Christ and the fall of humanity through Adam in these verses? What is the relationship between justice and grace in these verses? Justice is getting what we deserve. Grace, however, is getting what we don't deserve ( , God's forgiveness). According to Paul's argument throughout the book of Romans (and what we have learned in this study), humanity was alienated from God as a result of sins with only the Law to point out where we missed the mark. These verses teach that as a result of Jesus' obedience, God has given us the gracious gift of a new relationship with Him! BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH. Read Ephesians 2:1 10. How does Paul's argument here relate to what he said in Romans 5?

9 How does Paul describe the HUMAN CONDITION before Christ in these verses? According to verses 4 5, what was the motivation for God's gift? What phrase does Paul use to end verse 5? What does Paul say about the relationship of our salvation and the ability to work for it in verses 8 9? According to these verses, can a person ever be good enough to earn salvation? Why not? IMPLICATIONS OF THE ROLE OF THE SPIRIT AS GOD. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 21. Bible Study Guide How should reconciliation affect our relationship with God and others? Other study guides are available at These study guides have been designed to help For Further Study you deepen your walk with the Lord. Check the Anthony Hoekema, Created in God's Image Baseball Chapel website for other study guides Robert Pyne, Humanity and Sin.

10 That are easy to print off and copy.