Anthropology What is Man?

Psalm 8:4 – In summarizing the doctrine of man (anthropology) it is appropriate to consider this poetic reference to the profound question of God’s interest in man. Why should God take interest in man? Certainly not because of any worthiness found in the creature! Actually the psalmist is not asking why; he is exulting in the fact that God has done so and in the fact that God has elevated man to a position of mastery over the created world. In view of God’s interest and blessing it is important to remember what man really is in the sight of God.

Creation – A Triune Directive Triune God held council with Himself to effect that last act of creation. (Gen. 1:26-28) Out of the dust of the ground a living eternal being was created (Gen. 2:6). There was purpose, plan, and personal association in bringing man into existence. (Pro. 16:4; Rom. 11;33-36; Rev. 4:11) He was created for God’s glory by means of having a personal relationship with God.

Character – A Trichotomy Man was created in the image of God. That is hardly a physical likeness since God is a spirit. (John 4:24) The reference is more to the nature of man in which the being of God is reflected. Man is a three part being. (1 Th. 5:23) Body – physical capacity Soul – rational, volitional, and emotional capacities Spirit – spiritual capacity

Condition – Totally Depraved Some have interpreted this to mean that man has no spiritual capacity unless divinely enabled. That is not true. Spiritual capacity is more than the ability to respond to the gospel. It is also the ability to the gospel. In his initial state Adam was created without any sin. Adam had a capacity to sin but by no means did he have a necessity to do so.

Adam was created a free moral agent with the ability to choose to obey or disobey the commandment of God. When he chose to disobey, he plunged the entire human race into sin. (Rom. 5:17-21 ) Every person, born since Adam, has inherited a fallen nature that is corrupt in every way. (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:10; 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20)

Consequence – Tragic Desires The stark reality confronts us that because man is a fallen creature he desires depravity of every sort. (Rom. 1:21-32) Because man is dominated by his fallen nature, he desires that which appeals to that nature. (Eph. 2:1-3) No human being is free from the possibility of sin or the propensity to sin.

Condemnation – Terrible Destruction Sin is eternally hateful to God. It not only ruined the human race; it results in eternal death. (Rom. 6:23; Psa. 9:17) God cannot be who He is without confronting the issue of sin. Those who reject His provision for deliverance in Christ have no alternative but a Christ-less eternity in continuous torment. (Rev. 20:11-15)

Correction – Transforming Deliverance The only answer for man is the wonderful exchange of eternal death for eternal life. (Rom. 6:23) The tragedy of sin is turned into the triumph of salvation by the grace of God! (Eph. 2:4-10) A horribly lost man can become a wonderful transformed child of God through the miracle of redemption effected by the blood of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17 )