The Doctrine of Man

The Southern Baptist understanding of humanity begins with a fundamental truth: we are fearfully and

wonderfully made by God. This doctrine shapes how we view ourselves, our purpose, and our relationship

with our Creator. Let's explore three essential aspects of what it means to be human according to Scripture.

Man Was Created in the Image of God

The foundation of human dignity rests on one simple yet profound truth: God created man. Genesis 2:7

tells us that "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."

This isn't about evolution or random chance. God deliberately crafted humanity as the crowning work of

His creation. Psalm 8:3-6 reminds us that God made us "a little lower than the angels" and crowned us

"with glory and honor," giving us dominion over His creation.

Why Does This Matter?

If you deny God's hand in creating man, how can you believe in Jesus Christ? The New Testament clearly

states that Jesus was the agent of creation - "all things were created by Him, in heaven and on earth" (Colossians 1:15-17).

Everything, including Adam, was created by Him and for Him. God created Adam with the same tri-unity that reflects His own nature. Just as God exists as three persons in one, man was created as body, soul, and spirit. God's desire is for our body and soul to be controlled by the Holy Spirit rather than the flesh.

Gender is Assigned by God

One of the most pressing issues facing our culture today is the question of gender identity. Scripture is clear: God created gender and God assigns gender.

What Does the Bible Say About Gender?

Genesis 2:18-22 describes how God created woman from man's rib, establishing the fundamental truth that gender is God's design. If you were born male, you are male. If you were born female, you are female. This isn't determined by feelings or personal choice - it's established by the Creator Himself.

Consider this: have you ever seen an animal change its gender? Of course not, because animals don't have the free will to rebel against God's design. Only humans, in their fallen state, attempt to alter what God has established.

The Serious Nature of Gender Rebellion

People who support gender-affirming surgery and care have made a choice to curse the God of creation. This isn't a minor theological disagreement - it's a fundamental rejection of God's authority over His creation.

Before you were even conceived, God knew exactly who you were meant to be. Psalm 139:14-16 declares: "Your eyes saw me when I was formless. All my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began." God designed you specifically to be who you are, not someone else.

All People Are Guilty of Sin

Romans 5:12 states clearly: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, in this way, death spread to all people because all sin." The word "all" is pretty easy to understand - it means everyone.

Understanding Our Sinful Nature

Every person is born guilty of sin. Even David acknowledged in Psalm 51:5: "Indeed, I was guilty when I was born. I was sinful when my mother conceived me." This doesn't mean babies are evil, but it means they inherit Adam's sinful nature.

God gave Adam free will to choose whether to love and obey Him. God didn't want robots - He wanted genuine relationship. When Adam chose to disobey by eating from the forbidden tree, he demonstrated that in his free will, he didn't care what God had said.

What About Children and Those Who Cannot Choose?

Some people wrongly teach that children who die before accepting Christ, or those with mental disabilities who cannot understand the gospel, are condemned to hell based on predestination. This is absolutely wrong and contradicts God's character.

Here's the biblical truth: God will not hold anyone accountable whose knowledge of sin does not exist. When David's baby died, he said, "I'll go to him, but he'll never return to me" (2 Samuel 12:23). David knew his child was in heaven.

The Grace That Covers

Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). His blood covers every person's sins until that child gains knowledge of what sin is. Children who die before understanding their guilt, and those with conditions that prevent them from comprehending sin, are covered by Christ's blood.

As Romans 4:7-8 says: "Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the person the Lord will never charge with sin." God doesn't charge sin to the account of those who cannot understand their guilt.

Life Application

This week, reflect on the incredible truth that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Your identity isn't determined by culture, feelings, or popular opinion - it's established by your Creator who knew you before you were born.

Stand firm in biblical truth, especially regarding gender and identity. In a world that increasingly rejects God's design, be ready to lovingly share what Scripture teaches about human nature and God's plan for humanity.

Remember that salvation comes entirely by God's grace, not human effort. If you have children or grandchildren, teach them that their worth comes from being made in God's image, and that His design for their lives is perfect.

Questions for Reflection:

• How does knowing you're created in God's image change how you view yourself and others?

• Are you prepared to lovingly defend biblical truth about gender and identity when challenged?

• Do you trust that God's design for your life is better than any alternative you might imagine?

• How can you better communicate God's grace to those struggling with identity issues?