Genesis 1:26–28 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.
LESSON-4 DISCIPLESHIP 4-
The Original Design…Genesis 1:26–28…Reclaiming dominion, creativity, and spiritual authority
- According to Genesis 1:26–28, the original design for humanity was to be the image-bearers of God, tasked with representing and reflecting the creator's authority on earth…
Spirit filled men are Predators not Prey. This mandate includes exercising dominion over creation, engaging in creative work, and establishing a spiritual connection with God. Reclaiming this original design is a theological concept that involves living out these purposes today despite the effects of sin.
The original design in Genesis 1:26–28 The Genesis account outlines the core aspects of the original divine purpose for humanity:
- Created in God's image (imago Deii m a g o space cap D e i𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑜 𝐷𝑒𝑖): Humans were made "in our image, after our likeness," a status that grants inherent value, worth, and dignity. It signifies humanity's unique capacity to have fellowship with God in a way other creatures cannot.
- Given dominion: God commanded humans to "have dominion over" and "subdue" the earth. In the biblical context, this is not a license for exploitation but a call to benevolent stewardship. As God's representatives, humans were to manage, care for, and nurture creation, reflecting God's own loving rule.
- Blessed to be fruitful: The command to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth" is a blessing to build and develop the world socially and culturally. It means to extend the "garden" and create cultures and civilizations.
Reclaiming dominion Reclaiming dominion involves restoring the intended relationship between humanity and the rest of creation.
- From domination to stewardship: This means rejecting an exploitative mindset and adopting a posture of responsible care for the earth. A reclaimed dominion views humans as servant-kings, managing God's creation with mercy and justice.
- From control to cultivation: Reclaiming dominion means actively participating in the "ordering of his creation," much like Adam was called to tend and keep the garden. It is a call to cultivate the potential of the world, developing its resources for the flourishing of all life.
- Restoring harmony: The reclamation process points toward God's eternal plan to restore the peaceful world of creation. In this view, humans work to mitigate the effects of the fallen world and anticipate a renewed creation.
Reclaiming creativity Human creativity is understood as a reflection of God's own creative nature.
- Reflecting the Creator: As God's image-bearers, humans are created to be creators. This includes artistic endeavors like music and visual arts, as well as innovation in all areas of life, from engineering to cooking.
- Purposeful work: The original design gave humanity work to do in partnership with God. Reclaiming creativity means approaching all work, no matter how small, as a purposeful act that brings order and enhancement to God's world.
- Innovation for good: The creative mandate calls humanity to build, invent, and develop in ways that are aligned with God's good purposes. It involves using one's skills to glorify God rather than merely to pursue self-interest.
Reclaiming spiritual authority In the Genesis narrative, humans possessed a direct spiritual authority granted by God.
- Representing divine rule: Adam and Eve were created to be God's regents on earth, exercising their authority under God's direction. This authority was diminished after the fall but is reclaimed through faith in Jesus Christ, who is described as the perfect image of God.
- Restoring connection: The initial purpose included meaningful fellowship with God. Reclaiming this spiritual authority means restoring communion and submission to God's will, allowing for a right relationship with both the Creator and creation.
- Empowered for good: In a broader Christian context, reclaiming spiritual authority means walking in the new creation offered through Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live lives that reflect the kingdom of God to the world, demonstrating true righteousness and holiness.
- Spirit filled men are Predators not Prey.