Creation is a word that has polarized our society. We as Christians are quick to argue evolution vs. creation, but there is more that we do not always discuss. There are greater implications to our beginnings than simply answering a biological question. To the Christian, this concept of creation has far-reaching theological implications and deserves our study and meditation.

The Bible is clear on the origin of man. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”  (Gen 1:26-27).

There are two important concepts that should be examined in the creation of man. First, we are God’s workmanship. God the Creator and Supreme Being has the right to do as He pleases. He is the only true morally free agent acting in creation because He is the only Being in creation that is not dependent on another for existence. This places us with only one response to such a Being; we must recognize that God is God and we are not. He alone may command worship. He is the Potter and is able to do with the clay as He chooses. This theological concept is central to our belief in the sovereignty of God and to our understanding of grace.

The second concept that is inherent in our creation is that we are made in His image. The exact nature of what this means can be discussed at a later date, but no matter what, this truth significantly affects the way we relate to others. If mankind is made in His image, we are reminded of God when we see each other. We must therefore have a respect for life and treat one another accordingly. If we worship God because of who He is, should we not also have respect and admiration for His image-bearers and thus honor Him by loving one another? With this foundation in mind we are reminded of the words of Christ, “…what you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” In C.S. Lewis’ essay, “The Weight of Glory,” he reminds us, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal….[It] is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit….[Y]our neighbour is the holiest object presented to your senses.”

So the concept of the origin of man reaches beyond the simple argument of creation vs. evolution to encompass our worship of God and our treatment of others. May God bless us by enlightening us further as we contemplate His greatness.