The uniqueness of man in creation is evident in many ways. Mankind is superior to all other earthly creations in the areas of physical, mental, relational and functional abilities. However, the image of God in mankind is not only found in our physical attributes, but also in the non-physical attributes as well. The physical attributes of man that are made in the image of God are the body and the many intricate details it possesses. The non-physical attributes of man that are made in the image of God are the mind, spirit, heart, will, conscience, and soul.
In Genesis 1:26-27 and 5:1, Scripture records the creation man in the image or likeness of God. This reflection of God can be found in the spirit of man because God Himself is Spirit (Jn 4:24). The non-material component of man is further seen in the personality, morality, conscience, and immortality of man (Eph. 4:24, 2 Cor 4:2, Rom 3:20, 5:14,21).
Though man possesses some of the characteristics of God, it is important to note that man remains quite limited when compared to the creator God. Man is in no way equal with deity (1 Tim. 6:16).
In Genesis 3, Scripture records the fall of man. We see both Adam and Eve challenging God’s authority as they willingly choose to disobey their Creator, by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge. Their rebellious behavior is similar to that of Satan, and like Satan, they too paid a price for their disobedience.
The ramifications of the fall had a tremendous effect not only on Adam but on all of mankind. In Romans 5, we see that the sin of Adam has been passed to every human (5:12). The sin of Adam effects every aspect of man and is evident in man’s relationship with God, self, and other men.
From the moment of the fall, man’s relationship with God has been broken. The primary result of the fall was the physical and spiritual death of man. Physically, all of mankind will die and cease to exist on the earth (Gen. 3:19, Heb. 9:27). Spiritually, mankind will experience separation from God their Creator, and eternal death (Rev 20:14-15, 21:8). Sin has caused a deep hatred between man and God (Hosea 9:15, Ex 20:5) and brought guilt upon man (Rom 3:23). Ultimately, man’s sin must be punished by the just Creator (Gal, 6:7-8).
The greatest need of mankind; therefore, is a pardon for his sin. Man is dirty, alone, and dying without God. His greatest need is to be made clean again through Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:4-10). Man needs to accept the saving gift of Christ in order to pass from death to life (Eph 5:24). To accept or reject the saving work of Christ is the most important decision in any individual’s life. All men have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards (Rom. 3:23). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), but, the gift of God is eternal life through the death of Jesus Christ (Rom 5:8).