What does the fact that we are given dominion over the earth mean in Genesis 1:26? Well in regard to our person it means that we are created to learn and grow. As humans we do not do what we do primarily by instinct we do it by intellect as we learn and grow. This means we can change the way we interact with our environment. Ephesians 4:22-24 reminds us that we can “put off the old man…through the renewing of our minds …. and put on the new man” We can use our minds to change what we do and who we are. It also affects the way we live and develop. This means that as created we can change our environment and not just adapt to it, Mankind has the ability to develop initiatives, based on their ability to conceive of them. It also means that we are able to lead and guide. We have the ability to serve one another rather than dominate each other. Galatians 5:13 reminds us that we have the ability to serve one another in love. We must remember that dominion was not given to us to dominate the world but so that … READ MORE

According to Genesis 1:26 the human race was designed by God and given a mandate to exercise dominion over the rest of creation. Man was intended by God to be the sovereign of the plant. He was literally instructed to subdue the planet, to take dominion, and rule over everything God had placed on earth. This means that we are different from animals not just in design, but also in position before God. For it is only mankind, that was given life, by the imparting of “the breath of God.” That makes man an eternal being. While we are created at one point in time, that life does not cease to exist simply because the body ceases to function. In light of the position that God grants man in the creative order we see that mankind is the highest of all the created realm, and therefore, everything is subject to their rule. When man chose to sin, all of creation was subject to the power of that sin and is cursed by God. It is for that reason, when God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, He took upon Himself the form of man. He did not become … READ MORE

As we think about the fact that Genesis 1:26-30 tells us that we are created in the image of God, we are reminded that God created us to have a relationship with us. God is not far off, distant, elusive, and hidden. Rather, what the story of Scripture reveals is that God is the one who is always searching for us. This was true from the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden it is not Adam who was searching for God, rather it was God who came to the garden searching for Adam. As long as we hide from God we will never see that He nailed Himself to the cross for our sins. Christ came and took upon Himself, the form of man (not animal or plant). He did this to make a statement about our dignity, and makes a statement about the relationship He desires to have with each of us. Christ came that we might be born anew (John 3:3-5) this will restore us to our rightful place at Christ side, Christ came that we might repent of our sins and walk in the new life that He offers as we follow His steps. Christ came … READ MORE