Bible Study Course: Lesson 3 - Why Did God Create Mankind?
Glossary
Character: Spiritually defined as the ability to discern
God's right way from the wrong, and to voluntarily surrender one's
own will to do what is right in God's sight and, with the promised supernatural
help, to resist the wrong even under pressure and temptation. God has perfect,
righteous character implicit in His very Being.
Heaven: The Bible speaks of three heavens: (1) the atmosphere
surrounding earth, that is, the sky (Acts 1:9-11); (2) space, including our
solar system and the observable stars and galaxies (Genesis 1:14-18; Psalm 8:3);
and (3) the location of God's throne, from where He governs the entire
universe, called "the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2). Solomon
said: "God is in heaven and you are on earth" (Ecclesiastes 5:2).
In the Bible, the context usually tells us which of the three "heavens"
is being discussed.
Humankind: Humanity, mankind (men, women and children with
mind capacity), homo sapiens as a species distinct from species of the animal
kind.
Image: The word image is generally used throughout
the Bible in a literal sense to denote a physical or material representation,
whether in human or animal form. In a theological sense, it denotes a relationship
between man and his Creator, God.
Image of God: This biblical expression encompasses the purpose
of God's creation of humankind. As explained in this lesson, mankind was
created for a special relationship with God and with the potential of manifesting
the character and nature of God.
Likeness: Denotes similarity, resemblance, representation,
etc.
Man: Biblically defined as especially created by God as both
male and female in His own image—a distinction not accorded to the animal
world. At creation man was given free will, a capacity for rational thought
patterns, and dominion over the animals.
Science: Primarily the pursuit and study of physical and material
knowledge, particularly in a systematic and organized manner, of spiritual matters.
|
