Man
& Sin
We believe and teach that man is a direct
product of the creative handiwork of God (Genesis 2:7). God created
mankind in and according to His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), and even after the fall, no matter how thoroughly distorted
that image has become, it is not eradicated (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9).
The reality of the image and likeness of God indicates that man,
via his original creation, resembles God in certain characteristics
and capacities which are necessary for relationships with God
and fellow man and also for mankind's exercise of dominion over
the rest of the earth. The grace of God in salvation, sanctification,
and glorification focuses on the renewing of this image until
it is finally perfect and eternally established (Romans 8:29;
2 Corinthians 3:18).
Both male and female equally bear the image of God. Although
they share the same essence of being, there are nevertheless functional
distinctions and subordinations (cf. a similar phenomenon within
the Trinity). These differences, biblically based upon creation
and not cultural biases, are significant for both our families
and our flock (1 Corinthians 11:1-16;
Ephesians 5:22-33;
;
Titus 2:3-5;
1 Peter 3:1-6).
We believe and teach that through Adam's one act of disobedience,
he not only fell from his estate of innocence into one of separation
and alienation from God, but as our representative, he also plunged
the whole race into sin and death (Genesis 2:17,
Genesis 3:1-7;
Romans 5:12-21). Consequently, all persons from their conception and
birth are spiritually estranged from God (Ephesians 2:1-3;
Colossians 1:21), innately unholy and stand condemned by their sinful nature
(Psalm 51:5;
Ephesians 2:1,3) and their sinful acts (Romans 1:18-3:20)
before their Creator and Judge.
Man's depravity (i.e., corrupted sinful nature)
is total in breadth (1
Kings 8:46; Psalm
14:1-3; Isaiah
1:2-6,
53:6 ; Romans 3:9-20) and depth (Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9;
Mark 7:14-23). Sin, like a drop of poison deposited in a
cup of water, has poisoned the entire cup. By this we mean that
all the faculties of man's heart, i.e., rational, volitional,
emotional, etc., are morally tainted by sin and perversity (Genesis 6:5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ephesians 4:17-19) leaving mankind utterly
hopeless and helpless in reference to any kind of human reformation
or rescue - he cannot save himself (Isaiah 64:5-7; Jeremiah 13:23;
1 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 1:21-22). These realities are not
only crucial for an accurate theology but also for a biblically
acceptable methodology for ministry (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
