God's Purpose for Creating Humanity in Scripture
God's Purpose for Creating Humanity in Scripture
The biblical account of creation presents humanity as created in the image of God (imago Dei), with a specific purpose [1, 2]. Genesis 1:27 states, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" [2]. This foundational text establishes that humanity's creation is directly linked to God's own image.
The purpose behind creating humanity is multifaceted. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, God's purpose in creation is "for God's pleasure" and "for Christ" [3]. This is supported by biblical references such as Proverbs 16:4 and Revelation 4:11, which indicate that God's creation is ultimately for his own glory. The Psalmist also affirms that humanity was made for the praise and glory of God [5].
The creation narrative in Genesis highlights that humanity is not only created in God's image but is also given dominion over the earth. Genesis 1:26-28 outlines this mandate, where God commands humanity to "rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth" [1]. This dominion is not arbitrary but is rooted in humanity's creation in God's image, reflecting God's own sovereignty.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin's commentary on Genesis, interprets the creation of humanity as having a social dimension. Calvin notes that God created humanity to produce offspring, emphasizing the importance of human relationships and the unity of the human family [7]. This understanding underscores that God's purpose in creating humanity involves not just individual relationships with God but also communal aspects.
The biblical text also suggests that God's purpose in creating humanity is tied to his desire for a relationship with them. According to the Tyndale House commentary on Isaiah 43:7, one of God's purposes in restoring his people is "to display his glory to the watching world" [6]. This implies that humanity's creation is connected to God's self-revelation and the manifestation of his glory.
Furthermore, the creation of humanity is attributed to the Trinity. Genesis 1:26 records God saying, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness" [2]. This plural form is understood as an early indication of the triune nature of God, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit involved in creation [1, 4]. The work of creation is attributed to each person of the Trinity in various biblical passages [3, 4].
The ultimate purpose of God's creation, including humanity, is closely tied to the concept of knowing God. The Tyndale House commentary on Joel 3:17 notes that "God's ultimate purpose is that his people should know him and share his holy character" [8]. This knowing is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, relational understanding that reflects God's character.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Man — Made for God -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. God's purpose in creation completed by making -- Ge 2:5,7. Cannot profit God -- Job 22:2; Ps 16:2. Unworthy of God's favour -- Job 7:17; Ps 8:4. Created By God. -- Ge 1:27; Isa 45:12. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 33:4. After consultation, by the Trinity. -- Ge 1:26. On the sixth day. -- Ge 1:31. Upon the earth. -- De 4:32; Job 20:4. From the dust. -- Ge 2:7; Job 33:6. In the image of God. -- Ge 1:26,27; 1Co 11:7. After the likeness of God. -- Ge 1:26; Jas 3:9. Male and female. -- Ge 1:27; 5:2. A l”
- Genesis “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. -- Genesis 1:27”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Creation — "In the beginning" God created, i.e., called into being, all things out of nothing. This creative act on the part of God was absolutely free, and for infinitely wise reasons. The cause of all things exists only in the will of God. The work of creation is attributed (1) to the Godhead (Gen. 1:1, 26); (2) to the Father (1 Cor. 8:6); (3) to the Son (John 1:3; Col. 1:16, 17); (4) to the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Ps. 104:30). The fact that he is the Creator distinguishes Jehovah as the true God (Isa. 37:16; 40:12, 13; 54:5; Ps. 96:5; Jer. 10:11, 12). Th”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: B — Created by God -- Ge 1:24,25; 2:19. Creation of, exhibits God's power -- Jer 27:5. Made for the praise and glory of God -- Ps 148:10. Differ in flesh from birds and fishes -- 1Co 15:39. Herb of the field given to, for food -- Ge 1:30. Power over, given to man -- Ge 1:26,28; Ps 8:7. Instinctively fear man -- Ge 9:2. Received their names from Adam -- Ge 2:19,20. Given to man for food after the flood -- Ge 9:3. Not to be eaten alive or with blood -- Ge 9:4; De 12:16,23. That died naturally or were torn, not to be eaten -- Ex 22:31; Le 17:15; 22:8. Supply clothing to”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 43:7: 43:7 One of God’s purposes in restoring his people was to display his glory to the watching world.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 5.35: of offspring, as God imparts his power to some and withholds it from others. But here Moses would simply declare that Adam with his wife was formed for the production of offspring, in order that men might replenish the earth. God could himself indeed have covered the earth with a multitude of men; but it was his will that we should proceed from one fountain, in order that our desire of mutual concord might be the greater, and that each might the more freely embrace the other as his own flesh. Besides, as men were created to occupy”
- Joel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Joel 3:17: 3:17 Then you will know: God’s ultimate purpose is that his people should know him and share his holy character. They must learn that he alone is God and that he reigns over all creation from Zion, his holy mountain (see also 2:27). The only true security in the present, and the only hope for the future, comes from God’s presence.”