In this article, Justin Holcomb leads us to understand human ethics through the biblical vision:
Human history is tragically filled with examples of persecution and oppression that occur when those in power create their own definitions of humanity and human rights, in order to exclude and abuse certain groups of people. The Bible clearly states that God has given dignity to all human beings. , humanity and rights. Biblical understanding of humanity provides the essential basis for ethical decisions on how to treat others.
The Biblical Vision of Humanity
The Bible begins with God, the sovereign Creator of all things: “In the beginning, did God create the heavens and the earth?(Genesis 1: 1). His work, everything from light on earth to living beings, is called “good. “However, humanity, being the very image of God, is the crown of creation, behold, it was very good (verse 31). In this sense, God reveals Himself in human beings more wonderfully than in any other creature.
In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make man in our image. “At first, our Creator gave us a remarkable title: “image of God”. This expression reveals the dignity of all human beings, because it establishes people as representatives of the king of the universe. According to the image of God, human beings receive special dignity and dominion, and are responsible for dealing with God’s creation (verses 28-30).
The consequences of the biblical vision on humanity
As bearers of God’s image, human beings are imbued with dignity and greater value than animals. When he spoke to Noah after the flood, God emphasized that human life must be highly valued and that violence against every human being must be strictly punished (Genesis 9: 5-6).
In Genesis 1 and 2, we see that God’s plan was for the earth to be filled with the bearers of his image, who should glorify it through worship and obedience. This state of consciousness, which benefits from God’s desired blessing and wise government, is called “shalom. “According to Cornelius Plantinga Jr. :
In the Bible, “Does it mean flowering, fullness, and complete pleasure?”, A state of wealth in which natural needs and natural gifts are met are applied with benefit. As it is supposed to be: a breviary of sin,” page 10).
?Shalom ?, this means the fullness of peace, the vision of a society without violence or fear: “I will establish peace on earth; you will lie down and there will be no one to frighten you; I will put an end to the plagues of the country, and your sword will not cross your country?(Leviticus 26: 6). ? Shalom is a kind of deep and global well-being – abundant well-being – with its connotations of peace, justice and the common. In short, biblical writers use shalom to describe the world of peace, security, justice, order, and universal fullness that God wanted, in which all human beings enjoy freedom, security, and peace.
Humanity’s non-biblical views
Genesis 3 recounts the terrible day when humanity fell and the shalom was violated. Adam and Eve broke off their relationship with God, rebelling against their command. It was a cosmic betrayal. Instead of relying on God’s good and wise word, they relied on the cunning and misleading words of the Serpent. In response, the Creator cursed mankind with emptiness and death. The real image of God has fallen into the extreme misfortune we all experience. .
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Justin Holcomb is Episcopal Bishop (Minister of Vocations in the Diocese of Central Florida) and teaches Theology, Philosophy and Christian Thought at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and reformed Theological Seminary. Previously, he taught at the University of Virginia and Emory University. two master’s degrees from the Reformed Theological Seminary and a Doctorate from Emory University
By Justin Holcomb. Extract from www. ligonier. org. © 2013 Ligonier Ministries. Original: The Ethics of Personality
This article is part of the April 2013 issue of Tabletalk magazine
Translation: Isabela Siqueira Critic: Renata do Esperito Santo?© faithful ministry, all rights reserved. Website: www. MinisterioFiel. com. br Original: A Biblical Understanding of Humanity
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