THE UNFINISHED REFORMATION · INVESTIGATION 08

Creation, Humanity, and the Fall

What is a human being, and what went wrong?

Genesis presents God as Creator, humanity as made in His image, the created world as good, and sin as an intruder rather than an ingredient of creation. Human beings are embodied creatures dependent on God for life. The fall damaged humanity’s relationship with God, one another, self, and creation, but did not erase human dignity or God’s purpose to restore.

Reformation principle. The Bible’s story of salvation begins with creation, not with human immortality.

SCRIPTURE TO EXAMINE

Read the biblical evidence

  • Genesis 1:26–31Human beings are created in God’s image and creation is declared very good.
  • Genesis 2:7Man becomes a living soul when God forms the body and gives the breath of life.
  • Romans 5:12Sin and death entered the human experience through sin.
STRONGEST OBJECTION OR ALTERNATIVE READING

Examine the challenge

The Hebrew word nephesh has a broad semantic range. The important point here is that Genesis describes the whole living creature, not an immortal entity inserted into a body.

YOUR VERDICT

In Genesis 2:7, does the text say the man received a living soul or became a living soul?

  • Received one
  • Became one
  • The text does not say