"In the beginning God created the heaven
and the earth." Genesis 1:1. In six days, He set the heavenly
bodies in their places. He made the earth fit for vegetation and
habitation for animals and man. On the sixth day He said, "Let
us make man in our image." 1:26. God formed man's body of
the dust of the ground. He breathed into man's nostrils the breath
of life, and he became a living soul. 2:7.
God created animals, but they were not created
in God's image. God gave life to the animals but God's Word does
not say he breathed life into them. Animals are physical. They
do not have a spiritual nature. When animals die, their bodies
decay, and they go out of existence. Man is physical, but man,
like God, is spiritual. When man dies, his body returns to the
dust, but his spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes
12:7.
When God breathed life into man and he was made
in God's image, he could say, "I am fearfully and wonderfully
made." Psalm 139:14. Man is body, soul, and spirit. He is
superior to animals in intelligence. Man is spiritual and will
continue to live in eternity.
Man can choose between right and wrong. He can
choose whether he will serve sin or righteousness. Romans 6:16.
This cannot be said of any animal. In the words of Joshua, "Choose
whom you will serve ... as for me and my house, we will serve
the Lord." Joshua 24:15. As God created man in His image,
we need to heed the words of Solomon. "Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth." Ecclesiastes 12:1. "Hear
the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep His commandments:
for this is the whole duty of man." 12:13.
We now consider a New Testament passage which
states, "God breathed." "All scripture is given
by inspiration of God." 2 Timothy 3:16. The Greek words for
"Inspired of God" mean "God breathed."
Prophecy came from men of God guided by the Holy
Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21. When God formed Eve, He united her with
Adam. Jesus said, "What God has joined together, let no man
put asunder." Matthew 19:4-6. This is based upon the words
found in Genesis 2:23,24. This shows the book of Genesis came
from God. The words found in the book of Exodus came from God.
Exodus 20:1. David, who wrote many of the Psalms, was called a
prophet (one who speaks for God) in Acts 2:29, 30. The Lord spoke
through the prophets of the Old Testament. (2 Peter 1:21; Isaiah
8:1; Jeremiah 2:1; Ezekiel 1:3.)
During the New Testament Age, God speaks to us
through Jesus. Hebrews 1:1, 2. We will be judged by the words
of Jesus. John 12:48. The truth which was revealed by Jesus (John
1:17) will make us free. John 8:31, 32. That truth is called God's
word. John 17:17.
Jesus revealed the truth to the Apostles and New
Testament prophets. Jesus promised the Apostles He would send
the Holy Spirit to guide them into all truth. John 16:13. On the
Day of Pentecost the Apostles spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:4. The gospel which is revealed in the New Testament is
God's power to save. Romans 1:15-17.
If we would learn God's will for us, we must follow
the example of the Bereans. They searched the Scriptures daily.
Acts 17:11. These Scriptures which are inspired of God are "profitable
for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.
We must receive the Word with meekness and be
obedient to that word. James 1:21, 22. God speaks to us through
that word. We should hear the word gladly. -111 Heather Court,
Scott Depot, WV 25560.