Man and woman were made in the image of
God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though
created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit,
dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents
disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their
high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became
subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences.
They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ
reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent
mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are
called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment.
(
Genesis 1:26-28;
Genesis 2:7;
Psalms 8:4-8;
Acts 17:24-28;
Genesis 3;
Psalms 51:5;
Romans 5:12-17;
2 Corinthians 5:19,20;
Psalms 51:10;
1 John 4:7,8,11,20;
Genesis 2:15.
)