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Xenos Christian Fellowship Christian Principles Unit 1 Biblical Anthropology

Instructors

Overview

• Introduction
• Creation & Fall
• Federal Headship
• Before & After The Fall
• Total Depravity

Updated 10/10/2000

Introduction

Definition: Anthropology is the study of human nature. Biblical anthropology focuses on the Bible's revelation about humans, especially our original design (CREATION), our present abnormal state (FALL), and the effect of our salvation through Christ (REDEMPTION). We will focus on the first two areas tonight; the third area will be covered extensively later . . .

Importance:

• It helps us understand more about God, since we are created in God's image.
• It helps us understand sanctification, since Christians are "being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him" (Col. 3:10). It also helps us to manage our expectations about perfectionism in this life, realizing we won't be fully restored to God's image until we are with him.
• How we view human nature will affect practical areas like PARENTING (discipline), DELEGATED AUTHORITY (its importance in a fallen world), SOCIAL ETHICS (sexuality; abortion; euthanasia), PSYCHOLOGY (our main problem), our response to SUFFERING, etc.
• It helps us understand contradictions we see in people (both noble qualities and wickedness). People are made in God's image, but deeply fallen.  If we only see people's fallenness we can justify mistreating them.  On the other hand if we only see the image of God, then we are unable to see that they need God's truth.

Creation and Fall (Gen 1:26-3:7)

What is the significance of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? It's not a story about a magical fruit.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represented the choice to trust God to define good and evil versus arrogating that choice to ourselves ("become like God").  In this sense, Satan's promise that eating it would make them like God (3:5) was true (see God's affirmation of this in 3:22)--but it also was an act of rebellion against God's loving rulership which had disastrous consequences for Adam and Eve and all their descendants . . .

Teacher's Note: (Not presented to class) There is no special attention given to the tree and subsequent discussion of this event in the Bible focuses on the morality of Adam and Eve's decision. The forbidden fruit did not offer experiential knowledge of evil. If this were the case then God would also have experiential knowledge of evil. This would contradict one of God's attributes we covered last week: righteousness. For an fuller discussion on this, see Genesis in Space in Time, Francis A. Schaeffer, pp. 71-80.

 

Federal Headship

Definition: The choice of the head affects all of his descendants. Adam’s choices affected all of humanity, and Jesus’ choices affect all who descend spiritually from him. Rom. 5:12-19** teaches this principle most clearly.

Scriptural Support

(Romans 5:12-19)  Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned-- (13) for until the Law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the offense of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. (15) But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. (16) And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification. (17) For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (18) So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. (19) For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

Vs 12: " . . . death spread to all men because all sinned"

Vs 15a: " . . . by the transgression of the one the many died . . . ";

Vs 17a: " . . . by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one . . . "

Vs 18a: " . . . through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men . . . "

Vs 19a: " . . . through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners . . . "

What are these consequences?

(1) Sin nature (vs 19a) (2) physical death (12, 15a) (3) separation from God (spiritual death- 17). Many other passages confirm that mankind reaps the consequences of Adam's sin:

(1 Cor. 15:21,22) "For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive."

Other passages make it clear that we are born in a sinful state and estranged from God.

(Ps. 51:5)  " . . . in sin my mother conceived me"

(Eph. 2:3) " . . . by nature children of wrath"

(Prov. 22:15)   "Foolishness is bound up in a child's heart . . . "

(Gen. 8:21) " . . . for man is evil from his youth up . . . "

Note: Granted, a sinful environment affects us, but the primary reason we sin is because we have a sin nature (Isa.26:10f).

(Mark 7:18-23) And He said to them, "Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him; because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?" (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornication’s, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. "All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."

Objection: "It's not fair. Why should I have to suffer the consequences of someone else's wrong decision?"

Qualification: God will not hold you responsible on judgment day for sins that Adam committed. The guilt of Adam's actions are not attributed to us. Nevertheless, we are still effected by his decision. (Ezekiel 18:20,21)

• With free will, our choices affect others. It is the nature of reality and an essential aspect of free will that our choices have a real impact on the external world. "Why couldn't God have given humans free will, but make sure we chose properly--or made sure there were no negative consequences for our choices?" This is the same thing as wishing God didn't give us free will! The consequences include negative impact on others--even if they don't agree with the choice, even if they have no voice in it, even if they haven't been born yet.

If my great-great-great-grandfather chose to get into a duel before getting married and having children, that choice affected me even though I had was not there and had no choice in the matter. If he lost, I would never be born! Likewise, his choice to immigrate from France to the United States affected some of the most important features of my life (language; environment; etc.).

The Chernobyl disaster (which was the result of human error) immediately affected thousands of people. But the radioactive fallout will continue to adversely affect the environment and cause birth defects for many years to come. In the same way, Adam's sin affected his offspring. Every one of his descendants inherited the moral "fallout" of his rebellion against God.

• We want it both ways.  Although we complain about having to reap the negative consequences of someone else's wrong choices, we don't mind reaping the positive consequences of someone's wise choices. We also like having free will most of the time--until we have to reap negative consequences. We can't have it both ways!

I have yet to hear of anyone filing a complaint about having to receive a large monetary inheritance! Likewise, people do not complain about inheriting artistic talent, intelligence, athletic ability, physical beauty, etc.

• In Christ federal headship operates to our benefit.  Although receiving Adam's spiritual state leads to a way of life apart from God, this principle can work in a positive direction as well . . . see briefly Rom. 5:14-19. Just as we inherit Adam's consequences even though we don't deserve it, we can also inherit Jesus' (another Federal Head) consequences even though we don't deserve it! While we do not have a choice about inheriting the negative consequences of Adam's disobedience, we all have a choice about inheriting the positive consequences of Jesus' obedience (vs 17: "those who receive").

• We have a choice. We can't choose out of being a descendant of Adam. But we can choose to be a descendant of Jesus Christ by receiving him (John 1:12). You can choose to reverse the effects of the fall.

Humanity Before and After The Fall (inferred from Gen. 1-3)

Most of what we know about man's spiritual state before the Fall is inferred from Gen. 1-3. The rest of the Bible describes our fallen state now and what is recovered through Christ.

Spiritual State

Before:

(Gen. 2:16,17):  Adam and Eve had personal access to God, they were able to follow his directives, and they had authority over evil as long as they remained under God's authority.

After:

Humans are cut off from God's presence (Gen. 3:24). Other passages elaborate on the spiritual consequences of the Fall (Rom. 5:12-19**; Eph. 2:1-3**):

(Eph. 2:1-3**) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

• Rom. 5:12,15,-18 Eph. 2:1,3 - death in all manifestations (spiritual separation from God in this life; physical death; eternal separation from God apart from God's intervention)
• Rom. 5:19; Eph. 2:3 - sin-nature; "indwelling sin" (Rom. 7:17) >> internal inclination to rebel against God
• Eph. 2:2 - under Satan's authority (distracted & deceived by the kosmos) >> LATER

Work

Before: Work is not a product of the Fall! Like God, we were designed to be productive and goal-oriented (Gen. 2:15). We derive satisfaction from accomplishing work! A work ethic is good!

After: Work is distorted.  It is difficult and tedious and can become a false source of identity and security.  (Gen. 3:17-19). There is no perfect job! Beware of taking your total identity from your job!

Relational

Before:

" . . . good . . . good . . . not good" (Gen. 2:18). Even in a perfect environment with plenty of productive work and a relationship with God, humans still need relationships with other people. God probably had Adam study the animals to help him realize that he needed a human counterpart (Gen. 2:20).

The marriage relationship reflected the image of God in a unique way. Just as God is a community of love relationships ("Us" and "Our" in Gen. 1:26), so humans in marriage reflect God's image by being separate persons who enjoy a unique unity relationship (Gen. 1:27; 2:24; Jn. 17:24).

After:

Cut off from God, human relationships are now marred by selfishness.

• Fear of vulnerability and alienation (Gen. 3:7).

• Relational conflict breaks out because of refusal to take responsibility for sin (Gen. 3:12).

• Jealousy breeds destructive, affective conflict (Gen. 4:5-8; Jas. 3:13-18; 4:1).

• People use their power to dominate, take vengeance, etc. (Gen. 4:23,24).

• Gen. 6:11 describes human conflict apart from God's intervention.
  
• Relational conflict is driven by selfishness and autonomy.

Sexuality

Before:

Sex is not part of the fall or evil in itself. God's design is permanent, heterosexual monogamy (Gen. 2:24). While God permitted polygamy in Old Covenant Israel, he never condoned it. Rather, it is cited as one of the reasons for Solomon's downfall (1 Kings 11:3,4,6).

After:

Sexual sin is now a self-gratifying alternative to personal intimacy/union with God and/or spouse. Note the tendency toward viewing women as objects (Gen 4:23- Adah means ornament and Zillah means shady), and the advent of polygamy (Gen. 4:23). Promiscuity and perversion are manifestations of human rebellion against God and consequences of that rebellion (Rom. 1:24-27; Eph. 4:19).

(Rom. 1:24-27) Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

Creativity

Before:

Human creativity and art are a part of the image of God in humans. Adam demonstrated his creativity in naming the animals (Gen. 2:19,20). The names probably summarized the essence of each species. His first words to Eve (Gen. 2:23) are poetic.

After:

While Seth's line emphasizes spiritual accomplishments (Gen. 4:26; 5:22-24), Cain's line (Gen. 4:16-24) emphasizes temporal accomplishments (agriculture, metallurgy, music) along with immoral behavior (polygamy, vengeance-killings). This does not mean that human creativity and art are evil in themselves. These things easily become idols utilized by the world-system to seduce us from knowing and serving God (EGO; PRAISE; SEXUAL TEMPTATION). ARTISTS: Handle with care! Be willing to lay it down for a while . . .

Cognition

Before:

Adam also used his powers of observation in naming the animals (Gen. 2:19,20). Modern science developed in cultures with a biblical world-view. Because God created a real and orderly universe, and because we are made in his image, we can use our minds to discover how the universe works, etc. Spirituality should never be anti-intellectual!

After:

Instead of using our minds to discover God's will so we can follow it, fallen humans now tend to use their minds to rationalize rebellion against God. Humans are now motivated to originate comprehensive world-views apart from God and his revelation ("the wisdom of the world" >> DARWIN, FREUD, MARX provided freedom from God in origins, psychology and economics), and there is an innate attraction to these views because fallen humans want to rebel. We are deeply committed to make life work apart from repentance and dependence on God. We expend enormous mental energy on how to manipulate, deceive, intimidate others, etc. (see 2 Peter 2:3,10b, 13, 18)

(Rom. 1:21,22,28,32)  For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing to be wise, they became fools . . . (28) And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper . . . (32) and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

Nature

Before:

Nature was cooperative under man's benevolent rulership Gen. 1:26,28; 2:15). Those who accuse the Bible of being responsible for western civilization's rape of the environment misunderstand it. It affirms the legitimacy of human dominion over nature, but that dominion is defined as a stewardship to be managed with love and respect for the environment. The Old Testament prohibited cruelty to animals. But note: human dominion over nature was contingent to humans remaining under God's rulership.

After:

Nature is now in an abnormal, "futile" state because humans are not in right relationship with God (Gen. 3:17a; Rom. 8:19-21). This is the answer to "natural evil"--suffering not caused directly by wrong choices (NATURAL DISASTERS; DISEASES; GENETIC DEFECTS). Like Chernobyl, they are the disastrous after-effects of a wrong choice.

(Rom. 8:19-21)  For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope (21) that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Authority

Before:

Evidently, all humans were under God's direct authority (Gen. 2:16,17). He communicated his will for them, and they trusted him completely.

After:

Because of human wickedness which threatens to wipe out the race (Gen. 6:11), God institutes human delegated authority to preserve order (Gen. 3:16; 9:6; Rom. 13:1-5).

Civil Government (Gen. 9:6)

Rom. 13:1-5 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

Marriage and Family (Gen. 3:16)

(Col.3:18-21) Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. (19) Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them. (20) Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. (21) Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.

Workplace

(Col.3:22-4:1) Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. (23) Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; (24) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (25) For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. (1) Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.

Church

(Heb. 13:17) Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

• Other delegated authority roles include employer-employee, husband-wife, parent-child, etc. (Gen. 3:16?; Eph. 5:22-6:9; Col. 3:18-4:1). Church authority is also legitimate (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12,13).
  
  Note: While human delegated authorities can and do misuse their authority, God views this as preferable to no delegated authority at all. Respect and submission to delegated authority are therefore important issues in a fallen world.

TOTAL DEPRAVITY

"Total depravity" is the term theologians use to summarize the effects of the Fall.
Definition- all humans are adversely affected in every area of life so that they are unable to seek or approach god.

It does not mean that:

• Humans are without value. Though deeply fallen, we still retain vestiges of God's image and (more importantly) we remain the objects of God's redemptive love.

• We are as evil as we could possibly be. Fallen humans (including non-Christians) are capable of doing good.

It does mean that:

• The fall effects everyone.

• We can never approach God by our righteousness. As sinful beings, we are not acceptable on the basis of our works.

• Every area of our humanity has been adversely affected. Our bodies, minds, emotions, intuition, etc. have all been distorted by the Fall.

• We would never seek for God without his prior initiative (Jn. 6:44). "No one seeks for God" on their own. The fact that we become seekers is the result of God in his grace seeking us and convicting us of our need for him.

Now we're in a position to appreciate GRACE (NEXT WEEK) . . .

Memory Verses

Rom. 5:12-19** - Federal headship; spiritual effects of the fall (Total Depravity)

Eph. 2:1-3** - Spiritual effects of the fall (Total Depravity)

Assignment

Read the following passages concerning substitutionary atonement: Gen. 8:20,21; Gen. 22:1-19; Ex. 12:1-14; Lev. 4; Lev. 16; Isa. 53; Jn. 1:29; Lk. 22:13-20; 1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 9. What new information about this concept is revealed in each passage?

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