The Fundamentals of Faith: Life

One of the most basic questions human beings ask is this: Why am I here? Closely connected to it are questions like How did I get here? Does my life matter? Is there a purpose beyond simply existing? Every culture, philosophy, and worldview attempts to answer those questions. But Scripture does something unique in answering these questions; it takes us back to the beginning.

If we want to understand life, its value, and its purpose, we must begin where God begins: creation.

In Genesis 1 and 2, we are given both the origins of the universe and the origins of life and humanity. These chapters are not written as an informational account of origins; they are written for our benefit: to anchor our identity. Before Scripture ever speaks of sin or redemption, it establishes a foundational truth: life comes from God.

In these opening chapters, we discover three foundational truths about life and humanity; truths that are fundamental to the Christian faith.

1. Humanity is created by God.
2. Humanity is created in the image of God.
3. Humanity is created with purpose.

If you take away any one of these, life begins to lose its meaning.

Humanity Is Created by God
Genesis 1:26 begins with these words: “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’”
The sixth day of creation is the culmination of the creation account. God has spoken light into existence, separated land from sea, filled the sky and waters with life, and caused the earth to bring forth living creatures. But when it comes to humanity, the narrative changes. God pauses. He speaks. “Let us make human beings in our image…”

God is making a clear claim: human life is intentional.

We are not accidents of nature. We did not emerge by chance or stumble into existence without purpose. Humanity exists because God created us. That truth alone changes everything.
If life is accidental, then our value is subjective. But if life is created by God, then it is sacred.
Before you or I ever took a breath, God was already at work forming humanity. Life begins not with chaos, but with divine intention.

Humanity Is Created in the Image of God
Genesis 1:27 continues: “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

This is a very important verse in Scripture. Everything that follows, how we understand morality, justice, dignity, and purpose, flows from this truth.

To move forward in Genesis, and to understand life biblically, we must accept this: we are created in God’s image.

That does not mean we are gods. It means we reflect Him. We bear His likeness in ways no other part of creation does.

As image-bearers, humans possess intellect; we can think, reason, imagine, and create. We are moral beings; we have a conscience and an awareness of right and wrong. We are relational; we give and receive love. We are spiritual; we long for meaning, eternity, and connection with God. Some have said, “the image is a capacity to relate to God. Man’s divine image means that God can enter into personal relationships with him, speak to him, and make covenants with him.”[1]

This is what distinguishes humanity from the rest of creation. Animals are living beings, but they are not image-bearers. Nature declares God’s glory, but humanity represents Him.

Commentator Gordon Wenhan writes, “(In ancient times), Images of gods or kings were viewed as representatives of the deity or king. The divine spirit was often thought of as indwelling an idol, thereby creating a close unity between the god and his image. Whereas Egyptian writers often spoke of kings as being in God’s image, they never referred to other people in this way. It appears that the OT has democratized this old idea. It affirms that not just a king, but every man and woman, bears God’s image and is his representative on earth.”[2]

Thus, we are God’s representatives in the world.

This truth also grounds human dignity. Every life has value because every human bears the image of God.

Formed by God and Given Life
Genesis 2 slows the story down and gives us a more detailed picture of humanity’s creation. Genesis 2:7 says: “Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”

Unlike the rest of creation, which comes into existence by God’s spoken word, humanity is formed, and God breathes life directly into man.

This tells us something essential about life: humanity is more than material.

The phrase “living person” reminds us that humanity is not a shell filled with breath; we are living souls. God’s life animates us.

This formation reveals God’s care. Humanity is not an afterthought. We are not disposable. We are lovingly created.

Created for Relationship
As the narrative continues, something unexpected happens. For the first time in creation, God identifies something as “not good.”

Genesis 2:18 says: “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’”

This does not mean creation is flawed. It means creation is incomplete. God recognizes that humanity, made in His image, is designed for relationship.

God brings the animals to Adam to be named—a sign of stewardship and authority. Genesis 2:19–20 tells us: “So the LORD God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them… But still there was no helper just right for him.”

Adam names the animals, but none are suitable companions. There is no equal, no partner, no shared humanity.

So, God acts again.

Genesis 2:21–22 “So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.”

God creates woman not from Adam’s head or feet, but from his side, signifying equality, mutual dignity, and shared purpose.

Adam’s response is joyful recognition. Finally, someone like him. Life is meant to be shared.

Created With Purpose
Being made in God’s image leads directly to responsibility. Genesis 1:28 says: “Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’”

First, humanity is given dominion; this does not give permission to exploit, but responsibility to steward. Creation belongs to God. We are caretakers, ruling on His behalf.

Second, humanity is given the blessing of reproduction. Life begets life. Children are a gift from God, entrusted to be raised for His glory.

Third, humanity is given work. Genesis 2:15 says: “The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”

Work is not a curse; it is part of God’s good design.

Fourth, humanity is given provision. Genesis 1:29: “Then God said, ‘Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.’”
God provides abundantly.

And finally, humanity is given a relationship with God. Adam and Eve walk with God in the garden. Life is lived in communion with Him.

Genesis 1:31 concludes: “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!”

Not just good but very good.

Rest and Completion
Genesis 2:2–3 tells us that God rested—not because He was weary, but because creation was complete. Rest is woven into life itself. We are not created to endlessly strive, but to delight in God.

Conclusion: The Meaning of Life
So, we return to our questions:
Why am I here?
How did I get here?
Does my life matter?
Is there a purpose to my existence?
Genesis answers these questions.

1. You are here because God created you.
2. Your life matters because you bear God’s image.
3. You have purpose because you were created to glorify God and enjoy Him.

The Westminster Catechism captured it well: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”

Life, at its core, is God-given, God-shaped, and God-directed.
That is the fundamental Christian understanding of life.
 
[1] Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis 1–15, vol. 1, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1987), 31.

[2] Gordon J. Wenham, Genesis 1–15, vol. 1, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1987), 31.

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