In this chapter Horton goes into the purpose of creation especially when it comes to people. Loaded chapter with so much to digest so here are my humble takeaways:
1. God saw that everything he made was very good (Gen 1:31) especially after creating people after his image (which sets people apart from all other creation - intimate ties to the creator).
2. General/natural revelation (mountain/stars, civil, relationship, etc.) is something we all can enjoy today (helps piece together the "hows" and "whens" of creation) but the special revelation (Bible) helps us understand the "whys" of creation such as why do we exist? Why does he even need us?
3. What does it mean to be made in his image? That all humanity bear his communicable attributes such as moral, creative, and religious dimension. It really puts relationships into perspective: to respect all people and treat everyone well knowing each person bears the image of God.
4. The "why" question in creation of people is probably the toughest to grasp. Was God bored or something? Was he incomplete without us? Not really since he's a sufficient God. He also had all of creation and angels to praise him. Horton gives an illustration of an artist taking pleasure in his masterpiece. He also throws out the famous Westminster Shorter Catechism Q/A #1. Question: "What is the chief end of man?" Answer: "To glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Artist illustration is actually a poor example IF we were simply that: his masterpiece that can't express or appreciate the artist back. But the reality is that we CAN enjoy and glorify him through the personal relationship we have with him.
5. With point #3 in mind…work was created BEFORE the fall. It was meant to be a beautiful calling and privilege that served as means of enjoying him and glorifying him for all people. Sin kind of changed all that though as we work with imperfect colleagues, management, business ethics, selfish vendors, etc. However, it's a good reminder that work was designed originally with God's image in mind. Honestly though, I can't imagine work ever being so wonderful always. Haha. Knowing its original intended purpose and why I exist today definitely inspires me to pursue excellence and diligence in my calling. Since I'm a pea brain, I tend to forget this often though so need lots of reminders!
In this chapter Horton goes into the purpose of creation especially when it comes to people. Loaded chapter with so much to digest so here are my humble takeaways:
1. God saw that everything he made was very good (Gen 1:31) especially after creating people after his image (which sets people apart from all other creation - intimate ties to the creator).
2. General/natural revelation (mountain/stars, civil, relationship, etc.) is something we all can enjoy today (helps piece together the "hows" and "whens" of creation) but the special revelation (Bible) helps us understand the "whys" of creation such as why do we exist? Why does he even need us?
3. What does it mean to be made in his image? That all humanity bear his communicable attributes such as moral, creative, and religious dimension. It really puts relationships into perspective: to respect all people and treat everyone well knowing each person bears the image of God.
4. The "why" question in creation of people is probably the toughest to grasp. Was God bored or something? Was he incomplete without us? Not really since he's a sufficient God. He also had all of creation and angels to praise him. Horton gives an illustration of an artist taking pleasure in his masterpiece. He also throws out the famous Westminster Shorter Catechism Q/A #1. Question: "What is the chief end of man?" Answer: "To glorify God and to enjoy him forever." Artist illustration is actually a poor example IF we were simply that: his masterpiece that can't express or appreciate the artist back. But the reality is that we CAN enjoy and glorify him through the personal relationship we have with him.
5. With point #3 in mind…work was created BEFORE the fall. It was meant to be a beautiful calling and privilege that served as means of enjoying him and glorifying him for all people. Sin kind of changed all that though as we work with imperfect colleagues, management, business ethics, selfish vendors, etc. However, it's a good reminder that work was designed originally with God's image in mind. Honestly though, I can't imagine work ever being so wonderful always. Haha. Knowing its original intended purpose and why I exist today definitely inspires me to pursue excellence and diligence in my calling. Since I'm a pea brain, I tend to forget this often though so need lots of reminders!