Humanity — Created in God's Image, Fallen by Sin
We believe that humanity was created by God, in His own image and likeness, with dignity, purpose, and a unique capacity for relationship with the Creator. However, through sin, humanity fell from its original state of righteousness and became subject to death, corruption, and separation from God.
We believe that human beings are created in the image of God, uniquely designed for relationship with Him. Though all have sinned and are in need of salvation, every person is loved by God, and in Christ, can be restored, renewed, and made a new creation.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
— Genesis 1:27, KJV
The Fall of Man
The first human beings, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. As a result, all people are born with a sinful nature and in need of redemption.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”
— Romans 5:12, KJV
“There is no one righteous, not even one.”
— Romans 3:10, NIV
The Need for Redemption
Because of sin, humanity is spiritually dead and cannot save itself. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can anyone be restored to right standing with God.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 3:23–24, NIV
The Dignity and Destiny of Man
Despite the fall, every human life retains immeasurable value, because we still bear the image of God. In Christ, redeemed humanity is restored, renewed, and destined for eternal fellowship with God.
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”
— Psalm 8:4, KJV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
