The Gospel and Humanity

Man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinise himself.’ – John Calvin

This paper argues that humanity’s true nature and purpose can only be understood in the light of the Gospel. A Biblical and theological Survey makes the following key points:

• God created human beings to reflect His image
• Humanity’s task of reflecting the image of God was disastrously marred by the sinful decision to reject God, bringing death and judgement.

God’s Son, the man Jesus Christ, perfectly reflected God and showed us what humanity is meant to be. Jesus died and rose on behalf of sinful people to rescue them from the penalty of sin, conform them to His own image, and bring eternal life.