Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
Introduction
A. There are some very different answers offered to this question, and the answer that you accept will play a major role in how you live.
B. When we look at humanity under the microscope of revelation, we realize that we are eternal beings, made in God’s own image.
Discussion
I. Man is a physical being.
A. In terms of physical composition, “the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7).
B. Man needs physical things to sustain life (Genesis 3:17–19).
C. As physical beings, our bodies will eventually die and return to the dust (Hebrews 9:27; Ecclesiastes 12:17).
II. Man is a spiritual being.
A. It is in this sense that man is created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26; 2:7; John 4:24).
B. Life exists only when the spirit is present with the body (Genesis 2:7; Jas. 2:26).
C. God is the one who gives life (Acts 17:25), and only God has the right to take it away (Gen. 4:8–12; Ex. 20:13).
III. Man is an eternal being.
A. After our physical bodies die and decay, they will be resurrected and changed (1 Cor. 15:35–54).
B. After death, the Judgement is certain (Heb. 9:27).
C. After Judgment, the eternal soul will occupy one of two eternal dwellings (John 5:24–30; Matt. 25:46).
Conclusion
A. Man’s existence is both purposeful and eternal.
B. Where will you spend your eternity?