satspoor on Nostr: In the beginning of the world, God created mankind in His own image, but our first ...

In the beginning of the world, God created mankind in His own image, but our first parents failed to obey God and incurred his judgment and condemnation. Every person born after Adam bears God’s image, yet has a corrupted nature that hates God and his law.

One would think God would destroy mankind in his righteous indignation and wrath, but he doesn’t. Yes, the curse and consequences of sin are devastatingly bad. The first man and woman are banished from paradise, from God’s presence and his super-abundant blessings.

Yet God shows mercy and declares that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s head. There is hope of redemption.

In the fullness of time, God came down and became a man to live a sinless life and pay the penalty for man’s sin through his death. This God-man was Jesus and he was raised from the dead justified, being the firstfruits of the resurrection to come. At last, in Jesus, the long-hoped for seed of the woman dealt a fatal blow to the serpent, breaking the curse of sin and fulfilling the hope of redemption.

This same Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. On that last day, those who love Jesus will dwell bodily with God forever in the new heavens and new earth. Those who reject Jesus will be condemned forever.

That’s the arc of human history. We are currently living in the already-and-not-yet age, that is, between the time of Jesus’ first and second coming.

We don’t know when Jesus will return, but consider 2 Peter 3:9. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Friends, God is merciful. Turn to Jesus. Only he is able to save you. Read the Bible with an open mind and ask questions, lots of them! I encourage you to find a church that is biblically grounded, with faithful men and women who can help guide you.