Let’s get this out of the way quickly: my opinion is that evolution is a theory presented in an attempt to discredit the Bible scientifically.

We did not evolve from lower life forms but were “made in the similitude of God” (Jas 3:9). The Bible is clear about the origin of man. Progressives get caught up in the masculinity of the Bible. Yet, in this case, when the Bible refers to man, mankind, humankind, or humanity, it means the entire human race. On the sixth day of creation, God created caretakers for the earth, creatures made in His image, both male and female, collectively referred to as “man” (Gen 1:27). Not only was mankind the only creature made in God’s image, it is the only creation that God brought to life by breathing His breath into man’s nostrils (Gen 1:7).

Mankind, though made in the image of God, is separate and dependent on Him (Pss 104, 147, 148). We were created in His image so that we could enter into a personal relationship with Him. This sets us apart from all the other creatures and also expresses the value of human life. So precious is the image of God in man that He commands it be protected from bloodshed by the hands of another (Gen 9:6). Also, because mankind is made in God’s image, both males and females share equal standing before God regardless of race or social class (Mt 20:25-28).

God created man with a body and a soul. While the body is our temporary physical presence in this world, our soul will live for eternity (2 Cor 5:1-8). For the believer, God extends the gift of salvation because of our faith. It is a gift from a loving God (Eph 2:4-8). Although man was created to enjoy God’s presence and worship Him, only those who are saved through Jesus Christ can know Him personally and eternally (Rom 3:21-26). Through Jesus, we look forward to a perfect, resurrected body that will be all that God intended for us to be—a true reflection of His image (2 Cor. 5:17, Eph. 4:24).