Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of Man Part 1: Man's Origins, Constitution, and Reflection of the Trinity

Pastor Terrie Beede's "Studies in Theology" series, anchored in 1 Timothy 4:16, continued its exploration with The Doctrine of Man Part 1: Man's Origins, Constitution, and Reflection of the Trinity. This session built upon previous studies on the introduction to theology, the existence of God, the Trinity, the Word of God, God's attributes, the Doctrine of the Father, the Doctrine of the Son, and the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit.The Doctrine of Man is introduced, acknowledging a necessary study despite potential for human self-elevation in liberal theology. He emphasized man's proper place as a sinner saved by grace, reflecting the Calvary Chapel statement of faith: "We believe that all people are sinners by nature and therefore are under condemnation. That God regenerates based upon faith by the Holy Spirit those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord".The session examined four views on the origin of man:1. Naturalistic Evolution: Man and the universe came from nothing, with man evolving from primordial life, including variations like alien seeding.2. Theistic Evolution: God created man "by means of evolution," an attempt to reconcile science and the Bible. This view, historically adopted by figures like B.B. Warfield, is rejected by the speaker.3. Theistic Evolution with Man as a Special Creation: This suggests the world evolved, but God instantaneously created man at a specific point in time.4. Biblical View (Special Creation): Man is the direct product of God's "special creation" and "special design," as detailed in Genesis 1:26-31, making man the "highest order of God's creation".Regarding the constitution of man, the debate between dichotomy (man as two parts: body and interchangeable soul/spirit) and trichotomy (man as three parts: body, soul, and spirit) was discussed. While many biblical texts use "soul" and "spirit" synonymously, the speaker concluded that "there do appear to be enough places in scripture that refer to spirit, soul, and body for us to accept man as a three-part being". Man is a "unity"—both material and non-material, physical and non-physical—and a "societal unity" (male and female created together as "Adam").Finally, the session explored man as the image of God, created in righteousness, holiness, and with dominion. This image is reflected in our family lives and social relationships within the body of Christ, and notably, in man's individuality. The Trinity, being "three separate individuals... and yet they are one," serves as a model for man's unity. This understanding should shift human focus from self-interest to living for Christ, His body, and the lost world, fostering unity among believers who are "many members individually, but... one body" in Christ, transcending earthly divisions. Future sessions will address the fall of man and the doctrine of sin.