Teachings About Human Beings from the Genesis Stories of Creation

Created in the Image of God: Human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, which signifies their inherent dignity and value.
Authority Over Creation: Humans are given dominion and authority over all of God’s creation, reflecting their role as stewards of the earth.
Fellowship with God: They have the ability to communicate and fellowship with God, indicating a special relationship between humanity and the divine.
Special Creatures: Human beings are considered unique and special among God’s creations, highlighting their significance in the created order.
Ability to Reason: They possess the capacity to think, reason, and make moral choices, including the choice to sin.
Divine Blessing: Humans are blessed by God, which includes the potential for prosperity and fulfillment in their lives.
Garden of Eden: They are provided a special place to live—the Garden of Eden—emphasizing a divine provision and intended harmony with creation.

Effects of Sin on Adam and Eve

Mortality: They began to die, despite being created to live forever.
Fear of God: They experienced fear and tried to hide from God when He called to them.
Loss of Authority: They lost their dominion over creation as a consequence of their disobedience.
Inequality: The relationship between man and woman was altered, resulting in man ruling over woman.
Pain in Childbirth: The woman was destined to experience pain during childbirth as a result of sin.
Enmity with the Serpent: A new hostility developed between humanity and the serpent, symbolizing the ongoing struggle with evil.
Embarrassment: They felt ashamed of their nakedness, leading to a loss of innocence.
Expulsion: They were expelled from the Garden of Eden, signifying separation from God’s presence and blessings.
Mistrust: Sin led to a breakdown of trust between man and woman, affecting their relationship.

Visitation: Church members may visit or invite those who have fallen away to their homes, fostering connections and support.
Forgiveness and Patience: The church practices forgiveness and shows patience towards those who have strayed from the faith.
Preaching and Teaching: They engage in preaching and teaching to remind individuals of the faith and its tenets.
Encouragement to Confess: The church encourages fallen members to confess their sins, promoting healing and reconciliation.
Guidance and Counseling: Pastoral care is provided through guidance and counseling to help individuals navigate their faith journey.
Prayer: The church prays for those who have fallen away, seeking divine intervention and restoration.
Material Support: Assistance is offered to those in need, showcasing the church’s commitment to the well-being of its members.