Male and Female Created He Them

Male and Female - The Image of God

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)

God repeats over and over the fact that He created man in his own image. He really wants us to understand this fact. It is a foundational fact that He wants us to work from in understanding the reason for our existence, and our purpose and role in life.

So the Bible teaches us that man is made in the image and likeness of God and is male and female. When He speaks of man He is not referring to mankind as males only, but as both male and female, because God has defined man as both male and female. All the attributes of God could not be completely expressed in the male alone - it takes both male and female to form the image of God. There are distinct attributes of God that are dominant in the nature of the male but much less manifested in the female (courage, strength, dominion). Likewise, there are attributes of God that are dominant in the very nature of the female that are much less visible in the male (tenderness, nurturing, embellishing). Only in the union of male and female is the image of God complete. Thus marriage is called "Holy Matrimony," because it is the intended completion of God's image. Where the man is lacking or weak, the woman fills the gap, and completes the image. Likewise, where the woman is lacking or weak, the man steps up, and together they make up the image of God. As they are united into one flesh over a lifetime they both are enriched and both become more well rounded in their character and soul. Together they present a powerful testimony about what life is supposed to be like. We have all seen older couples who have been married for 60 or 70 years and we have stood in wonder at a marriage that has survived that long in this wicked world. We are always impressed with the degree to which they have become one flesh and many times we see them die a few days, or even a few hours apart because they literally cannot live without one another. This is God's design and plan for man and life is not complete otherwise.

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18)

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (Proverbs 18:22)

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33)

The only exceptions are those very few who consecrate themselves to the service of God alone. Jesus said:

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. (Matthew 19:12)

It needs to be said here that by definition the word "eunuch" means that something had to be physically done to stop the desires and capabilities that are there by nature for the fulfillment of God's design for union of male and female. There are some who have a purpose in God's plan that sets them apart and their life is lived without husband or wife or children, but these are exceptions and not by any means the rule. If God does this in their life then it is the right thing for them, but it is not the standard for mankind.

…let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:2)

Marriage is honorable in ALL. It is God's plan for man or He would never have made them male and female.

Next: Male and Female Created He Them - Reference Points for Living

Email Me
Straight Paths Bible Church