3. What was humanity’s nature and purpose at Creation?

Men and women were created in the image of God to reflect His character in thought and action. They were designed for close and loving fellowship with Him. God revealed Himself as the Father of humanity (Matthew 6:9), through Jesus, who is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11), and through the Spirit who takes humanity as His dwelling place (1 Corinthians 6:19).JTL13 3.1

Human beings were created with keen mental and spiritual gifts. We are part of the creation God pronounced “very good.” This is important to remember when we are tempted to devalue ourselves.JTL13 3.2

We are also created to be stewards of the environment (Genesis 1:26). As God’s representatives, we are accountable to Him for our actions in the natural world. We are to care diligently for all that was created lower than us, reflecting God’s beneficent rule over the universe.JTL13 3.3