Temple Institute and scripture on ‘What is man that God is mindful of him’?
In its newsletter today, the Temple Institute has the following:
“What is man… that You should be mindful of him?”
(Psalms 8:5)
Tevet 6, 5782/December 10, 2021 …
Martin Luther King, Jr. told us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” And Albert Einstein shared the insight that “G-d does not play dice with the universe.” Does that let man off the hook? If G-d makes the rules and justice is His preserve, what say has man? …
Man’s free will may not trump G-d’s will, but man is a player on a field of cosmic proportions, because G-d made the field level. G-d wants man to be responsible because G-d wants man to partner in the preservation and perfection of creation. G-d wants man on His team, and to play with G-d means to accept upon our shoulders the full weight of free will, by taking responsibility for the choices we make. …
Who are we that G-d should be mindful of us? Only the crown of G-d’s creation, the apple of His eye!
Yes, we could say that God wants humans on His team.
The New Testament asks and answers the question about, “What is man, etc.?”
Here is information related that which is in our free online booklet The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?:
God has a plan.
What is Man?
Notice also the following from Genesis:
15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)
The reason to tend and keep the garden was to work to make it better.
The Old Testament teaches:
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen —
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas. (Psalm 8:4-8)Humans were given dominion over the earth (part of the works of God’s hands). The New Testament amplifies this even further:
5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:5-17, KJV)
So, ruling the universe is part of the plan.
Yet, one of the reasons that all things are not yet under human control is the following:
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)
But redeeming us from sin is part of the plan (cf. Romans 3:24-26), so we will later be able to rule. …
All Things Created for Jesus
The New Testament teaches this related to Jesus and the creation:
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-16)
2 … His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, (Hebrews 1:2-3)
Now, were we simply created to look at Jesus for eternity?
No.
Notice why Jesus said He came:
10 … I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
By have “life” and having it “more abundantly,” Jesus is teaching that He came so that we could have a better eternity and that we could help make eternity better.
Human life has a purpose! Since the Temple Institute does not accept Jesus as Messiah or the New Testament, it does not properly understand why God made humans or anything else for that matter.
Here is more from our free online booklet The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?:
Why Did God Make YOU?
What is your purpose?
YOU are not the same as anyone else. The Bible teaches that “all the members do not have the same function … individually … God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased” (Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:18).
So, you are different. Your destiny is unique and important. Your life has meaning.
What is the biblical meaning of your life?
Who are you?
YOU are one who can give love in a unique way.
And that is something you will be able to do eternally.
In the middle of the last century, the Church of God (Seventh Day) published:
The Christian lives not only for today; he anticipates a better tomorrow. (What the Church of God Believes. The Bible Advocate and Herald of the Coming Kingdom. October 3, 1949, p. 7)
But a Christian does not simply anticipate a better tomorrow. A true Christian builds character now through the tests, opportunities, and trials in life (cf. Romans 5:1-4) which will help the Christian be able to personally contribute to the “better tomorrow.”
Ultimately God has special plans for YOU personally.
God made you to give love in your own individual way (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:20-13:10).
But how?
Essentially, by now living by faith and obedience to God in this life.
By being obedient, making biblical choices, having faith, practicing love, and enduring to the end, Christians will not only build character but make eternity better for themselves and others.
As far as faith goes, since God’s existence is a fact (cf. Romans 1:20; see also the free book, available at ccog.org, Is God’s Existence Logical?), it does not take faith to believe that there is a God. Even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). However, it does take faith to trust, believe, and obey God. That is part of the “mystery of faith” (cf. 1 Timothy 3:9; more on faith can be found in the free booklet, available online at ccog.org, Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen).
God grants His Holy Spirit to those who “obey Him” (Acts 5:32). That, God’s Spirit, is what makes one a real Christian (Romans 8:9-11).
Christians, themselves, later will be changed and perfected at the first resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Revelation 20:5-6) in order to help give love and actually make eternity better. This resurrection coincides with the seventh and last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:52), which is when the time part of the mystery of God will be finished (Revelation 10:7).
The Apostle Paul referred to the change itself as “a mystery” (1 Corinthians 15:51).
Those who are currently non-Christian will have this opportunity for change after they are resurrected later (see also the free book, online at ccog.org, Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation).
Do Good
God is good (Mark 10:18; Psalm 143:10) and does what is right (cf. Genesis 18:25).
God also wants us to do good as this pleases Him (Psalm 34:14; Hebrews 13:16).
19 You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 32:19)
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
5 … God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; (Romans 2:5-7)
God wants good for you and if you truly love and “obey Him” (Acts 5:32; Hebrews 5:9), that is how everything will turn out (Romans 8:28).
Notice the following:
24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor–it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-14)
The above is true, essentially because being productive in work is intended to make things better. And humans should enjoy being productive.
Furthermore, God’s plan takes into account what has happened to you. Notice Old Testament teachings related to that:
11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. 13 The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. 14 From the place of His dwelling He looks On all the inhabitants of the earth; 15 He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. (Psalm 33:11-15)
1 For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 9:1a)
9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
24 A man’s steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way? (Proverbs 20:24)
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me; (Psalm 119:73)
17 … “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” (Ecclesiastes 3:17)
Notice, now, passages in the New Testament:
11 But the one and the same Spirit is operating in all these things, dividing separately to each one as God Himself desires. … 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and you are all individual members. (1 Corinthians 12:11, 27, AFV)
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8)
10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name … (Hebrews 6:10)
God has a plan for ALL! That includes YOU INDIVIDUALLY whether you are called in this age or not. And He considers ALL OF YOUR WORKS.
All that you have been through, all that you have suffered, all of which you accomplished, etc. is preparing YOU to make eternity better (unless you will ultimately refuse to support God’s Kingdom). Everything you have been through has been preparing you for the calling and work God has for you! YOU will be able to give in a unique way and help make eternity better!
The Bible mentions that just like the body has parts like hands and eyes and parts for smelling, hearing, and other things (1 Corinthians 12:12-26), we all have our unique part in the eternal plan God has. Yes, your role could be quite different from the other billions of humans—don’t think God does not have a real plan for YOU.
Furthermore, you are accountable for what you do (Romans 14:12). God will judge based on what you do (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 20:12) as well as what you fail to do (Matthew 25:24-30). The more you do what you should do, the more you will make eternity better for your own self and others. The more you do not do what you should not do, you will make eternity better for your own self and others. God is a righteous judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
The Bible teaches that we shall be rewarded according to our works (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6; Proverbs 24:12; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 22:12)! And we will be able to help more people because of that (cf. Luke 19:15-19). The Bible says that after death, our works follow us (cf. Revelation 14:13)—which basically means that what we learned and developed while physical will shape how we will be able to give and work throughout eternity.
Everything God has done He has had a reason for (Ezekiel 14:23). Including the length of our lives, which is usually a mystery for us (cf. Ecclesiastes 9:12).
“Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22) as He has fantastic reasons for everything He does—even when it does not always seem that way to us (cf. Hebrews 12:11; Romans 8:28).
Many have erroneously judged God based on their own conclusions, yet the Bible also teaches:
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Some things have been hidden. We also do not know everything about any human.
All people are not the same. God has an individual plan for each of us (1 Corinthians 12:4-12).
God is working with all so that each of us can have our part in eternity! As scripture teaches:
17 The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. (Isaiah 32:17)
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)
Peace and pleasures forevermore. A better eternity!
What is something YOU SHOULD DO?
11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:11-14)
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:3-4)
DO GOOD! TRUST GOD.
What does all this mean?
It means that God created what He did so His creation could do good.
Or more specifically, God created everything He did so that eternity would be better!
Isn’t that great?
3 … Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! (Revelation 15:3)
19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)
God’s goodness is great because of what He has prepared for us to come.
In Hebrews 11:4-12, starting with Abel, we learn about various ones called of God in the Old Testament. And referring to them, notice what the verses that follow teach:
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16)
So at least since the time of Abel, people have had faith that God had a plan for something better, and that God is the God of those who truly understood that. The “city” is New Jerusalem which will come down to the earth from heaven (Revelation 21:2).
The plan is for things to get better.
Consider the following from the New Testament:
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
Doesn’t that mean Christians are to do good?
Doing good is making things better.
And if you are willing, you can make eternity better for yourself and all who will later hear God’s call.
More on God’s plan for you is in the free online booklet: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?
More on God’s calling can be found in the free online booklet: Is God Calling You?
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
Why Were You Born? Why did God make you? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject. You may also wish to read the article What is Your Destiny? or watch the video, also titled What is Your Destiny?
Building Character: Going on to Perfection Once you have accepted Jesus, do you need to strive for perfection and build character? A related video sermon is available: Going on to perfection and building character.
What is the Meaning of Life? Who does God say is happy? What is your ultimate destiny? Do you really know? Does God actually have a plan for YOU personally? If you would like to watch videos covering subjects of this article, you can click on the following links: Why YOU? Why Do YOU Suffer? and What is the meaning of your life?
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection. A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
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