Joel M Bradshaw

1This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created.–Genesis 5

Jesus later quoted the first part of verse 2 (Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6). So we simply cannot ignore this passage because it might be uncomfortable to do so in today’s world. Never let your culture decide what the Bible says or what to feel about the Bible. That brings subjectivity to objectivity and makes you or others the arbiters of truth over God.

1. Both male and female equally are Image bearers of God. Neither is superior or loved more by God.
2. God was intentional when he designed and created male and female. We don’t read any confusion or mistake in this. God intentionally makes females female and males male.
3. Man was therefore a category of creation that God uniquely set apart. And that category only contains ones he has made male and others he has made female.

This passage is no doubt seen as controversial today. I have journeyed with people who look at themselves and feel like God made a mistake. Others might look at themselves and feel confused. We take solace in God’s intentionality and purpose in fearfully and wonderfully making each of us. We are not mistakes and are not seen by God as confusing messes. There is clarity and hope in the Creator’s original design.–JMB