The main theological topic addressed in Don Fortner's article "What Is Man?" is the dignity and significance of humanity in relation to God and angels, as articulated in Hebrews 2:5-9. Fortner argues that despite humanity's fallen state, God has crowned man with glory and honor, intending for him to have dominion over creation rather than being subjugated to angels. The article references Psalm 8:4-6 to highlight the astounding grace God shows to mankind, who is made a little lower than angels yet destined for greatness. Fortner emphasizes that a proper understanding of humanity must be seen against the backdrop of God’s majesty, asserting that a low view of God leads to sin and heresy. The practical application of this doctrine encourages believers to view themselves and others through the lens of God's grace and sovereignty, fostering worship and reverence towards Him.
Key Quotes
“Whenever we read about, hear about, or think about God's goodness, mercy, love, and grace toward fallen sinful man, we ought to be utterly astonished.”
“The root of all sin, the cause of all unbelief and the source of all heresy in the world can be found in this one thing: All men by nature have low views of God.”
“Only when we see the greatness of God will we worship him, love him, trust him, and honor him as God.”
What does the Bible say about the significance of man?
The Bible teaches that man is created by God and crowned with glory, being made a little lower than the angels, with everything put under his feet.
Moreover, the fall of man into sin has not diminished his importance in God's sight; rather, it underscores the depth of God’s grace. Jesus, made lower than the angels for a brief time, suffered death for every man, demonstrating that each individual holds great value in God’s redemptive plan. Thus, the biblical view of man is one of dignity, purpose, and responsibility, framed by the acknowledgment of God’s glory and grace.
Hebrews 2:5-9, Psalm 8:1-3
How do we know that God is mindful of man?
We know God is mindful of man through scripture that depicts His intentions and love for humanity, as illustrated in Psalm 8 and Hebrews 2.
The ultimate expression of God's mindfulness is found in the person of Jesus Christ, who became lower than the angels, taking on human flesh as an act of love and redemption. This sacrificial act underscores that God sees us, values us, and actively participates in our salvation. Recognizing God’s mindfulness prompts us to respond with awe, worship, and gratitude.
Psalm 8:1-3, Hebrews 2:5-9
Why is understanding God's greatness important for Christians?
Understanding God's greatness is essential for Christians as it shapes our worship, trust, and purpose, grounding us in the truth of His sovereignty.
When we understand God's greatness, it cultivates a deeper faith and reliance on Him amid life's uncertainties. This understanding fosters a relationship marked by reverence, trust, and obedience, as we acknowledge that our lives and purposes are intertwined with His glorious plans. Therefore, Christians are called to elevate their view of God, ensuring that it informs their worship, decisions, and interaction with the world, leading to a life that reflects His glory and grace.
Isaiah 40:10
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 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? 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: lower...: Or, a little while inferiour to 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. 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. for the...: Or, by - Hebrews 2:5-9What Is Man?”
Angels were highly venerated by the ancient Jews, almost to the point of worship, just as they are by many today. Because so many would put the angels of God in the place of God, making them the objects of adoration and worship (Many even pray to the angels!), superstitions abound concerning those heavenly creatures. Therefore, the Holy Spirit gave us these first two chapters of the Book of Hebrews to show us Christ’s greatness and superiority over the angels. He is the Creator. They are, like us, his creatures.
The angels are, as we read in verse 14 of chapter one, -- “Ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be the heirs of salvation.” It never was God’s intention or purpose to put his people in subjection to, under the rule of, angels or to make them in any way inferior to the angels, neither in this world, nor in the world to come (v. 5).
The Question
Then, in verses 6-9, the inspired writer quotes from Psalm 8, raising the question, “What is man?” “What is man” – That God should be so gracious to him? “What is man” – That the angels of God should serve him? “What is man” – That the world to come should be put in subjection to him?
Whenever we read about, hear about, or think about God’s goodness, mercy, love, and grace toward fallen, sinful man, we ought to be utterly astonished. We ought to ask, “What is man?” (Job 7:17-18; Ps. 144:3-4).
The Backdrop
Be sure you do not miss the backdrop against which this question is asked. Both the Psalmist (Ps. 8:1-3) and the writer of the Book of Hebrews (Heb. 1:1-3) raised this question (“What is man?) against the backdrop of the glorious greatness of God. We cannot form a right and proper view of anything in God’s creation if we fail to see the greatness and glory of God.
The root of all sin, the cause of all unbelief, and the source of all heresy in the world can be found in this one thing -- All men by nature have low views of God. Satan could not persuade Eve to sin until he convinced her that God was not as great as she thought he was. We would never doubt his Word if we did not question his greatness. Men would never pervert the gospel, if they did not have very low views of God. Therefore, the first message of every prophet, apostle, and preacher sent of God is, “Behold your God!” (Isa. 40:10). Only when we see the greatness of God will we worship him, love him, trust him, and honor him as God.
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