We believe and teach that man is a direct product of the creative handiwork of God (Genesis 2:7). God created mankind in and according to His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), and even after the fall, no matter how thoroughly distorted that image has become, it was not eradicated (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9).
The reality of the image and likeness of God indicates that mankind, via his original creation, resembles God in certain characteristics and capacities which are prerequisite for horizontal and vertical relationships and also for mankind's exercise of dominion over the rest of the earth. The grace of God in salvation, sanctification, and glorification focuses on the renewing of this image until it is finally perfect and eternally established (e.g. Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Both male and female equally bear the image of God. Although they share the same essence of being, there are nevertheless functional distinctions and subordinations (cf. similar to the Trinity). These differences, biblically based upon creation, not cultural biases, are significant for both our families and our flock (e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6).
God's original intention for male and female image bearers is that they be united as a couple into a bond, graphically designated "one flesh" (i.e. marriage), for the purpose of companionship and so that they might be fruitful and multiply. God was pleased to ordain marriage as the first institution for mankind. Each of the relational partners in the design of God is to complement the other in all areas of being (e.g. Genesis 2:18-25). They are spiritual equals (Galatians 3:28) yet have differing roles according to God's wise purpose. This is why the sin of homosexuality, being "against nature" (Romans 1:26), violates the original order, and therefore, all who practice it stand under the condemnation of God. The only remedy, as in the case of sin in general and sins particularly, is God's gracious salvation appropriated by biblical repentance manifested in the fruit of obedience (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
Through Adam's one act of disobedience, he not only fell from his estate of innocence into one of separation and alienation from God, but as our representative, he also plunged the whole race into sin and death (e.g. Genesis 2:17; 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21). Consequently, all persons from their conception and birth, are innately unholy and stand condemned by condition (e.g. Psalm 51:5; Ephesians 2:1, 3), and commission (e.g. Romans 1:18-3:20) before their Creator and Judge.
Man's depravity is total in breadth (e.g. 1 Kings 8:46; Psalm 14:1-3; Isaiah 1:2-6; 53:6; Romans 3:9-20) and depth (e.g. Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:14-23). Furthermore, all the functions of man's heart (i.e. rational, volitional, emotional, etc.) are morally tainted by sin and perversity (e.g. Genesis 6:5; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ephesians 4:17-19), leaving mankind utterly hopeless and helpless in reference to any kind of human reformation or rescue (e.g. Isaiah 64:5; Jeremiah 13:23; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 1:21-22).
The realities are not only crucial for an accurate theology, but also for a biblically acceptable methodology for ministry (e.g. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
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