So the Bible says that God set eternity in our hearts. This makes sense as across the world we see people tending to believe in another life, usually an afterlife, spirituality, etc. This all reflects on us being the image of God. This is not reflected in most animals.
Well, the elephants, and great apes have shown signs of some of these, including basic spirituality, and self awareness. What do we make of this?
Eternity in our hearts
-
Philip
- Site Owner
- Posts: 9519
- Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:45 pm
- Christian: Yes
- Sex: Male
- Creation Position: Day-Age
- Location: Betwixt the Sea and the Mountains
Re: Eternity in our hearts
Where? When? Don't confuse grief with showing a sense of an afterlife!ArmyMan: Well, the elephants, and great apes have shown signs of some of these, including basic spirituality, and self awareness. What do we make of this?
-
DBowling
- Ultimate Member
- Posts: 2050
- Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:23 pm
- Christian: Yes
- Sex: Male
- Creation Position: Day-Age
Re: Eternity in our hearts
What differentiates mankind from the other members of the animal kingdom?
According to Scripture, what sets us apart is that mankind and mankind alone are "image bearers of God".
In Genesis 1 the word 'nephesh' (soul/person/creature) is used 4 times (v 20, 21, 24, 30) and in none of those verses does nephesh refer to humans.
Nephesh first refers to a human in Genesis 2:7 when God makes Adam a "living soul/nephesh".
There are many similarities between animals and humans. Animals and humans have bodys, minds, will, and emotions.
What humans possess uniquely is the "image of God".
Since "God is spirit" I think a solid Scriptural argument can be made that the "image of God" corresponds directly with the "spirit" component of human beings.
So as uniquely created image bearers of God, humans and humans alone possess an eternal spirit.
According to Scripture, what sets us apart is that mankind and mankind alone are "image bearers of God".
In Genesis 1 the word 'nephesh' (soul/person/creature) is used 4 times (v 20, 21, 24, 30) and in none of those verses does nephesh refer to humans.
Nephesh first refers to a human in Genesis 2:7 when God makes Adam a "living soul/nephesh".
There are many similarities between animals and humans. Animals and humans have bodys, minds, will, and emotions.
What humans possess uniquely is the "image of God".
Since "God is spirit" I think a solid Scriptural argument can be made that the "image of God" corresponds directly with the "spirit" component of human beings.
So as uniquely created image bearers of God, humans and humans alone possess an eternal spirit.