Definition: The Bible defines humanity as the creation of God, made in His image and likeness. Humanity is depicted as having a unique role in creation, given dominion over the earth, and endowed with the ability to reason, make moral decisions, and enter into a relationship with God. However, humanity is also portrayed as fallen, marred by sin, and in need of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Key Scriptures about Humanity
- Genesis 1:26-27 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
- Psalm 8:4-6 “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”
- Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
- Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
- Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
- Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Genesis 2:7 “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Prayer Points for the World with Scriptures
- Prayer for the Recognition of God’s Image in Humanity
- Scripture: Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
- Prayer: Lord, help the world to recognize that every person is made in Your image. May we treat each other with dignity, respect, and love as bearers of Your likeness.
- Prayer for Repentance and Redemption
- Scripture: Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
- Prayer: Father, we acknowledge our sinfulness and the fallen state of humanity. We pray for repentance and redemption through Jesus Christ for all people.
- Prayer for Justice and Mercy
- Scripture: Micah 6:8 – “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
- Prayer: Lord, instill in the hearts of people worldwide the desire to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Let justice and mercy prevail in all nations.
- Prayer for Eternal Life through Christ
- Scripture: Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Prayer: We pray that people around the world will come to know the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. May the message of salvation reach every corner of the earth.
- Prayer for Peace and Unity in the World
- Scripture: Ephesians 4:3 – “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
- Prayer: Lord, we pray for peace and unity among all people. Help us to overcome division and strife, and to live together in harmony as Your creation.
These scriptures and prayer points highlight the Bible’s teachings on humanity and guide us in praying for the well-being and spiritual growth of the world.