If you asked most people, they would tell you that Jesus is the central figure of the scriptures. I’d have a hard time arguing with that, but we shouldn’t forget the importance of mankind in the Bible. The story of the Bible is really the story of mankind. It explains his nature and explores his purpose. To those ends, there are four fundamental truths to learn.

1. Man has an immortal spirit. Job asked, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (14:14). When the physical life is over, someone doesn’t cease to exist. When two parents procreate, a life is created that possesses an eternal spirit. We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and God is a spirit (John 4:24); therefore, I am eternal just like God.
2. Man is a free moral agent. God said, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). The same choice of life and death is played out is being played out today (Galatians 6:7; cp. Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21). Every day is important because you have this freedom.
3. Man is a sinner. This fact has been demonstrated so many times through the pages of the Bible, starting with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” The consequences of sin on your life can be severe. Truly, the way of the sinner is a disaster (Proverbs 13:15).
4. Man can be saved. God wants mankind to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4), and Jesus is proof of this desire (Romans 5:8). Because of point one, Jesus said, “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). When Jesus speaks of “life,” He means spiritual life which includes eternity with Him and the Father.

Everyone has decisions to make once they learn these truths. When Felix learned them, he didn’t act on them (Acts 24:25). Information for the sake of information isn’t really helpful. Use these four truths to change and experience the beauty of the fellowship of God.

Adapted from Lance Byers