Topical Encyclopedia The concept of devotedness to God is deeply rooted in the understanding of our creation as depicted in the Holy Scriptures. From the very beginning, the Bible establishes that humanity was created by God, for God, and in the image of God, which forms the foundational basis for our devotion to Him.Creation in the Image of God The Book of Genesis provides the initial insight into the purpose and nature of human creation. Genesis 1:26-27 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This passage highlights that being made in the image of God is central to our identity and purpose. It implies a unique relationship between the Creator and His creation, one that calls for reverence, worship, and devotedness. Purpose and Dominion The mandate given to humanity to "rule over" creation (Genesis 1:26) further underscores the responsibility and privilege bestowed upon us by God. This dominion is not merely about authority but about stewardship and service, reflecting God's character and purposes. Our devotedness to God is thus expressed through our faithful stewardship of His creation, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority and source of all life. The Breath of Life Genesis 2:7 provides another profound insight: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This act of God breathing life into man signifies the intimate and personal nature of our creation. It is a reminder that our very existence is sustained by God, and thus, our lives should be lived in devotion to Him, recognizing His continual presence and provision. The Call to Holiness The call to holiness is another aspect of our creation that demands devotedness to God. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" As beings created in the image of a holy God, we are called to reflect His holiness in our lives. This call to holiness is a call to devotedness, as it requires setting ourselves apart for God's purposes and living in accordance with His will. The Covenant Relationship Throughout the Scriptures, the covenant relationship between God and His people further emphasizes the need for devotedness. In Deuteronomy 6:5 , the Shema declares, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment encapsulates the essence of devotedness, calling for a total and unwavering commitment to God, grounded in love and obedience. The Role of Worship Worship is a natural expression of our devotedness to God, rooted in our creation. Psalm 95:6 invites us, "O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Worship acknowledges God as our Creator and sustainer, and it is through worship that we express our gratitude, reverence, and allegiance to Him. The New Creation in Christ In the New Testament, the theme of creation is expanded through the concept of the new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation through Christ calls for a renewed devotedness to God, as believers are called to live in the light of their new identity, reflecting the character and purposes of their Creator. In summary, the devotedness to God is fundamentally grounded upon our creation. As beings made in the image of God, sustained by His breath, and called into a covenant relationship, our lives are to be marked by worship, holiness, and faithful stewardship, all of which reflect our ultimate purpose and identity in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 86:9All nations whom you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord; and shall glorify your name. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library section second. Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Resources What does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.orgDevotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Devotedness to God: A Characteristic of Saints Devotedness to God: Bearing the Cross Devotedness to God: Christ, an Example of Devotedness to God: Doing all to God's Glory Devotedness to God: Epaphroditus Devotedness to God: Giving up all for Christ Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: Our Creation Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: Our Preservation Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: Our Redemption Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Call of God Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Death of Christ Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Goodness of God Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Mercies of God Devotedness to God: Living to Christ Devotedness to God: Loving God Devotedness to God: Peter, Andrew, James, John Devotedness to God: Self-Denial Devotedness to God: Serving God Devotedness to God: should be Abounding Devotedness to God: should be in Life and Death Devotedness to God: should be Persevering Devotedness to God: should be Unreserved Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Bodies Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Members Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Spirit Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Substance Devotedness to God: Walking Worthy of God Devotedness to God: Want of, Condemned Related Terms |