Much has been made of the two records of Creation (Genesis 1 & 2). Suffice to say here that they are complementary, rather than contradictory accounts.
Note the following distinct aspects of mans constitution and position in these chapters:
Ch 1: His Dominion. Ch 2: His Dependence.
Ch 1: His Honour. Ch 2: His Humility.
Ch 1: A Sovereign. Ch 2: A Servant.
Ch 1: Made in the image of God. Ch 2: Formed of the dust of the ground.
In Ch 2.7 we read that "the Lord God formed man from the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul". Here the man is Dust. He is Dependent upon God. He is Distinct from the rest of creation (as signified by the divine breath).
Is Christ to be found here? Notice:
Man is Dust. This speaks of his physical, material construction. It stresses the humility of man. When we consider the Son of God, we learn that "as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same" (Heb 2.14). This is a marvel to our souls! The creator God "became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1.14).
Man is Dependent. How true this was of the Saviour! Prophetically, in Psalm 22 we are introduced forcibly to this fact "Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God" (v9-10 ESV). The eternally independent, self-sufficient One, became dependent man in this world. This can be traced in his prayer-life recorded in the Gospels.
Man is Distinct. When man was created, he was distinguished from the rest of the creatures by the divine breath. He is superior, unique, distinct, with a special glory. How much more is this true of Jesus, the Son of God?
He is distinct, having entered our world, not by special creation, nor by natural generation, but by incarnation. While a real man, He is not a mere man!
"Verily God, yet become truly human;
Lower than angels, to die in our stead.
How hast thou, long-promised seed of the woman,
Trod on the serpent and bruised his head".
He is distinct as the only person intrinsically, perfectly, and impeccably holy. Thus, both in dominion and dependence, both in honour and humility, both as sovereign and servant, He is the Perfect Man!
