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Genesis 2 tells the story of the formation of the first man, Adam, which provides a foundation for the rest of the Bible. If we believe that “thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11), then we know man’s purpose for life. Otherwise, we are left adrift on a sea of unknowing. No Christian should have to wonder why he is on this earth, because God has told him in the Scripture. Nor should he have to wonder what his purpose in life is.

The only reason that a man with knowledge of the Scripture could sensibly wonder these things is this: he has rejected God’s plan and wants to find another one. God’s creation of man lays the groundwork for His plan for man.

Man is the only creation that the Bible specifically states was made out of another creation. “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.” (Genesis 2:7) Here, in Adam’s physical quickening (making alive), we find a picture of revival, spiritual quickening (although, of course, there is a difference in that revival is a bringing back to life, whereas the dust was brought to life for the first time when it became Adam).

This dust had a job that it could fulfill as dust. It could provide a place for the animals to step. It could provide a place for plants to grow. It could provide a place for birds to rest. However, there was a great amount of dust which could perform these functions. This particular dust had a greater purpose to fulfill, a higher calling, which it could only achieve by ceasing to be dust, and becoming man. When it became man, it gained a higher position, a more noble calling, a bright future. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.” (Psalms 8:6-8)

Even so, unsaved man can do many valuable things, such as running the government: “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:3-4) Many unsaved people work protecting various countries and their people from invasion and crime. However, man has a higher calling than this, a calling that he can only reach by surrendering his life to God and becoming a new creature. “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11) To attain to this higher calling, man must be willing to give up his lesser calling and turn his life over to God. He must be willing to accept the higher responsibilities that come with the higher calling.

Sometimes people may wonder, “If a lot of people followed the Bible, who would govern and defend our country?” But this question is as if the dust (had it had mental and verbal powers) would have said, “If all dust became man, where would the animals, and even man, walk?” There was no shortage of dust, because the rest of the dust stayed put. No more became men. Even so, the Scripture tells us that there will be an abundance of unsaved people: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) We don’t need to worry about a lack of unsaved people, because, while this world lasts in its present state, there will always be an abundance of unbelievers to carry out the jobs that such people do.

Are we willing to accept revival? Are we ready to pay the price, and to leave behind our earthly ambitions and goals? “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (I Timothy 6:12)