Intelligent design and evolution are the primary theories of mankind’s origin. Intelligent design says we are the result of a deliberate act of creation; evolution says we are the result of an accidental process of mutation and selection. The Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). We part of that creation: “So God created man in his own image…male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27). How did we get here? God created us in His image and likeness.

Some say we have no purpose; others say it is simply to be happy, be a good person, or reproduce. The Bible tells us why God created us: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, and in our likeness, and let them rule…over all the earth'” (Genesis 1:26). After creating us He says to the first man and woman, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). Why are we here? God created and authorized us to rule over the earth as His kingly representatives.

It is hard to deny there is something wrong with mankind. Many say our problem is ignorance; others say it is superstition or religion. The Bible says that our problem is sin. Adam and Eve (the first man and woman) were plunged into strife, suffering, death, and separation from God when they disobeyed Him (Genesis 3). This is our predicament as well, for we are born with the guilt of Adam’s sin and his propensity toward sin. What’s wrong with us? We are sinners born into a sinful race and a sinful world.

The Western world tries to solve mankind’s problems by advances in science, technology, medicine, and education. But our efforts are futile; only God can redeem us from sin and its consequences. He did this by sending His Son Jesus into the world (John 3:16). Jesus took mankind’s guilt upon Himself and paid the penalty for our sin on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24). He rose from the dead and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:23). How do we solve our problems? By trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice and living for Him.

Mankind has always been fascinated by the afterlife. There are many different answers to the question, “What happens when we die?” The Bible says we are consigned to heaven or hell for eternity. Jesus speaks of the final judgment and says, “Then [the wicked] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). Where are we going? Those who believe in Jesus are going to heaven and those who reject Him are going to hell (John 3:18).