CREATED

"In the beginning GOD created the heaven and the earth." KJV Genesis1:1a

בְּרֵאשִׁית, בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים, אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ.

Who is GOD, what is GOD and why would a perfect GOD create man?

Attempting to understand the mind of GOD is a monumental task, if not impossible; since we barely understand ourselves. 

         I --> "The ALL is Spirit, unknowable and undefinable."

"The truth is that we do not have the power to understand what GOD is, and just as we cannot understand Him, so we cannot understand His reasons."  Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

Make no mistake, our finite minds and understanding are so far removed from the Mind of the Infinite GOD in whom we exist. 

If we use the skills of observation and deduction, like a scientist or the caricature Sherlock Holmes, we may be able to come to a simplified understanding of GOD and His purpose for creation.  Keep in mind, science is an organized system for the study of particular aspects of the natural world.  But, science is limited by our senses [sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell].  Science emphasizes an objective approach and is mostly concerned with how things occur rather than why they occur.  A scientist is mainly interested in how the natural world works.  They are not interested in questions of ultimate purpose.  Remember, all things that operate outside of the natural world are supernatural.

Let's first take a look at a few of our options for beginning this task. 

a. We may begin by attempting to communicate with GOD.  How do we do this? What should we say?  When is the best time to attempt to open communications. 

b. Another option would be to examine a multitude of ancient manuscripts on the subject of Divinity and creation.  Here we can examine what men and women from time immemorial have written about their experiences with the living GOD.  We may also come to an understanding of how they began a relationship with GOD.  This may also reveal what GOD's true purpose is for his creation, man.

c. In order to comprehend the magnitude of our GOD, we should first understand the difference between created and made.

Beginning with c., the word made is the past tense and present participle of make. According to dictionary.com, it's a verb[action] and means to bring into existence by shaping or changing material, combining parts, etc.  Make is to put together, construct or compose, from things that already exist; atoms, molecules, elements, etc. 

Using the same source, the word 'create', also a verb, means to evolve from one's own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention.  Here we have no materials[Primum Mobile] just thought.

"By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of GOD, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."  Hebrews 11:3

Option b., examining a multitude of ancient manuscripts on this subject would be our next step.  The Bible is an excellent collection of manuscripts about a Holy GOD.

"The Bible (from Koine Greek τὰ βιβλία, tà biblía, "the books"[1] ) is a collection of texts sacred in Judaism and Christianity. It is a collection of scriptures written at different times by different authors in different locations. Jews and Christians consider the books of the Bible to be a product of divine inspiration or an authoritative record of the relationship between God and humans."  Wikipedia

According to The Bible, GOD is The Divine Creator, the Father.  Professor Guyot adds that "whenever the simple form of בָּרָא used in the bible it always refers to a work made by GOD and never by man. These considerations, with others, justify the statement that 'created' here means created out of nothing."    

We are told that GOD is a Divine Presence; "For in him we live, and move, and have our being;" [KJV Acts 17:28].   "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." KJV Romans 11:36.

Here we have the simplistic answer to who and what GOD is.  There is much more detail throughout the Holy Bible and the ancient manuscripts.

Why would a perfect GOD create man?  "For He hath satisfied the longing soul, and the hungry soul He hath filled with good." Psalm 107:9  GOD is pure goodness. His purpose for creating man was to let us experience and share that goodness.  He wants us to desire companionship with Him and our fellowman.  What can we derive from this gift of goodness? Firstly, there is no greater good than GOD. Therefore, the greatest good He can give is Himself.  To experience this good gift, we must be at-one with GOD [atonement].  Thus, we must partake of his essence[image] in order to experience Him and fulfill the purpose of His creation.  The magnificence of this gift is that He must ultimately give us the ability to receive this gift as well.

"The more we expand our awareness of GOD's Presence and the Divine Hand that guides our lives, the greater will be our capacity to receive." Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.  For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.  Therefore let no man glory in men.  For all things are your's;" 1 Corinthians 3:16-21

Man must recognize that he is a vessel of GOD and strive to live in his image; holy and righteous.  We are that temple of GOD and are created to be in a constant relationship with Him. This relationship is paramount; since He has also made man responsible for earth.

"The GOD who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples maid with hands." KJV Acts 17:24