THE SPIRITUAL ADAM: THE IMAGO DEI, THE THREE REALMS, AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE SPIRITUAL HUMAN

A Theological Sermon by Dr. Maxwell Shimba Shimba Theological Institute (STI) www.shimbatheological.org

Main Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:7; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 15:35–58; Ephesians 6:10–18

Key Text: Genesis 1:26–28 (KJV)

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

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."

INTRODUCTION: THE SPIRITUAL ADAM AND THE DUAL NATURE OF HUMANITY

Beloved, when we approach the opening chapters of Genesis, we must ask a fundamental theological question: Who was the Adam created in the image and likeness of God, and what was the nature of his existence before the formation of his physical body?

Genesis 1:26–28 presents humanity in relation to God's image, God's blessing, and God's commission. God declared His intention to create humanity in His image and likeness, and He immediately connected that identity with dominion over creation.

The passage reveals four foundational principles:

• Be fruitful.

• Multiply.

• Fill the earth.

• Subdue the earth and exercise dominion.

It also identifies three realms of created life: the sea, the air, and the land.

In this sermon, we will explore these principles through a theological framework that emphasizes humanity's spiritual identity, the distinction between the spiritual and the physical, the authority entrusted to humanity, and the relationship between the present mortal body and the future resurrection body.

John 4:24 declares:

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

If God is Spirit and humanity is created in His image, then we must seriously examine what Scripture teaches about the spiritual dimension of human existence.

First Corinthians 15:45 declares:

"And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."

Paul's teaching about Adam, Christ, the natural body, and the spiritual body provides a significant foundation for this discussion.

The central question is this: How should we understand the spiritual identity of humanity, the authority of the Creation Mandate, and the transformation from mortality to immortality?

Let us examine the Scriptures carefully.

1. THE FIRST PRINCIPLE: BE FRUITFUL

Scriptures: Genesis 1:28; John 15:1–8; Galatians 5:22–23

The first command God gave humanity was, "Be fruitful."

In its immediate context, Genesis 1:28 concerns human reproduction and the continuation of human life. Yet the broader biblical revelation also uses fruitfulness to describe spiritual maturity, productive service, and the manifestation of godly character.

Jesus declares in John 15:8:

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

Fruitfulness is not merely possessing potential. It is the productive expression of what God has entrusted to us.

Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

Therefore, spiritual fruitfulness must begin with fellowship with God and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

How do we implement fruitfulness?

• Develop the gifts and abilities God has entrusted to you.

• Cultivate the character of Christ.

• Produce works that benefit others.

• Become faithful in your family, ministry, profession, and community.

Beloved, the blessing of God should lead us toward faithful responsibility. Do not merely speak about your potential; cultivate it.

Declaration: By the grace of God, I will bear fruit in my character, ministry, knowledge, and service to others.

2. THE SECOND PRINCIPLE: MULTIPLY

Scriptures: Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Timothy 2:2

God commanded humanity to multiply.

The original context concerns the increase of the human family. The principle of multiplication also provides a biblical framework for discipleship, education, leadership, and the transmission of truth.

Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 to commit what he had learned to faithful people who would be able to teach others also.

Notice the pattern: truth is received, cultivated, transmitted, and entrusted to succeeding generations.

A faithful teacher prepares other teachers. A faithful minister equips other ministers. A faithful parent teaches children. A theological institution trains students who can serve the body of Christ.

Multiplication is therefore more than increasing numbers. It includes reproducing faithful service, sound doctrine, godly character, and responsible leadership.

Declaration: I will use the knowledge and gifts God has entrusted to me to equip others and extend the work of faithful ministry.

3. THE THIRD PRINCIPLE: FILL THE EARTH

Scriptures: Genesis 1:28; Matthew 28:19–20; Habakkuk 2:14

The third instruction is to "replenish the earth," meaning to fill the earth in this context.

Humanity was instructed to inhabit the earth, establish communities, cultivate its resources, and extend human society throughout the created world.

The broader Christian application also reminds us that the gospel is not confined to one nation or culture.

Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20).

The Creation Mandate and the Great Commission are distinct biblical commissions, but both have implications for faithful activity beyond one's immediate surroundings.

Through teaching, literature, technology, missions, and theological education, believers can serve people in many geographical locations.

Declaration: I will faithfully serve where God has placed me and remain willing to extend that service wherever He opens a responsible opportunity.

4. THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE: SUBDUE THE EARTH AND EXERCISE DOMINION

Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8:4–8; Genesis 2:15

Genesis 1:28 declares that humanity is to subdue the earth and exercise dominion over the creatures of the sea, air, and land.

The Hebrew word kabash, translated "subdue," conveys bringing something under control. The Hebrew word radah, translated "have dominion," conveys exercising authority or rule.

Humanity was entrusted with responsibility to cultivate the earth, develop its potential, and manage its resources.

Genesis 2:15 adds that the man was placed in the garden to dress it and keep it.

Dominion therefore involves both development and stewardship.

Psalm 24:1 declares:

"The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

Our authority is delegated by God. We are not the ultimate owners of creation, and we cannot exercise legitimate dominion independently of the Creator.

Dominion and spiritual authority

The Creation Mandate begins with God's declaration concerning humanity's image and likeness. The authority follows the declaration of identity.

This order deserves attention: God establishes humanity's identity and then gives humanity its assignment.

However, we must distinguish dominion over the creatures of creation from spiritual warfare against hostile spiritual powers. Genesis 1:26–28 directly addresses the former. Ephesians 6:10–18 addresses the latter.

Both passages belong in a wider theological discussion of humanity's responsibilities, but they address different aspects of biblical teaching.

Declaration: I will exercise the responsibilities entrusted to me with wisdom, integrity, humility, and dependence upon God.

5. THE THREE REALMS OF CREATION: PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS

Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 8:6–8; Ephesians 6:12

Genesis 1:28 identifies three domains over which humanity was given responsibility:

• The fish of the sea.

• The fowl of the air.

• Every living thing that moves upon the earth.

These categories establish the breadth of humanity's dominion within the created order.

The Dual Nature of the Three Realms

Beloved, we must understand that these three realms are not merely physical territories. Because man is both physical and spiritual, the three realms over which he exercises dominion also possess both physical and spiritual dimensions.

The sea, the air, and the land are physical domains that humanity is called to steward, cultivate, and manage. Yet Scripture reveals that there is also a spiritual dimension to these realms that corresponds to humanity's spiritual nature.

Realm One: The Sea — Physical and Spiritual

Genesis 1:28 declares that humanity is to exercise dominion over "the fish of the sea."

The immediate meaning concerns aquatic creatures. Humanity's responsibility includes their management and care within the created order.

However, in the broader biblical revelation, the sea often represents the nations, peoples, and the chaotic forces of the world. In Daniel 7:2–3, the four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea, and four beasts came up from the sea, representing kingdoms and empires. In Revelation 13:1, the beast rises out of the sea.

Therefore, the sea represents both the physical waters with their creatures and the spiritual domain of the nations and peoples of the earth. When we exercise dominion over the sea, we are called to influence nations, cultures, and peoples with the truth and righteousness of God.

Realm Two: The Air — Physical and Spiritual

The verse also identifies "the fowl of the air."

This refers to birds and their place within creation. The mandate encompasses the creatures that inhabit the skies.

Yet the air also possesses a spiritual significance in Scripture. Ephesians 2:2 describes the prince of the power of the air as the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of spiritual wickedness in high places.

The air, therefore, represents both the physical atmosphere where birds fly and the spiritual realm where spiritual forces operate. When we exercise dominion over the air, we are called to engage in spiritual warfare against principalities and powers, standing firm in the armor of God.

Realm Three: The Land — Physical and Spiritual

The text concludes with "every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

This identifies land creatures and completes the passage's broad description of the living creation entrusted to humanity.

The land also carries spiritual significance. It represents the inheritance, the promises of God, and the place of covenant blessing. Israel was given a land as an inheritance, and the promises of God are often tied to the land.

When we exercise dominion over the land, we are called to establish the kingdom of God in communities, to cultivate righteousness and justice in societies, and to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.

The Theological Foundation

Because humanity was created as both physical and spiritual, the dominion mandate extends to both dimensions of existence. The physical realm requires stewardship, cultivation, and responsible management. The spiritual realm requires discernment, prayer, spiritual warfare, and the exercise of God-given authority.

Ephesians 6:12 declares:

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

This passage confirms that the spiritual dimension is real and that believers are called to engage in spiritual conflict with spiritual weapons.

However, we must be careful not to equate the three realms of Genesis 1:28 directly with specific spiritual hierarchies. The text does not explicitly identify the sea, air, and land as three separate invisible spiritual kingdoms. Rather, the text establishes that humanity's dominion extends to all of creation, and because humanity possesses a spiritual nature, that dominion also extends to the spiritual dimensions of existence.

Declaration: I exercise dominion in both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life. I steward creation faithfully and engage in spiritual warfare with the weapons God has provided.

6. THE SPIRITUAL ADAM: GENESIS CHAPTER ONE AND THE FORMATION OF THE PHYSICAL MAN IN GENESIS CHAPTER TWO

Scriptures: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 2:7; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 15:35–49

This is the central theological framework of this sermon.

The relationship between Genesis chapters one and two reveals the distinction between the spiritual Adam created in the image of God and the physical Adam formed from the dust of the ground.

A. God is Spirit

John 4:24 declares:

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

Jesus teaches that the nature of God is spiritual and that true worship must be offered in spirit and truth.

This establishes the spiritual dimension of biblical revelation.

B. The Spirit Adam of Genesis Chapter One

Genesis 1:26 declares:

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion..."

Verse 27 states that God created humanity in His image, male and female.

Verse 28 records the blessing and the Creation Mandate.

The sequence emphasizes identity, blessing, and responsibility. Humanity is created in God's image and entrusted with dominion.

Beloved, we must understand that the Adam of Genesis chapter one was Spirit Adam — the Imago Dei. He was created in the image and likeness of God, who is Spirit. Therefore, the Adam of Genesis chapter one possessed a spiritual body but not yet a physical body.

God is Spirit. The image of God is spiritual. The likeness of God is spiritual. When God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," He was creating a spiritual being who reflected His spiritual nature.

This Spirit Adam existed in the realm of the spirit. He was not yet formed from the dust of the ground. He was not yet a physical being. He was a spiritual being created in the image of the eternal, invisible, immortal God.

The authority given to Spirit Adam was spiritual authority. The dominion entrusted to him was spiritual dominion. He was called to exercise authority over the three realms—sea, air, and land—as a spiritual being operating in the spiritual dimension.

C. Genesis Chapter Two: The Formation of the Physical Man

Genesis 2:7 declares:

"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."

This passage describes the formatio

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This teaching continues in Dr. Shimba's full study.