What Is a Man? 

We don’t have to be biologists to figure this out, but we do have to be wise.

Younger men are asking this question, and it is vital that they know the truth. Many just follow what our post-modern culture tells them, many turn to edgy (if not wicked) online influencers, some model their father figures, and some seek guidance from ancient cultures or traditions.

We know that the Scriptures reveal much about how God designed men, but there is still plenty of mystery left that the Scriptures do not directly address.

Being people of God’s Word, we start with what God clearly reveals in Scripture. From there, whatever other wisdom we hear on manliness is tested against Scripture and then against reality to determine if it is truthful.

With that in mind, I will submit a definition of “man”:

A man is an immortal being created in God’s image, with a mission to accomplish, a body that is unique from a woman’s, and a design of his body and mind that optimize him for leading, taking dominion, and fighting.

Man is an immortal being.

Daniel 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 are two passages showing that we have a body and a soul, and both are resurrected at the end of the age to live eternally. Furthermore, man is made in God’s image. We are made to glorify God by acting like God in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness (remember our catechism).

Many men’s influencers assume we are the product of chance and time, and that we exist as an end in ourselves. This is out of touch with reality and will ultimately lead to folly (Rom 1:20-23).

God made men for greater purposes than paychecks or pleasure.