Purpose and Capacity

There is order within God; therefore, there is order within humanity. Men reflect the image of God directly, women, indirectly.  Men and women are equal in nature; both are created in the image of God. However, God created them to operate in distinct roles, offices, and levels of authority. The Bible teaches us that God is a Triune Being-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, equal in nature and of the same divine essence. Yet, within the Trinity, each Person operates relationally in a distinct role, office, and level of authority.  

This order of authority and submission to authority is where the Father initiates, plans, and sends the Son and the Spirit, and the Son and the Spirit joyfully always agree with and obey the will of the Father.  

This order is always unilateral.  

The Father sends the Son; the Son never sends the Father.  

The Father and the Son send the Spirit, while the Spirit sends neither. But He sends us as He is the Sanctifier of the body of Christ.  

The Son took on flesh and died on the cross for our sins; the Father did not become flesh, for He is spirit and dwells in unapproachable light, but poured out His wrath on the Son to satisfy the just penalty for our sins.  

This relational order of authority and submission to authority that is demonstrated within the Godhead is also reflected in those who bear His image. And this order is distinct.  

Purpose and Capacity lays out the scriptural evidence relating to truth that men and women, although equal in nature, were designed with differing capacities for a specific purpose to fulfill the role, office, and work that God created them to do as His image bearers in the earth.