What Determines Human Worth?
Key Text: Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV)
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.”
INTRODUCTION
We live in a world that constantly assigns value—by productivity, wealth, influence, appearance, usefulness, or approval. People are praised, dismissed, elevated, or discarded based on what they can offer. But Scripture asks a deeper question: How does God measure human worth?
The Bible’s answer is radically different from the world’s.
Ellen G. White writes:
“Heaven’s plan of salvation is broad enough to embrace the whole world. God longs to breathe into prostrate humanity the breath of life.”
(Prophets and Kings, p. 377)
Human worth, according to Scripture, is not achieved—it is bestowed.
HUMAN WORTH BEGINS AT CREATION
Scripture
Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Before humanity ever sinned…
Before there was obedience or disobedience…
Before achievement or failure…
God declared humanity good.
Biblical Story: Creation (Genesis 1–2)
Adam and Eve are given:
- Identity (image-bearers)
- Relationship (communion with God)
- Responsibility (stewardship)
Their worth existed before their work.
Ellen G. White Commentary
“Man was the crowning act of the creation of God, made in His image, and designed to be a counterpart of God.”
(Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45)
Key Truth:
Your worth is not something you earn—it is something you were given.
SIN MARRED, BUT DID NOT ERASE, HUMAN WORTH
Scripture
Genesis 9:6 (NKJV)
“For in the image of God He made man.”
This declaration comes after the Fall.
Biblical Story: Cain (Genesis 4)
Cain commits murder. God condemns the sin—but God does not annihilate Cain. He marks him for protection.
Ellen G. White Commentary
“In every human being, however fallen, there is a value that God estimates.”
(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 187)
Key Truth:
Sin damages character—but it does not erase worth.
GOD PURSUES THE WORTHLESS IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD
Scripture
Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Biblical Story: The Woman at the Well (John 4)
- A Samaritan
- A woman
- Morally broken
- Socially rejected
Jesus initiates the conversation.
Jesus reveals His identity.
Jesus entrusts her with testimony.
Ellen G. White Commentary
“It is not the healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. Christ came to save sinners.”
(The Desire of Ages, p. 258)
Key Truth:
Being lost does not make you worthless, it makes you the object of divine pursuit.
HUMAN WORTH IS NOT BASED ON STATUS OR APPEARANCE
Scripture
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Biblical Story: David Anointed King
God bypasses:
- Strength
- Height
- Birth order
- Reputation
And chooses a shepherd boy.
Ellen G. White Commentary
“The Lord sees not as man sees. He judges not according to outward appearance.”
(Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 638)
Key Truth:
God’s valuation system is internal, not external.
THE CROSS IS THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF HUMAN WORTH
Scripture
Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
If you ever wonder what you are worth—look at Calvary.
Biblical Story: Barabbas (Matthew 27)
- Guilty man walks free
- Innocent Christ dies in his place
That is the gospel.
Ellen G. White Commentary
“In the gift of His Son for our redemption, God has shown how high a value He places upon man.”
(Steps to Christ, p. 21)
Key Truth:
The value of a soul is measured by the price Heaven was willing to pay.
WORTH IS SEPARATE FROM CONDEMNATION
Biblical Story: Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8)
Jesus does not excuse sin.
But He refuses to destroy the sinner.
Scripture
John 8:11 (NKJV)
“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Ellen G. White Commentary
“He who stoops to write in the dust stoops to lift the fallen.”
(The Desire of Ages, p. 462)
Key Truth:
Grace affirms worthwhile calling for transformation.
WORTH IS EQUALIZED IN CHRIST
Scripture
Galatians 3:28 (NKJV)
“For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Biblical Story: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10)
Jesus places moral beauty where society least expects it.
Ellen G. White Commentary
“Every soul is precious in the sight of God.”
(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 197)
Key Truth:
There are no disposable people in God’s kingdom.
WHAT DETERMINES HUMAN WORTH?
Biblical Summary
Human worth is determined by:
- Creation in God’s image
- God’s sustaining love
- Christ’s redemptive sacrifice
- God’s desire for relationship
Final Scripture
Isaiah 43:4 (NKJV)
“Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.”
Ellen G. White Closing Thought
“The worth of a soul, what is it? It is worth the life of the Son of God.”
(Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 186)
If God values every human soul this highly, then:
- We must never devalue ourselves
- We must never devalue others
- We must reflect His mercy, dignity, and grace
You are not forgotten.
You are not defined by your worst moment.
You are not measured by this world.
You are valued by God. He risked it all just for you.
