Created In Gods Image? - Ask the Bible

Understanding What It Means to Be Created in God’s Image

The phrase "created in God's image" is foundational to understanding humanity's value, purpose, and relationship with the Creator. This doctrine, rooted in the opening chapters of Genesis, shapes our theology, ethics, and daily living. Let’s explore what Scripture reveals about being made in the image of God, its implications, and how it points us to Christ.

1. The Biblical Foundation: Genesis 1

The Bible’s first mention of humanity being made in God’s image is found in Genesis:

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 birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. - Genesis 1:26-27 ASV

Here, God’s declaration is unique. Unlike the rest of creation, humanity is set apart, bearing God’s image (“imago Dei”). This status is given to both male and female, emphasizing equality and dignity.

2. What Does It Mean to Be Made in God’s Image?

Scripture does not give a simple definition, but key insights emerge:

Spiritual Nature: Humans possess a soul and spirit, capable of relationship with God (Genesis 2:7 ASV).
Moral Capacity: We have a moral conscience and the ability to choose right from wrong (Romans 2:15 ASV).
Rationality and Creativity: Humans reason, create, and steward creation, reflecting God’s order and creativity (Psalm 8:5-8 ASV).
Relational Design: Just as God exists in perfect relationship (Trinity), we are designed for relationship—with God and each other (Genesis 2:18 ASV).

3. The Image Marred but Not Erased

The entrance of sin in Genesis 3 affected every aspect of humanity, including our ability to reflect God’s image fully. However, Scripture affirms that the image of God is not destroyed:

Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. - Genesis 9:6 ASV

Even after the fall, God upholds the sanctity of human life because people still bear His image.

4. Restoration Through Christ

The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15 ASV), and through faith in Him, believers are being renewed to reflect God’s image more fully:

And have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him. - Colossians 3:10 ASV

This transformation is a work of God’s grace, restoring what was broken by sin and conforming us to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29 ASV).

5. Practical Implications

Human Dignity: Every person has inherent worth, regardless of status, ability, or background (James 3:9 ASV).
Purpose: We are called to glorify God and steward His creation responsibly.
Redemption: Our ultimate restoration comes through faith in Jesus, who renews us from within.

Conclusion

Being created in God’s image is both an incredible privilege and a great responsibility. It shapes our understanding of ourselves, others, and our Creator. Ultimately, it points us to the hope of being made new in Christ, the perfect image of God.