God created mankind in His own image. Genesis 1:27
We are the imago Dei, the image of God. After God created the animals, He created man. It is only humanity that He declares is in His image. This likeness doesn’t refer to our bodies – the animals have a physical body. Or to our brain or emotion – to some extent, the animals have that, too. It is our spirit, our will, that sets us apart.
We are made of a material body and an immaterial soul. It is our immaterial soul that sets us apart from the animals in His image1.
Because I am in God’s image, I have:
Creativity. We are in the image of our Creator and we are made to create and be creative.
Morality. We know good (and because of the fall – evil) and can distinguish between them. We are made for holiness.
Relationship. We are made to be a part of a community, as God is in the Trinity. And to have relationship with Him.
Eternal hope. We are made for eternity, life everlasting.
Authority. He has given us dominion over creation.
This beauty of our wonderous creation was marred by sin – and now we bear His image imperfectly. But we are not left without hope. Because of His great love for us, He has given us a path for repair, for redemption.
… and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:10
All of humanity bear His image and as such should be treated as precious souls, worthy of being pointed to God for redemption. Jesus died for us all. Each image bearer is worthy of being treated with dignity and respect, even if there is evil that needs restraining.
As we walk in faith, redeemed and renewed, the Spirit is transforming us back into His true likeness. We strive to bear His image more clearly day by day. Can others see imago Dei in me?
And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24
