“God created man in His own image . . .” (Genesis 1:27).
One of the most profound truths about human beings is that we are made in the image of God. This inalterable reality sets us apart from the rest of creation and provides every human being with inherent dignity, purpose, and identity.
Though much of humanity’s original likeness to God has been corrupted, the assurance of the gospel is that, through Christ, it can be renewed and restored.
A Divine Distinction
The creation of man stands distinct in the Bible.
While the rest of creation came into being through a series of God’s commands – “Let there be . . .” (Genesis 1:3,6,14) and “Let the . . .” (Genesis 1:9,11,20,24) – the formation of man was marked by a divine conversation, signalling that something extraordinary was about to be undertaken:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’” (Genesis 1:26).
No other creature was granted such a distinction: to bear the image and likeness of the Creator Himself.
This honour, bestowed upon men and women, was not in physical likeness but was in bearing an imprint of God's own nature. Human beings were fashioned as personal, moral, and rational beings, reflecting attributes of God’s own character.
The distinctive way in which humanity was formed is emphasised more remarkably in Genesis 2:7 (NIV):
“Then the LORD God formed a man [Adam] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
God’s breath of life into humanity established a profound and intimate connection in an act that imparted both life and spirit to Adam, the progenitor of the human race.
This unique act established a sacred bond between the Creator and humanity, rooted in the relationship with God that we were created to enjoy.
Man was set apart not just biologically – as the most advanced, intelligent and capable of all God’s creatures – but also spiritually, as the unique being created with the capacity to experience intimacy with God through the spiritual nature invested in him. Man was given an eternal soul capable of a personal relationship with God.
The Intrinsic Image
Being made in the image of God does not make humans divine; rather, it means that we reflect certain aspects of God's own being. These unique reflections, moral and spiritual in essence, are intrinsic to our being, and explain why humanity alone possesses the capacity to relate to God.
We each possess a conscience, granting us the ability to discern right from wrong – an echo of God's moral character within us.
Our capacity for rational thought enables us to reason, understand, and make sense of the world around us, reflecting God’s own nature as a rational being.
In addition, we have the capacity for, and freedom of, choice, empowering us to make decisions, love freely, and act with intentionality, mirroring God's will and purpose.
These moral attributes are deeply embedded in our nature, expressed through our soul, spirit, intellect, will, conscience, mind, and emotions – spiritual aspects that transcend the physical and endure eternally. Together, they reveal a deeper dimension to our existence, affirming our inherent identity as beings created in the image of God.
Implications of the Image
This divine imprint is not dependent on gender, age, ability, status, or achievement. Male and female alike were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). There is only one human race, and all humanity shares this same common origin.
From the moment of conception, every human being possesses inherent worth, dignity, and purpose because they have been gifted life by, and made in the image of, their Creator.
The wonder of this was understood by King David, who wrote:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13-14 ESV).
This profound truth reminds us that our lives are not simply our own – we owe our very existence to God. As such, we do not have the right to bodily autonomy; our bodies and lives are a divine gift entrusted to us by our Creator.
This challenges how we view ourselves and others. It calls us to treat every person with dignity, honour and compassion, regardless of race, background, or circumstance.
The image of God in humanity also carries fundamental and far-reaching implications for the structure of human society, serving as the only foundation for justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. It reminds us that no life is meaningless, and no person is without value.
A Likeness Lost
Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God; however, that likeness became severely affected by man’s disobedience against God.
The entrance of sin into this world did not erase the image of God, inherent to humanity, but it caused the clear, vibrant reflection of God's character and glory, that should have been wonderfully displayed in humanity, to be lost.
“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:3 NLT).
Human beings became a distorted reflection of God, retaining their identity as creatures made in His image, yet misrepresenting their Creator through the sin that now defines humankind.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
This departure from God’s design brought about a deep spiritual separation from God, who is the very source of our life and purpose. As a result, every human being is born spiritually dead, and estranged from their Creator, because of sin.
Instead of reflecting the true likeness and holy character of our Creator, our lives have become mirrors of our sinful nature.
A Renewed Reflection
Despite the sin that now marks us all, the core of our identity as image bearers remains, and God, in His love and mercy, did not abandon those whom He made in His image.
The gospel presents God’s plan of salvation through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He came not only to rescue humanity from sin and death, but to restore and renew what was lost.
Jesus Christ, the exact representation of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3), did what we could never do – He lived a sinless life, perfectly reflecting God’s character in every thought, word and action. Through His death, He bore the penalty for our sin, and by His resurrection, He conquered death, opening the way for sinful image bearers to be reconciled to God and made new.
When we place our faith in Him, we are not only forgiven but we become “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). God begins a work of transformation within us, through His Spirit, conforming us to the likeness of Christ Himself (Romans 8:29).
The moral and spiritual likeness that was lost because of sin is gradually restored in us, with a promise from God that it will be gloriously and perfectly restored in eternity.
This restoration also renews our daily purpose. We are given new hearts, new desires, and a new capacity to reflect God’s love, righteousness, and truth in our own lives and towards others. Once more, we can begin to reflect the character of God.
