Transcript:
One thing Christians believe about humans is that we are distinct—not just like other animals. This belief has led Christians to be at the forefront of many movements to care for and preserve human life. Christians feel passionately about the value of human life. But where does this come from, and what else do we believe about it?
Joel, what’s the source of that belief?
Absolutely, Stephen. Most Christians would point to Genesis 1:27, where God created human beings in His own image and likeness. It’s hard to think of an expression that confers greater dignity on us. Being made in the image and likeness of God is an astonishing thing, and it applies to all human beings, regardless of identity or how far they are from fulfilling it. They remain creatures made in God’s image.
We should also say that if there is no God, none of this is true. No life matters because nothing matters—everything will eventually disintegrate and die in the heat death of the universe. But as Christians, we believe the universe has a origin and a destination, and we, in particular, are going somewhere. Because you and I are image-bearers of the Lord God Almighty, He has impressed that upon us. Our lives and everything we do matter.
So, what do these terms "image and likeness of God" mean?
They’re rich terms. When we think about God’s image, it’s the fact that we are a representation of God. That places us in a position of tremendous privilege because we’ve been created to enjoy a relationship with Him. Likeness is slightly different—it’s not just a representation but a responsibility. We’re supposed to mediate God to the world, bringing His desires and principles to bear on creation, society, and our interactions with others. That’s the purpose for which He created us.
I’m reminded of the story of Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel. This great king set up an image of himself to show the world how magnificent he was. That image told everyone something about who he was and how great he was. Similarly, as humans, we have the privilege of representing God. He doesn’t command us to make any other image to represent Him—He has asked men and women to be the creatures that make Him known most in the world. It’s incredible. We all have the potential to reflect God’s character, to rule on His behalf, and to do good for Him.
Are there any immediate implications the Bible wants us to be aware of?
We need to understand where we sit in God’s plans and how we live and grow—how we genuinely live life to the full. There’s an interesting analogy in Genesis 1. When God creates, He speaks to the environment or habitat where each thing is meant to reside. For plants, He speaks to the ground, saying, “Let the earth bring forth.” For marine life, like fish and whales, He speaks to the waters, saying, “Let the seas bring forth.” But when He creates mankind, He doesn’t speak to the ground, waters, or air. He speaks to Himself within the Trinity: “Let us make man in our own image.”
Follow the principle: a plant needs to be tethered to the ground to live; a fish needs water. Likewise, we are created to be in fellowship and union with God. That’s the environment we need to live, grow, and truly flourish.
So, if we’re to be all we’re made to be, the key is a relationship with God. We can never represent Him or rule on His behalf without knowing Him. In one sense, we’re never truly living until we’re in fellowship with our Maker, because He made us for that union with Him.
Exactly. Our potential flows out of that union. We don’t just say people are valuable and have purpose—it’s rooted in the concept that we were created in a distinct way.
