In our series exploring the biblical concept of the "Image of God," we’ve covered the purposes of the image of God and the definition of the image of God - what it is (or isn’t!). Now it’s time to delve a bit deeper into the profound implications of the Image of God for believers and unbelievers alike, reflecting on humanity's unique position within creation and our intrinsic value derived from this divine likeness.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image;
he created him in the image of God;
he created them male and female.
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.”
God also said, “Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This will be food for you,
for all the wildlife of the earth, for every bird of the sky, and for every creature that crawls on the earth — everything having the breath of life in it — I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good indeed. Evening came and then morning: the sixth day.
Genesis 1:26-31, CSB
Important Terms and Concepts
The Image of God in English corresponds to the older theological term "Imago Dei," literally “image of God” in Latin. In the Septuagint, the Greek word used is eikon, from which we get common English words like "icon" and "iconic," which allude to the visual and representative aspects of this concept.
Three Aspects of the image of God
At the core, the Image of God in humanity is seen through three lenses:
our physical creation in God’s likeness (Genesis 2:7-8)
God’s purpose behind this divine choice (Genesis 1:26-27)
the resultant relationship between God and mankind (Genesis 1-3)
This triad underscores not just a physical resemblance but a deeper, spiritual connection that reflects God’s intention for humanity to hold a special position in creation and to embody a unique relationship with the Creator.
The Fall
The narrative takes a turn with the fall of man, introducing the concept of a marred image. Despite being created in God's likeness, humanity's choice to seek knowledge apart from God introduced a flaw—a crack in the mirror, so to speak. This act didn't just have physical repercussions but also fundamentally altered the spiritual and relational aspects of the Image of God within us. Our inherent ability to reflect God’s character was distorted, leaving humanity in a state of brokenness and separation from God.
The Remedy
The story doesn’t end there. The biblical narrative offers hope through redemption—a restoration of the Image of God through Jesus Christ. This redemption is not just about repairing what was broken but about offering a new way to see and reflect God’s image clearly once again. In Christ, we find the perfect reflection of God, and through Him, we are invited to rediscover our true identity and purpose.
What It Means For Us
The takeaway from this reflection on the Image of God is multifaceted. It challenges us to recognize the inherent worth in every individual as image-bearers, despite the marred reflections we often perceive. It also calls us into a deeper understanding of our purpose and position within creation, urging us to live in a way that reflects God’s character and intentions for us.
In conclusion, the concept of the Image of God serves as a reminder of our origin, purpose, and destiny. Despite the fall and the resulting flaws in our reflection of God, redemption through Jesus Christ offers a path back to the clarity and fullness of this divine image.
And there’s a final challenge here: we are called ourselves to reflect God’s image to the world around us, demonstrating the redemption in Christ and living as restored images for His glory.