Will you become like God?

Will You Become Like God?

I. The Question and Its Background

Many wonder whether humanity can ascend to a divine status. This question arises from an ancient moment in history: the serpent’s words in Eden, “Then the serpent said to the woman… ‘you will be like God…’” (Genesis 3:4–5). Countless traditions have interpreted this differently, ranging from literal divinization to moral imitation. Exploring the broader scriptural narrative and consistent teachings helps clarify what it means—or does not mean—to “become like God.”

II. The Original Temptation in Eden

The first recorded temptation involved humanity’s desire for a knowledge and status God did not intend humanity to seize. Genesis records:

• “For God knows that on the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5)

Rather than uplifting humanity, this act separated Adam and Eve from the intimate fellowship they enjoyed with their Creator. It gave them a distortion of insight—they understood good and evil, but only through the lens of their fallen state (Genesis 3:7–8).

III. Made in God’s Image, Not as Gods

• “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

This passage shows that humanity reflects God’s character, rationality, and relational capacity. Scripture does not, however, declare humanity to be divine. Being “in His own image” sets humans apart from animals, gives them moral responsibility, and provides a framework for relationship with God. Yet, the distinction between Creator and creation remains:

• “I am He—before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come.” (Isaiah 43:10)

IV. Becoming Children of God through Faith

Though humanity is not divine, Scripture speaks of a profound union with God through faith. Those who trust in Christ become “children of God” (John 1:12). This adoption grants believers many privileges—including an eternal inheritance (Romans 8:16–17)—but does not elevate them to the status of the uncreated, omniscient, and omnipotent God.

When John writes, “We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2), it points toward moral and spiritual transformation. It does not equate believers with God’s essential nature. Instead, it speaks of a glorified condition in which believers bear His righteousness and purity.

V. Sanctification and Conformity to Christ

The process of becoming more “like God” in Scripture is called sanctification—a transformation of character and conduct.

• “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Believers mirror the moral and loving attributes of God through the work of the Holy Spirit. However, Scripture does not present this transformation as merging into deity. Rather, it is a re-creation of flawed humans into beings that better reflect God’s holiness and love (2 Peter 1:4). Such language—“partakers of the divine nature”—refers to living in a relationship with God that allows us to exhibit His virtues, not assume His infinite attributes.

VI. Warnings Against Misinterpretation

Throughout church history, some have misconstrued the idea of becoming divine to suggest humans can literally become gods. Yet the broader biblical witness counteracts this:

1. God’s Uniqueness: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me.” (Isaiah 45:5)

2. Finite Humans: Humanity, though immortal in the sense of living eternally (either in fellowship with God or otherwise), remains finite in power and knowledge (Psalm 90:2–3; Job 38:4).

3. Dependence on the Creator: Believers rely on God’s grace and sustaining power, exemplified by Jesus’s teaching, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

VII. Resurrection, Glorification, and Final Destiny

Scripture describes a future day when believers will receive glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). This glorification is a transformation from mortal to immortal, no longer subject to death. Still, such a final state is contingent on the eternal life God provides, not on an intrinsic deity within us.

Historical and archaeological confirmations—such as the discoveries supporting biblical events (e.g., references to Israel’s early monarchy on the Tel Dan Stele, or the textual integrity demonstrated by the Dead Sea Scrolls)—affirm the reliability of Scripture’s teaching that God alone is divine, and humanity’s glorification is a gift derived from Him, not an equal status with Him.

VIII. Practical Understanding and Application

1. Humility and Reverence: Recognizing that only God is God fosters worshipful humility.

2. Hope in Transformation: Scripture offers believers the hope that they will be transformed into a state of purity and wholeness, free from sin.

3. Ongoing Growth: Reflecting Christ’s character involves consistent growth in love, compassion, and holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit.

4. Eternal Fellowship: The ultimate goal is nearness to God—worshiping and serving Him forever, not replacing or rivaling His position.

IX. Conclusion

The biblical view consistently teaches that while humans are uniquely created in the image of God and will be fully restored in His likeness at the resurrection, they do not become gods in the literal sense. Instead, through redemption and sanctification, believers reflect God’s attributes more and more. This transformation culminates in an eternal fellowship, where they enjoy God’s presence and share in His holiness, yet forever behold Him as the one true Creator.

Consequently, the scriptural answer to “Will you become like God?” is this: we may be conformed to His moral and holy likeness, but the infinite distinction between Creator and creation remains. The greatest hope is eternal life and fellowship with Him, dependent on divine grace, not the prospect of becoming a deity.