Topical Bible: Man: Created in the Image of God

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The concept of man being created in the image of God is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, rooted in the opening chapters of the Bible. This belief underscores the unique status of human beings in the created order and has profound implications for understanding human nature, dignity, and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The primary biblical text that introduces the concept of man being created in the image of God is found in Genesis 1:26-27 : "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

This passage highlights several key aspects:

1. Divine Deliberation: The use of "Let Us make" suggests a divine council or deliberation, indicating the importance and intentionality behind the creation of man.

2. Image and Likeness: The terms "image" and "likeness" have been the subject of much theological reflection. They suggest that humans reflect certain attributes of God, such as rationality, morality, creativity, and relationality, though not in a physical sense.

3. Dominion and Stewardship: Being made in God's image is linked to the mandate to rule and steward creation. This reflects God's sovereign rule and entrusts humans with responsibility over the earth.

Theological Implications

1. Human Dignity: The belief that humans are made in the image of God affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every person. This has been a cornerstone for Christian ethics, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the need for justice and compassion.

2. Relational Aspect: Being created in God's image implies that humans are inherently relational, mirroring the relational nature of the Triune God. This is evident in the creation of both male and female, highlighting the importance of community and relationships.

3. Moral Responsibility: As image-bearers, humans are endowed with moral responsibility. They are called to reflect God's character in their actions, living in accordance with His will and purposes.

4. Redemption and Restoration: The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, marred the image of God in humanity. However, the New Testament speaks of redemption and the restoration of this image through Christ. Colossians 3:10 states, "and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

New Testament Insights

The New Testament further develops the concept of the image of God, particularly in the person of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 , Christ is described as "the image of God," and in Colossians 1:15 , He is "the image of the invisible God." This underscores the belief that Jesus perfectly reflects God's nature and serves as the model for restored humanity.

Practical Applications

Understanding that humans are created in the image of God has practical implications for how individuals view themselves and others. It calls for respect, love, and service to all people, recognizing their value and potential. It also encourages believers to pursue holiness and Christlikeness, as they seek to reflect God's image more fully in their lives.

In summary, the doctrine of man being created in the image of God is central to Christian anthropology, shaping the understanding of human identity, purpose, and destiny. It calls believers to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character to the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 1:26,27
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
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Genesis 9:6
Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
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Ecclesiastes 7:29
See, this only have I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
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1 Corinthians 11:7
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, for as much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
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1 Corinthians 15:48,49
As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
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James 3:9
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
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Greek

444. anthropos -- a man, human, mankind
... are created in the image of God -- each vested with individual personhood and destiny
(cf. Gal 3:28). Accordingly, the Bible uses 444 () of a specific man, ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/444.htm - 8k

5363. philanthropia -- love for mankind, kindness
... who warmly loves others, treating them with the respect (benevolence) that befits
each one being created in the image of God. ... kindness, love towards man. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5363.htm - 7k

Library

The Image of God in Man.
... to the old, tried paths in this respect, and teach in recitation-hall, pulpit, and
catechetical class that man was created after the image of the Triune God. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ix the image of god.htm

State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ...
... 3. A strong proof of this point may be gathered from its being said, that
man was created in the image of God. For though the divine ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 state in which.htm

On the Creation of Man after the Image of God
... be properly said to have been created after the image of God who is pure spirit,
yet it is something divine, both from the circumstance that, if man had not ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxvi on the creation.htm

Of the State Wherein Man was Created, and How the Image of God is ...
... IMPROVED; OR, A PRACTICAL CATECHISM. Lecture XXIII. Of The State Wherein
Man Was Created, And How The Image Of God Is Defaced. Eccl. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxiii of the state.htm

Image and Likeness.
... But this does not agree with the immediately following singular: "And God created
man after His image." (Genesis 1:27) Hence we maintain the tried explanation ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/iv image and likeness.htm

Gordon -- Man in the Image of God
... [Footnote 1: Printed here by kind permission of Dr. Gordon.]. And God created man
in his own image, in the image of God created he him."Genesis 1. 27. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/gordon man in the.htm

Figure, Image, Truth: Law, Grace, Glory; Man Created Immortal ...
... that is, of the Gospel; but the image, namely, the ... end to sin by means of death,
lest man immortal, living ... he died, although he had not been created liable to ...
/.../chapter ii figure image truth law.htm

Since Our Bodies Return to the Earth, it Follows that they have ...
... For in times long past, it was said that man was created after the image of God,
but it was not [actually] shown; for the Word was as yet invisible, after ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi since our bodies return.htm

Rome, Socinus, Arminius, Calvin.
... It maintains that God created man in His image, and not his nature only, like Rome;
nor his authority only, like the Socinians; nor his righteousness only ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/vi rome socinus arminius calvin.htm

Original Righteousness.
... altogether become filthy, and that all come short of the glory of God; while it
also declares that even this fallen man is created after God's image"Genesis 9 ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v original righteousness.htm