Topical Encyclopedia The concept of man being created in the likeness of God is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, rooted in the creation narrative of the Book of Genesis. This doctrine underscores the unique position of humanity within the created order and has profound implications for understanding human nature, dignity, and purpose.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural basis for the belief that man was created in the likeness 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, often interpreted as a reference to the Trinity, indicating a purposeful and communal act of creation. 2. Image and Likeness: The terms "image" and "likeness" have been the subject of extensive theological reflection. While some scholars see them as synonymous, others suggest subtle distinctions. "Image" (Hebrew: tselem) often conveys the idea of representation or reflection, while "likeness" (Hebrew: demut) may imply similarity in attributes or qualities. 3. Dominion and Stewardship: The mandate to "rule" over creation implies a role of stewardship, reflecting God's sovereign care and authority. This dominion is not exploitative but is meant to mirror God's benevolent governance. Theological Implications 1. Human Dignity: Being made in the likeness of God endows every human being with inherent worth and dignity. This belief forms the basis for the Christian understanding of the sanctity of life, influencing ethical considerations on issues such as human rights, justice, and the treatment of others. 2. Moral and Spiritual Capacity: The likeness to God suggests that humans possess moral and spiritual capacities that reflect God's character. This includes the ability to reason, make moral choices, and engage in relationships, both with God and with one another. 3. Purpose and Vocation: Humanity's creation in God's likeness implies a vocation to reflect God's character in the world. This includes living in righteousness, justice, and love, and fulfilling the cultural mandate to cultivate and care for creation. 4. Relational Aspect: The creation of both male and female in God's image underscores the relational nature of humanity. It points to the importance of community and relationships, reflecting the relational nature of the Triune God. Fall and Redemption The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, marred but did not erase the image of God in humanity. Sin introduced a distortion in the reflection of God's likeness, affecting all aspects of human existence. However, the New Testament speaks of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:10 states, "and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." This renewal process is part of the transformative work of salvation, restoring believers to their intended purpose and likeness. Christ as the Perfect Image Jesus Christ is presented in the New Testament as the perfect image of God. Colossians 1:15 declares, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." In Christ, the fullness of God's likeness is revealed, providing the ultimate example for humanity to emulate. Through union with Christ, believers are conformed to His image, as stated in Romans 8:29 : "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." The doctrine of man created in the likeness of God remains a central theme in Christian anthropology, shaping the understanding of human identity, purpose, and destiny in the light of divine revelation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:26And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 3:9 Library The Likeness of God Image and Likeness. How the Image of God is Formed Anew in Man. Whether the Image of God is in Man as Regards the Mind Only? On the Creation of Man after the Image of God A Contemplation of the Divine Utterance which Said --"Let us Make ... State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ... After the Scripture. The New Man The Neo-Kohlbruggians. Resources What does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the man of God and the lying prophet? | GotQuestions.org How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.org Man: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |
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