What does it mean to be created in God's image?

The concept of being created in God's image is a profound and foundational aspect of Christian theology, rooted deeply in the opening chapters of the Bible. In Genesis 1:26-27, we read: "Then 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 birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." These verses establish the unique status of human beings in the created order, but what does it truly mean to be created in God's image?

To understand this, we must first recognize that the phrase "image of God" (Latin: imago Dei) encompasses several dimensions—spiritual, moral, intellectual, relational, and functional. Each of these dimensions contributes to a fuller understanding of our identity and purpose as human beings.

Spiritual Dimension

The spiritual dimension of being created in God's image refers to our capacity for a relationship with God. Unlike animals, humans have an innate sense of the divine and a longing for communion with the Creator. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has also set eternity in the human heart," indicating that there is a spiritual aspect to our nature that yearns for connection with the eternal. This spiritual capacity enables us to worship, pray, and experience the presence of God in our lives. It is through this spiritual dimension that we reflect God's nature as a relational being who desires fellowship with His creation.

Moral Dimension

Being created in God's image also involves a moral dimension. Humans are endowed with a conscience and an inherent understanding of right and wrong. Romans 2:14-15 explains, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This moral awareness reflects God's own nature as a holy and righteous being. It calls us to live in a way that honors Him, upholding justice, mercy, and love in our interactions with others.

Intellectual Dimension

The intellectual dimension of the imago Dei pertains to our capacity for reason, creativity, and understanding. Humans are uniquely capable of abstract thought, problem-solving, and artistic expression. Genesis 2:19-20 describes how Adam named the animals, an act that demonstrates his intellectual engagement with creation. This capacity for knowledge and creativity mirrors God's wisdom and creativity in the act of creation itself. As beings made in God's image, we are called to steward our intellect and creativity in ways that glorify Him and contribute to the flourishing of His creation.

Relational Dimension

The relational dimension highlights our capacity for relationships with others. Genesis 1:27 emphasizes that both male and female are created in God's image, underscoring the importance of community and relationality. Just as the Trinity exists in perfect relationship—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—humans are designed for relationships marked by love, mutual respect, and cooperation. Jesus emphasized the greatest commandments as loving God and loving our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40). In our relationships, we reflect God's relational nature and His desire for us to live in harmony with one another.

Functional Dimension

Finally, the functional dimension of being created in God's image involves our role and responsibility within creation. Genesis 1:28 states, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'" This mandate, often referred to as the Cultural Mandate, entrusts humans with the stewardship of the earth. We are called to cultivate, care for, and manage creation in a way that reflects God's sovereignty and benevolence. This functional aspect of the imago Dei underscores our purpose as co-regents with God, working to bring about His kingdom on earth.

The Image of God and Human Dignity

Understanding the imago Dei has significant implications for human dignity and worth. Every human being, regardless of race, gender, age, or social status, bears the image of God and therefore possesses inherent value and dignity. This theological truth forms the basis for the Christian commitment to human rights, justice, and compassion. James 3:9-10 warns against speaking ill of others, stating, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." Recognizing the image of God in others compels us to treat them with respect, love, and kindness.

The Image of God and Redemption

The fall of humanity, as described in Genesis 3, marred but did not erase the image of God in us. Sin distorts our ability to fully reflect God's character, but it does not remove our inherent worth as His image-bearers. The redemptive work of Jesus Christ is central to restoring the imago Dei in humanity. Colossians 3:9-10 states, "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Through faith in Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, we are progressively conformed to the image of God, reflecting His character more fully in our lives.

The Eschatological Fulfillment of the Imago Dei

The ultimate fulfillment of being created in God's image will be realized in the eschaton, when Christ returns and God's kingdom is fully established. 1 John 3:2 offers a glimpse of this future hope: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." In the new creation, we will perfectly reflect God's image, free from the distortions of sin and fully embodying His holiness, love, and righteousness.

Conclusion

In summary, being created in God's image is a multifaceted concept that encompasses our spiritual, moral, intellectual, relational, and functional dimensions. It speaks to our unique capacity for a relationship with God, our moral awareness, our intellectual abilities, our relational nature, and our role as stewards of creation. This profound truth affirms the inherent dignity and worth of every human being and calls us to live in a way that reflects God's character. Through the redemptive work of Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we are being renewed in the image of our Creator, with the hope of ultimately reflecting His glory in the fullness of His kingdom.