We’ve all used the expression, and it occurs quite early in the Bible. But what, precisely, does it mean to say that we are made in the image of God? Does it apply to men and women both? Does it apply to those who are not Christians? And what does it entail in terms of how we interact with others who are likewise so created?
Bible References: Gen 1:26-28, Gen 2:7, Gen 2:15-20, Gen 5:1, Gen 9:4-6, Gen 18:1-2, Gen 32:24-30, Psalm 8:5, Psalm 139:1-4, Prov 14:31, Daniel 3:25, Matt 25:31-46, Luke 3:38, John 1:1, John 1:18, John 4:24, John 13:34-35, Acts 17:28, Rom 2:14-15, Rom 12:1-2, 1 Cor 3:16, 1 Cor 6:19, 1 Cor 11:7, Gal 6:10, Phil 2:5-8, Col 1:15, Col 3:10, Eph 4:24, Heb 1:3, Heb 4:13, James 2:14-17, James 3:9, 1 John 4:16, Rev 13:8
Links on the Image of God:
Patristic Fathers by Theologicalstudies.org
Made in the image of God by AnswersinGenesis.org
Man: The image of God by AnswersinGenesis.org
The image of God by Ldolphin.org
Image of God: What does it mean? by Gotquestions.org
Book: In His Image by Christianbook.com
Humans in the image of God by WCG.org
Image of God in man by Crossroad.to
The image of God by Letusreason.org
Men and women in the image of God by LeaderU.com
1 comment:
Andrew,
I think the Westminster Shorter Catechism statest it the best:
Q. 10. How did God create man?
A. God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
My pastor unfolds this question a little more:
10a. What are the various aspects of man as the image of God?
Man is created a body-soul unity, a male-female unity, with a formal or larger aspect of the image of God, with a triune personality, and with dominion.
10b. What is meant by the body-soul unity?
Having a body is an integral part of being a human being. The rending of body and soul in death is removed in the resurrection. The visible body reveals the invisible soul and is the basis of anthropomorphism in speaking about God.
10c. What is meant by the male-female unity?
Man was originally one being; woman was formed from man; what became two are to be united again in one flesh. Both maleness and femaleness equally reflect diverse aspects of what is united in God. The context of this unity is the pursuit of the good which is the source of all unity.
10d. What is meant by the larger aspect of the image of God?
The larger aspect of the image of God is that man is finite, temporal and changeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth. This is equally true of all human beings, always. These attributes exist as formal capacities only and structures human consciousness of self and of God.
10e. What is meant by the triune personality of man?
Man is created in knowledge, holiness, and righteousness, called the narrower aspect of the image of God. This aspect has specific content, was lost in the fall and restored in regeneration. It reflects the structure of the human heart and is the basis of our diverse functions as prophet, priest and king. The order in the Trinity is reflected in the order of these functions within each person, and should be, between persons in any group.
10f. What is the dominion that man is to exercise?
Man’s work of dominion reflects God’s dominion in creation; man is to form the creation by developing all the powers latent in the creation; man is to name the creation so as to know God who revealed his glory in creating; man is to fill everything in every way as the rule of God’s kingdom over all. The task of dominion is for the entire race throughout history. The work will be completed when the earth is filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. The Sabbath given to man signifies the goal and completion of this work.
There is alot spoken of above and there are some other basic issues that could be spoken of...
Andrew, what do you think of the answer given?
In His Service,
Roger
www.rogerwillis.com
www.westminsterfellowship.com
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