“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 creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:26–27
Introduction
Among the most foundational truths in all of Scripture is the declaration that mankind is made in the image of God. This doctrine shapes how we view God, ourselves, others, and the purpose of life itself. It is the bedrock of human dignity, the reason for moral responsibility, and the foundation upon which redemption unfolds. To forget this truth is to lose sight of who we are; to embrace it is to see the divine intention behind our existence.
The Divine Blueprint for Humanity
“Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.” With these words the Lord revealed that humanity is not an accident, nor merely another creature among many. We carry a divine imprint—an echo of God’s character stamped upon our souls. This does not mean we are gods, but that God fashioned us to reflect Him: His righteousness, His creativity, His relational nature, and His moral authority.
Because of this image-bearing design, every human life possesses inherent worth. From the unborn to the elderly, from every nation and background, each person bears the mark of the Creator. This truth destroys racism, prejudice, hatred, and the cheapening of life. When we see others, we are to see God’s workmanship.
The Image Marred but Not Lost
The fall of man in Genesis 3 brought corruption, sin, and spiritual death. The image of God was not erased, but it was marred—dimmed by disobedience and rebellion. Humanity’s moral clarity was twisted, our desires corrupted, and our relationship with God severed. Yet even after the fall, Scripture affirms that man still bears God’s image (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9). This means that every person still retains dignity, value, and accountability before God.
Sin affects the image; Christ restores it.
Christ the Perfect Image and Our Restorer
Jesus Christ is declared to be “the express image” of the Father (Hebrews 1:3) and “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). He came not only to save us from sin but to restore in us the likeness of God that sin distorted. Through salvation, the Holy Spirit works within the believer to reshape our character—to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
To be born again is to begin the restoration process. To walk in holiness is to reflect the One who created us. To love, forgive, serve, and obey is to show the world what God’s image looks like in redeemed humanity.
The Image’s Ethical Demands
Because we are made in God’s image, there are responsibilities that flow from this truth:
- We must value every human life, for God Himself stamped His likeness upon it.
- We must walk in righteousness, for God’s image calls us to reflect His character.
- We must honor our bodies, for they are designed with divine intention.
- We must love others, for to despise another image-bearer is to rebel against the One they reflect.
- We must proclaim the gospel, for fallen humanity can only be restored through Christ.
The image of God is not merely theological—it is transformational.
Conclusion
To be made in the image of God is to be set apart from all creation. It defines our identity, directs our purpose, and affirms our value. Though sin has marred that image, Jesus Christ restores it through salvation and sanctification. Let us then live as those who bear God’s likeness—honoring Him, loving others, and reflecting His glory in a world desperate for truth and hope.