Made in the Image of God: Unveiling the Divine Purpose Within You

Made in the Image of God

The biblical account of the creation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:26-27 tells us that God made the first man and woman "in His own image." But what does this mean, and why is it important?

A Divine Council

When God created man, He seems to be talking to someone. Many commentators refer to it as a "council" or a consultation. But with whom is God consulting, and why? The Bible gives us a hint that this consultation must have taken place within the Godhead, between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 1:2 tells us that when God made the universe, He did so by His Son.

God could have simply commanded the creation of man, as He did with the animals and plants, but instead, He chose to deliberate and confer with the other members of the Godhead. This highlights the significance and uniqueness of man's creation. Man is not just another creature; he is a special expression of the divine nature, created by God's personal activity.

In the Image of God

When God created man in His own image, it meant that mankind, both man and woman, would resemble God in certain ways and share certain divine prerogatives. Let's explore what this means:

1. Not a Physical Likeness: Although God is spirit, when He appeared visibly to men in the Old Testament, He did so in the form of a human body. This suggests that there is something about the human body that is uniquely appropriate for God's manifestation. Man's physical form reflects how God wished to reveal Himself.

2. A Mental Likeness: God endowed man with intellectual ability far superior to any animal. Man has a mind capable of understanding and responding to God's communication, emotions capable of love and devotion towards God, and a will that enables him to choose whether or not to obey God. Man was equipped to love and obey God, as well as to carry out God's work on earth.

3. A Moral Likeness: Man has a spirit or God-consciousness, which enables him to know and commune with God through prayer, praise, and worship. Man also possesses an inborn moral awareness of good and evil, or conscience, which he perceives in his spirit.

4. A Social Likeness: Just as God is a social being, man was created with a social nature and a need for love. Adam and Eve enjoyed fellowship and communion with God in the Garden of Eden, and God provided for human fellowship and love by creating Eve as a companion for Adam.

Why This Matters

Understanding that we are made in the image of God has profound implications for our identity and purpose. It means that we are not mere accidents of evolution or products of chance. We have inherent value and dignity because we reflect the very nature of our Creator. Our intellectual capacity, moral consciousness, and capacity for relationship all point to our special status as image-bearers of God.

Recognizing our divine origin also leads us to acknowledge our accountability to God. We are called to live in accordance with the moral standards set by our Creator. This understanding gives meaning and purpose to our lives, helping us navigate the complexities of the world around us.

Think About It

1. How does the concept of being made in the image of God shape your understanding of human worth and dignity?
2. In what ways can you reflect the image of God in your daily life?
3. How does recognizing our divine origin impact the way we treat others?

In conclusion, being made in the image of God means that we have inherent value, intellectual capacity, moral consciousness, and a capacity for relationship. Understanding this truth helps us appreciate our identity and purpose as image-bearers of God and guides us in living according to His design.