Biblical Answer

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

Being made in the image of God is a fundamental aspect of humanity's creation. According to Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." This means that humans are similar to God and represent Him. The Hebrew word "tselem" and the English phrase "image of God" convey the idea that humans are a likeness or representation of God. This concept is not just a physical resemblance but a spiritual and relational one as well. As image-bearers of God, humans have a unique relationship with Him and are called to reflect His character and nature.

The image of God in humans consists of several aspects, including our ability to think, reason, and make decisions. Our physical bodies also give us the ability to see, hear, and interact with the world around us. However, being in the image of God is not just about our physical capabilities, but also about our spiritual and relational nature. We are created to have a relationship with God and to reflect His love, compassion, and justice in the world. As image-bearers, we are called to exercise dominion over the earth, not just in a physical sense, but also in a spiritual and moral one.

Being made in the image of God has significant implications for how we live our lives. It means that we are called to love and care for others, not just because they are human, but because they are also made in God's image. This is why Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Lev. 19:18). It also means that we are called to reflect God's character and nature in the world, by living lives of love, compassion, and justice. As image-bearers, we have a unique responsibility to represent God and to glorify Him in all that we do. This is a high calling, but it is also a privilege and a joy to live a life that reflects the image of God.