Prior to this class and without any formal seminary training
I would answer this question by suggesting that we look in a mirror or glance
at a photograph if we want to see an image of God. Genesis 1:26-27 does say
“Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...” But a closer look
at this verse reveals that we are made in the image of God but not as a photo
might reflect an image. Here the verse as I understand it has a more spiritual
significance rather than just a physical kind of meaning. In our textbook,
Davis suggests, “It is this image and likeness that completely distinguishes
man from the animal kingdom.”[1]
God created us in His image, not just in physical appearance, but also in our
intellect, and our ability to communicate, and establish relationships not with
just God but with other humans as He himself did through Christ. We are
self-conscious beings, with a God like capacity for knowledge, thought and
action.[2]
Although I do agree with this statement, the fall of mankind has severally hampered
our ability for a God like capacity for anything (Rom 3:23). However, we are to
have dominion over all other creatures, we were not created in their image but
in the likeness of God.
I could
easily be caught up in the spiritual side of things when we talk about being
made in the image of God. God is good and doesn’t create junk and since He himself
is perfect, He created us with that concept in mind until the fall as mentioned
above. But being made in God’s image is more than just spiritual. Man and woman
are to rule the world in God’s name. Here you can imagine being put in charge
of a kingdom and you are the direct representative of that person. “Being in
God’s image, man and woman are to rule the world in God’s name.”[3] We
are more that just a physical image, but a moral representation of the King.
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