Man: Made in the Image of God (Part 1)

Preface: Why is “image” important? Because “image” is how we view ourselves, others and God. How we view or perceive directs our actions and manner of our self and how we treat other people. This post will look at the definition of image (Webster's and Scripture), give examples throughout Scripture, and remembering that as Christians to be in Christ' image is our goal.

A. Definition of image

1. Webster's online dictionary

* a reproduction or imitation of the form of a person or thing; especially : an imitation in solid form : Statue
* tangible or visible representation: Incarnation
* a visual representation of something: as (1) : a likeness of an object produced on a photographic material
* exact likeness : semblance b : a person strikingly like another person


2. Scriptures definition of image and likeness.
Image = Tzelem. Meaning: Image, likeness of, (resemblance)
The root of the word Tzelem comes from Tze "shadow" or "reflection."
Source: Torah.org.

B. Scriptural examples
In a basic search of the NASB, there are almost 100 examples for the word “image”.
1. The first verse is Genesis 1:26- Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
and Genesis 1:27 - God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.


2. New Testament References
1 Corinthians 16:49- Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.


3. Christ described as image of God
Colossians 1:15- He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation
This verse reminds us that man is in the image of Christ; or Adam-Christ typology.
Wycliffe: Christ is viewed as the first true man who fulfills God’s design in creation. Thus to be in the image of Christ is the goal of all Christians. (p.1338)


There are other verses throughout the Scriptures of parallelisms between Adam (the first created man, but corrupted) and Christ (not human being, but incarnate physical representation of God, uncorrupted).

Example: Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15.


C. Not all Scriptural references of "image" or "likeness" have glowing terms. Because of man's sin, both image and likeness of God has been corrupted. Several times throughout the Torah and Israel's history do we see warnings to not make and worship images.

1. Consequence of “image”: Mankind by mankind.
Genesis 9:6
“ Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.

The statement might sound gory, inhumane, or an unrealistic response. What we should remember is not to trivialize another human being's life. God certainly didn't think it was a laughing matter.

2. Negative connotation of word “image”
Leviticus 26:1
‘You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God.
{Interesting fact: Hebrew definition of idol literally means “things of nothingness”. (Wycliffe Bible Commentary, page 107)}

Conclusion: Genesis 1 and 2 start out with a perfect world. The climax of His Creation was to make a reflection of His attributes and characteristics. God created the perfect people, the perfect environment, the perfect situation. But he also gave man and woman a free-will. By Adam and Eve's free-will, they deliberately choose not to obey God's commands. The once-perfect image became corrupted. But, we still find ourselves longing for and trying to recapture that once perfect replication of Him.