Made in the Image of God
Made in the Image of God
Over the past several weeks, we have been walking through the opening chapters of Genesis, reflecting on the breathtaking truth that God spoke the universe into existence and delighted in all He made. Scripture tells us that every part of creation—light and darkness, land and sea, plants and animals—was declared good. Yet the pinnacle of God’s creative work comes on the sixth day, when God creates humanity.
Created in God’s Image
Our key text comes from Genesis 1:26–27:
“Then 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 birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Here we see something profoundly unique. Humanity—both male and female—is created in the image and likeness of God. The Hebrew word translated “man” is adam, which refers not just to one individual, but to all humankind. This means that every person bears God’s image, and this truth shapes how we understand value, purpose, and how we treat one another.
Equal Value and Dignity
Being made in God’s image means that all people have inherent and equal value. Young and old, strong and weak, gifted and disabled—every human life has God-given worth. Our value is not based on ability, intelligence, productivity, race, or health. It is rooted in the fact that God Himself made us in His likeness.
This truth has powerful implications in a world that often assigns worth based on usefulness or perfection. Scripture consistently calls God’s people to protect life, to stand against injustice, and to care for those who are vulnerable or marginalized. From the Old Testament laws that commanded Israel to care for the foreigner, the widow, and the poor, to Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbor, to the early church’s radical care for those in need, the Bible reinforces this theme again and again.
At Bethany Church, this conviction shapes how we live out our faith. Through ministries like The Haven, through benevolence funds overseen by our deacons, and through caring for one another as a church family, we seek to reflect God’s heart for people. Why do we do this? Because everyone is made in the image of God.
Image-Bearers with Eternal Souls
Another essential aspect of being made in God’s image is that humans possess eternal souls. Unlike the rest of creation, humanity was formed by God and given life through His breath. Genesis 2:7 describes God breathing life into Adam, and in that moment, humanity became a living being with a soul.
Our souls give us the capacity to reason, to create, to love, to worship, and to reflect God’s character. While animals are part of God’s good creation, Scripture teaches that humans alone bear His image in this way. This eternal nature reminds us that life is more than the physical—we were created for eternity.
Reflecting God’s Character
Though we are not all-knowing, all-powerful, or omnipresent like God, we do reflect Him in meaningful ways. We are capable of love, patience, mercy, creativity, wisdom, and faithfulness. When we use our gifts—whether through music, athletics,
art, craftsmanship, or acts of service—we reflect God’s creativity and bring Him glory.
At the same time, sin has distorted that image. Like a fogged or cracked mirror, we still bear God’s image, but it is marred. Scripture affirms, however, that even after the fall, humanity remains image-bearers. Our value was not erased by sin.
Hope for Restoration
The good news of the gospel is that God does not leave His image broken. Through Jesus Christ, the image of God in us begins to be restored. Those who trust in Christ are being renewed—bit by bit—into the likeness of their Creator. One day, when Christ returns or when we are called home to Him, that restoration will be complete.
This truth is foundational for our hope and our sense of purpose. We are not accidents. We are not worthless. We matter because God made us, loves us, and calls us into relationship with Himself.
Made for Relationship
God’s image is also relational. The language “let us make man in our image” points to the Trinitarian nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing in perfect love and communion. Humanity was created to enter into that relationship, to know God, and to walk with Him.
Sin fractured that relationship, but Jesus restores it. Jesus Himself said that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Through faith in Christ, we are welcomed back into relationship with God.
We are also made for relationship with one another. Scripture reminds us that it is not good for us to be alone. While marriage is one expression of this truth, the call to community is broader than marriage alone. We need one another—the church, brothers and sisters in Christ—to worship together, to carry burdens together, and to grow together in faith.
Living as God’s Image-Bearers
When we understand that we are made in God’s image, it changes how we live. We value life. We pursue justice. We love our neighbors. We resist isolation and instead lean into Christ-centered community. And as the Holy Spirit works in us, the fog begins to clear, and God’s image in us is restored more and more.
This is the heart of the gospel: God restoring what was broken, drawing us back into relationship, and shaping us to reflect His glory—now and forever.
Scripture References
How is humanity the culmination of creation?
Describe in your own words what it means to be made in the image
of God?
Why does it matter that we derive value and purpose from God?
How are people different then animals?
Are all souls eternal? Why or why not?
Name five attributes we get from God? What are some attributes of
God we do not have?
What are examples of the image of God in us being distorted or
marred? What causes this distortion?
Can the image of God in us be restored? If so how?
What in our passage shows us that we are made to be in
relationship with God and other people?
How are you building deeper relationship with God in your life?
How are you intentionally seeking Christian community?
Over the past several weeks, we have been walking through the opening chapters of Genesis, reflecting on the breathtaking truth that God spoke the universe into existence and delighted in all He made. Scripture tells us that every part of creation—light and darkness, land and sea, plants and animals—was declared good. Yet the pinnacle of God’s creative work comes on the sixth day, when God creates humanity.
Created in God’s Image
Our key text comes from Genesis 1:26–27:
“Then 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 birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Here we see something profoundly unique. Humanity—both male and female—is created in the image and likeness of God. The Hebrew word translated “man” is adam, which refers not just to one individual, but to all humankind. This means that every person bears God’s image, and this truth shapes how we understand value, purpose, and how we treat one another.
Equal Value and Dignity
Being made in God’s image means that all people have inherent and equal value. Young and old, strong and weak, gifted and disabled—every human life has God-given worth. Our value is not based on ability, intelligence, productivity, race, or health. It is rooted in the fact that God Himself made us in His likeness.
This truth has powerful implications in a world that often assigns worth based on usefulness or perfection. Scripture consistently calls God’s people to protect life, to stand against injustice, and to care for those who are vulnerable or marginalized. From the Old Testament laws that commanded Israel to care for the foreigner, the widow, and the poor, to Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbor, to the early church’s radical care for those in need, the Bible reinforces this theme again and again.
At Bethany Church, this conviction shapes how we live out our faith. Through ministries like The Haven, through benevolence funds overseen by our deacons, and through caring for one another as a church family, we seek to reflect God’s heart for people. Why do we do this? Because everyone is made in the image of God.
Image-Bearers with Eternal Souls
Another essential aspect of being made in God’s image is that humans possess eternal souls. Unlike the rest of creation, humanity was formed by God and given life through His breath. Genesis 2:7 describes God breathing life into Adam, and in that moment, humanity became a living being with a soul.
Our souls give us the capacity to reason, to create, to love, to worship, and to reflect God’s character. While animals are part of God’s good creation, Scripture teaches that humans alone bear His image in this way. This eternal nature reminds us that life is more than the physical—we were created for eternity.
Reflecting God’s Character
Though we are not all-knowing, all-powerful, or omnipresent like God, we do reflect Him in meaningful ways. We are capable of love, patience, mercy, creativity, wisdom, and faithfulness. When we use our gifts—whether through music, athletics,
art, craftsmanship, or acts of service—we reflect God’s creativity and bring Him glory.
At the same time, sin has distorted that image. Like a fogged or cracked mirror, we still bear God’s image, but it is marred. Scripture affirms, however, that even after the fall, humanity remains image-bearers. Our value was not erased by sin.
Hope for Restoration
The good news of the gospel is that God does not leave His image broken. Through Jesus Christ, the image of God in us begins to be restored. Those who trust in Christ are being renewed—bit by bit—into the likeness of their Creator. One day, when Christ returns or when we are called home to Him, that restoration will be complete.
This truth is foundational for our hope and our sense of purpose. We are not accidents. We are not worthless. We matter because God made us, loves us, and calls us into relationship with Himself.
Made for Relationship
God’s image is also relational. The language “let us make man in our image” points to the Trinitarian nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing in perfect love and communion. Humanity was created to enter into that relationship, to know God, and to walk with Him.
Sin fractured that relationship, but Jesus restores it. Jesus Himself said that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. Through faith in Christ, we are welcomed back into relationship with God.
We are also made for relationship with one another. Scripture reminds us that it is not good for us to be alone. While marriage is one expression of this truth, the call to community is broader than marriage alone. We need one another—the church, brothers and sisters in Christ—to worship together, to carry burdens together, and to grow together in faith.
Living as God’s Image-Bearers
When we understand that we are made in God’s image, it changes how we live. We value life. We pursue justice. We love our neighbors. We resist isolation and instead lean into Christ-centered community. And as the Holy Spirit works in us, the fog begins to clear, and God’s image in us is restored more and more.
This is the heart of the gospel: God restoring what was broken, drawing us back into relationship, and shaping us to reflect His glory—now and forever.
Scripture References
- Genesis 1:26–27
- Genesis 2:7
- Genesis 2:18
- Genesis 5:1
- Genesis 9:6
- Psalm 23:3
- Psalm 139:13–15
- Matthew 10:28
- Mark 8:36
- John 3:1–21
- John 14:6–7
- Acts 6:1–7
- Romans 8:29
- 1 Corinthians 7:8–9
- 1 Corinthians 11:7
- 1 Corinthians 15:49
- Colossians 3:9–10
- James 2:1–9
- James 3:9
How is humanity the culmination of creation?
Describe in your own words what it means to be made in the image
of God?
Why does it matter that we derive value and purpose from God?
How are people different then animals?
Are all souls eternal? Why or why not?
Name five attributes we get from God? What are some attributes of
God we do not have?
What are examples of the image of God in us being distorted or
marred? What causes this distortion?
Can the image of God in us be restored? If so how?
What in our passage shows us that we are made to be in
relationship with God and other people?
How are you building deeper relationship with God in your life?
How are you intentionally seeking Christian community?
Posted in Community, Creation, Diversity, Expository Preaching, Genesis, Sermon Highlights, Sermons
Posted in Image of God, Value of Life, Care for others, Diversity
Posted in Image of God, Value of Life, Care for others, Diversity
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