Definition: Humans resemble God in that they have personality, morality, and spirituality; further they represent God as His agent to the rest of creation, ruling and reigning on His behalf. Although sin has marred the image of God in everyone except Christ, the image is not destroyed.

Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-28; Genesis 2:7; Colossians 1:15-18

Study: The idea of the Image of God has a rich, ancient history. The phrase is used in Ancient Near East writings to describe kings, who act as human representatives of various gods to their people. The Biblical authors, in using this phrase, create an incredibly powerful picture of who the true God created humans to be–His representatives to the earth. Scripture teaches that ALL men and women of ALL ages are created in God’s image, not just select and empowered individuals. Although sin has marred the image of God in mankind, Christ came as the very image of the invisible God to restore that image to humanity.

Questions to Ask: (these will help process the truth learned)

- How essential is it to believe that every human life bears God’s image?

- How does knowing that you bear God’s image affect your connection to Him?

- How does knowing that you bear God’s image affect your connection to other humans? The rest of creation?