That You May Believe - Study Guide

Week 10 - March 7th, 2021

Genesis 1:27

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Context: The creation narrative of Genesis 1 builds in grandeur and excitement, capping off with this poem describing the creation of humans. Humanity is presented as the pinnacle of God’s creation. Humans are later commissioned as vice regents to rule over creation on God’s behalf in accordance with His wisdom.

Meaning: This verse is incredibly significant for understanding what the Bible teaches about humanity. We are told that humans are created in God’s tselem, or image. This word is used to describe the physical representation of a god in a temple and implies high importance and value. The Hebrew phrasing makes it clear that all humans share in this value. Both males and females are equal participants in this designation.

Life Application: This verse forms the bedrock of our doctrine of the Imago Dei, the belief that all humans are created in God’s image and thus have inherent value. When we mistreat or abuse other humans, it is as if we are mistreating and abusing God because we are abusing His image. From conception to death, all lives have inherent value, regardless of race, class, gender, belief, mental ability, or any other distinguishing trait. For this reason we oppose everything that defaces this image, from abortion, to racism, to euthanasia.

For Further Study: Genesis 5:3 tells us that Adam’s son, Seth, is made in his own image. He bears the image of God, but as a copy. His son will bear his image as a copy of a copy, and so on down the generations. While humans do not lose their value, they become corrupted by all this copying. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that when we come to Jesus, we are transformed back into the original image of God. What does this mean for your daily walk with Jesus? How can this idea of renewal help you live your life?