How are we made in the Image of God?

[Hobie]

We see what it says when man was created..
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

We see what Christ said to Philip when he asked to see God the Father..
John 14:9
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

So how was man created in image made to resemble God.

 

[David]

We see what it says when man was created..
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

We see what Christ said to Philip when he asked to see God the Father..
John 14:9
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

So how was man created in image made to resemble God.

Genesis 1:27 says that God created man in His own image, “male and female created He them.” That does not mean that we are little gods, or that we partake of His divine essence. The nature of the image of God is explained in moral, spiritual, and relational terms in Scripture. God is spirit (John 4:24), and He does not have flesh and blood as we do (Luke 24:39). Thus the “image” is not a physical resemblance. It is a matter of reflecting His character and exercising the stewardship which He had delegated. In Genesis 1:26 immediately preceding verse 27 God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion…” Man’s image included rationality, moral responsibility and authority over creation in subordination to God.

When Jesus said to Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14: 9), He was not teaching that the Father has a human body. Rather, the Son perfectly revealed the Father’s nature (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15). Christ alone is “the image of the invisible God” in the fullest sense. In Him the invisible God is made known to us. We, by contrast, were created to reflect God’s holiness, righteousness, and dominion, but sin damaged that image (Romans 3:23). That is why in salvation we are “being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3: 10) and “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29).

Thus man was created to resemble God not in physical form, but in moral likeness, spiritual capacity, and delegated authority. And in Christ that original design is restored and fulfilled.

 

[Hobie]

Genesis 1:27 says that God created man in His own image, “male and female created He them.” That does not mean that we are little gods, or that we partake of His divine essence. The nature of the image of God is explained in moral, spiritual, and relational terms in Scripture. God is spirit (John 4:24), and He does not have flesh and blood as we do (Luke 24:39). Thus the “image” is not a physical resemblance. It is a matter of reflecting His character and exercising the stewardship which He had delegated. In Genesis 1:26 immediately preceding verse 27 God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion…” Man’s image included rationality, moral responsibility and authority over creation in subordination to God.

When Jesus said to Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14: 9), He was not teaching that the Father has a human body. Rather, the Son perfectly revealed the Father’s nature (John 1:18; Colossians 1:15). Christ alone is “the image of the invisible God” in the fullest sense. In Him the invisible God is made known to us. We, by contrast, were created to reflect God’s holiness, righteousness, and dominion, but sin damaged that image (Romans 3:23). That is why in salvation we are “being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3: 10) and “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29).

Thus man was created to resemble God not in physical form, but in moral likeness, spiritual capacity, and delegated authority. And in Christ that original design is restored and fulfilled.

I would agree, but when you look at man, they have the same physical characteristics. Where does that come from would be the question..?

 

[David]

I would agree, but when you look at man, they have the same physical characteristics. Where does that come from would be the question..?

Am I understanding you correctly? You are telling me that since all humans are made with two eyes, two arms, one head, that is what is meant by being made in the image of God?

If so, the Bible distinguishes between that and being in the image of God. Our physical likeness to God is through Adam, for God made him from the dust (Genesis 2: 7) and all the nations came from him (Acts 17:26). That is why all of mankind has the same basic physical structure.

However, being in God’s image is something else. The Bible links it to knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and dominion (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:26). God is a spirit (John 4: 24), so His image in us would not be flesh and bones. We are in His image as we are to reflect His character and rule under His authority.

If this wasn’t what you were getting at, feel free to add more.

 

[Hobie]

Am I understanding you correctly? You are telling me that since all humans are made with two eyes, two arms, one head, that is what is meant by being made in the image of God?

If so, the Bible distinguishes between that and being in the image of God. Our physical likeness to God is through Adam, for God made him from the dust (Genesis 2: 7) and all the nations came from him (Acts 17:26). That is why all of mankind has the same basic physical structure.

However, being in God’s image is something else. The Bible links it to knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and dominion (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:26). God is a spirit (John 4: 24), so His image in us would not be flesh and bones. We are in His image as we are to reflect His character and rule under His authority.

If this wasn’t what you were getting at, feel free to add more.

I didnt say that, I am more of asking where does the physical design of the structure of man come from, if not from Gods own image..

 

[David]

I didnt say that, I am more of asking where does the physical design of the structure of man come from, if not from Gods own image..

Picture a mirror. The mirror does not resemble you, but it reflects your image. This is what is meant in Genesis 1:26–27 when it states that we were created in the image of God. Since God is Spirit (John 4: 24), He does not have bones and flesh like we do. The “image of God” refers to man reflecting His character, His holiness, His righteousness, His authority.

Man’s body came from the dust (Genesis 2:7). That is why when we die our dust returns to the ground (Ecclesiastes 12:7). But our spirit came from the breath of God. It is this portion of us that thinks, rules, loves, creates, and worships. It is what distinguishes man from the animals.

Do not get these two confused. The physical structure of man is the dust of the ground formed by God, but the image of God is of the Spirit. Sin shattered this mirror, but in Christ, He is restoring it (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24).

 

[Mr. GLee]

Image is likeness used in Mythology many gods. Theology one God not seen

When the unbelieving "mythologists" saw the literal hands of dying Paul they attributed it as the power that raised the man and not the hearing of the gospel Christ ----the unseen working within power .

Acts 7-14And there they preached the gospel.(Power to raise to walk and follow to newness of life . );And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:The same heard Paul speakProphecy) who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith (Christ) to be healed,Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.; And when the (mythologist) people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.;And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.;Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

In the image or figure as a parable ---of God . Invisible. God has no likeness .

No idol image available to worship .

 

[David]

Image is likeness used in Mythology many gods. Theology one God not seen

When the unbelieving "mythologists" saw the literal hands of dying Paul they attributed it as the power that raised the man and not the hearing of the gospel Christ ----the unseen working within power .

Acts 7-14And there they preached the gospel.(Power to raise to walk and follow to newness of life . );And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:The same heard Paul speakProphecy) who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith (Christ) to be healed,Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.; And when the (mythologist) people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.;And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.;Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

In the image or figure as a parable ---of God . Invisible. God has no likeness .

No idol image available to worship .

Mr GLee, you are reading concepts into this passage that have nothing to do with the question. The Bible has already told us what “image of God” means and what it does not mean. Mythology, symbolic levels of revelation and parable-based interpretation have nothing to do with the “image of God.”

God is Spirit ~John 4:24. He has no physical form, no bones and no body like ours ~Luke 24:39. So the “image of God” cannot refer to physical shape. Scripture is clear. The image is moral likeness, spiritual capacity and delegated authority. “Let them have dominion” ~Genesis 1:26. “Put on the new man, created after God in righteousness and true holiness” ~Ephesians 4:24. “Renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him” ~Colossians 3:10.

Nothing in these passages has to do with mythical gods, parables or veiled meaning. The apostles never associated the image of God with mythology, symbolic figures or allegory. They preached the Word plainly. When the crowds wanted to make gods of Paul and Barnabas, Paul immediately set them straight because their thinking was wrong, not because there was some veiled parable behind it. “We also are men of like passions with you” ~Acts 14:15.

You said “God has no likeness.” True physically, but not true morally or spiritually. God created mankind to reflect His holiness, His righteousness, His reason, His love, and His authority under Him. That is the likeness. That is what Scripture says.

We can’t turn plain, simple teaching into symbolic blends or mythological comparisons. Scripture interprets Scripture. The question here is Genesis 1:26-27 and God has already answered it. The image of God is not physical form and it is not mythology. It is the spiritual and moral reflection of the God who made us.

Let’s stay with what the passages actually say.

 

[Indentured Servent]

how was man created in image made to resemble God

Does image necessarily mean "resemblance?"

It's not each man that is in His image, it is Mankind.

Does, or can, that make sense to you?

 

[bobinfaith]

Does image necessarily mean "resemblance?"

It's not each man that is in His image, it is Mankind.

Does, or can, that make sense to you?

Good morning, Indentured Servent;

I understand what you're asking and I'm assuming you're asking this theologically.

Theologically, the image of God, likeness or reflection (of God) represent His Creation of humanity and authority given by Him over all the earth.

Resemblance of God, to me, is the moral compass of God, our coexistence and character of God with people.

If you look at it from a secular perspective, image is a mirror copy of one person or thing to another whereas resemblance is a "similarity" between two persons or thing. There is a distinguishment.

Theologically, both individual human being and mankind represent God's image and is emphasized as mankind (man) and individual (male and female) in 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. - NKJV

Indentured Servent, you may have already formed your definition of the image, or resemblance of God and that's fine. I understand what you're asking.

We have to respect the English language's own sophistication of multiple definitions. To me, English is a beautiful, international language.

God bless you, Indentured Servent, and your entire family.

Bob

 

[David]

Does image necessarily mean "resemblance?"

It's not each man that is in His image, it is Mankind.

Does, or can, that make sense to you?

No, “image” does not have to mean a physical resemblance to God. Scripture says, “God is a Spirit” ~John 4:24, so we should not think of the image of God as mankind physically looking like God.

But the second statement needs correction. Scripture does not limit the image of God only to mankind as a collective category. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image... male and female created he them.” That includes mankind, but it also includes the individual man and woman.

Genesis 9:6 makes the individual application plain: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” The reason an individual human life must not be murdered is because that person is made in God’s image.

James also says the tongue curses “men, which are made after the similitude of God” ~James 3:9. Again, that applies to actual people, not merely mankind as an abstract group.

So yes, mankind as a whole is made in God’s image. But no, it is not only mankind collectively. Each human being bears God-given dignity because each is made in the image and likeness of God.

 

[Indentured Servent]

you may have already formed your definition of the image, or resemblance of God and that's fine. I understand what you're asking.

I've formed nothing on my own, but the brick wall you've presented let's me know I'll likely not be able to discuss what's ony mind.

Thank you.

 

[Indentured Servent]

No, “image” does not have to mean a physical resemblance to God. Scripture says, “God is a Spirit” ~John 4:24, so we should not think of the image of God as mankind physically looking like God.

But the second statement needs correction. Scripture does not limit the image of God only to mankind as a collective category. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image... male and female created he them.” That includes mankind, but it also includes the individual man and woman.

Genesis 9:6 makes the individual application plain: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” The reason an individual human life must not be murdered is because that person is made in God’s image.

James also says the tongue curses “men, which are made after the similitude of God” ~James 3:9. Again, that applies to actual people, not merely mankind as an abstract group.

So yes, mankind as a whole is made in God’s image. But no, it is not only mankind collectively. Each human being bears God-given dignity because each is made in the image and likeness of God.

Sorry for the intrusion... I'm leaving.

Evidently my thoughts are already "known" by someone else, and I don't see much opportunity to discuss Scripture on this forum... It seems pretty well established as a closed community with a theological playbook to dissuade intruders, like myself .

Thanks for responding, sorry I won't be able to answer.

 

[bobinfaith]

I've formed nothing on my own, but the brick wall you've presented let's me know I'll likely not be able to discuss what's ony mind.
Thank you.

Hey Indentured Servent;

I'm sorry, when I read your post,

"I've formed nothing on my own and the brick wall you've presented?!?" This is my mistake.

I don't make sport to talk down to others especially on forums. Instead, I enjoy uplifting others in fellowship.

I really thought we were just having a discussion. Your thoughts in your post gives others, like myself, some food for thought and sharing.

I'm always fearful that our God sees the heart and never overlooks anyone and their hidden motives.

Again, I'm sorry, brother.

Bob

 

[David]

Sorry for the intrusion... I'm leaving.

Evidently my thoughts are already "known" by someone else, and I don't see much opportunity to discuss Scripture on this forum... It seems pretty well established as a closed community with a theological playbook to dissuade intruders, like myself .

Thanks for responding, sorry I won't be able to answer.

Indentured Servent, nobody here knows your thoughts unless you state them. I only responded to the statement you posted: “It’s not each man that is in His image, it is Mankind.” Scripture does not support that as written, because Genesis 9:6 and James 3:9 apply the image/similitude of God to individual human beings.

You are welcome to explain what you meant from Scripture. But if a statement is made publicly, it can be tested publicly by Scripture. That is not a closed community. That is how biblical discussion should work.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” ~1 Thessalonians 5:21.

 

[Yesua888]

Sorry for the "misunderstanding" or "miscommunication" ...

As I see it, our "bible study" or "sharing" is often corrected or brought into line with Scripture.

"Biblical Truth Forum" stands true to it's mission, and we should understand that the responses are not always directly at the poster, but for everyone to learn Scripture, from the poster's post : )

Sometimes, we post something purposely to get the "correction" (that benefits all) or sometimes we post, in ignorance, and that's okay ... we all get to learn something : )

Take care