Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness… Gen 1:26
Imagine seeing a crumpled bit of paper on the ground. It would probably be dismissed as trash. But if that piece of paper was a high-value currency note, it would be quickly salvaged, regardless of its dirty appearance. Why? Both are paper, yet the currency note bears the guarantee of the government. This transforms it from a coloured bit of paper to very valuable, whatever its setting. Just so, every human being, regardless of outward circumstances, bears the image of God. This bestows inherent worth, the human dignity and value that no amount of degradation can erase.
Genesis 1:27 tells us, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” These words establish a profound truth: every man and woman is equally created in the likeness of God. This equality of origin and of worth transcends gender, race, status, or ability. It is rooted not in what we do but in the image we bear. Genesis 9:6 emphasizes this by declaring the taking of human life to be punishable by death, because man was made in the image of God.
What does it mean to be created in the image of God? The writer of Hebrews reflects on this mystery in Hebrews 2:6-7: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor and placed everything under his feet.” Humans are unique from all other creatures. We were created just a little lower than angels. We were crowned with glory and honor, and given dominion over creation. This divine image is evident in our ability to reason, our moral sense of right and wrong, our creativity, and our capacity for relationships—with each other and with God.
Yet, sin has alienated us from God and caused us to lose the reflection of His glory in us. Our moral compass is corrupted, our relationships fractured, and our purpose clouded. The image remains, but it is corrupted, like a tarnished mirror that no longer functions as it was intended to. However, the story doesn’t end there.
Through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, God has reconciled us to Himself and given us his Spirit. He is restoring His image in us who have come to Christ. Colossians 3:10 tells us that, in Christ, we have “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Ephesians 4:22-24 urges us to “put off the old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This renewal is a process, a daily transformation occurring as we submit to God’s work in our lives.
While humanity has not yet been given dominion over all things that they were created for, yet Jesus has received the crown. Verse 9 declares, “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” Jesus, the express image of God’s glory, became a man so that he might taste death for everyone. He humbled himself to obey the will of God even to the point of death on a cross. Through his obedience to death, he redeemed us and restored our destiny. Through His sacrifice, we are united with Him in God’s kingdom, and one day we will reign with Him.
This truth has three profound implications for our lives.
First, we have a purpose for we are created in God’s image. As redeemed people of God and bearers of God’s image, we display in our lives and our words His character and glory in the world, the beauty of his holiness, his majesty, and his love. Living in obedience to Him, we become visible expressions of His greatness. Peter captures this in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Second, we have value for we are created in God’s image. Every human being, no matter how flawed or broken, is precious because they bear the imprint of their Creator. This truth challenges us to view others with compassion and respect. James 3:9 points out that with our tongues, we bless God but curse people who are made in His likeness. Those who love God will not devalue those made in his image. Human life is precious precisely for this reason, Genesis 9:6. Our interactions with others should therefore be marked by kindness, patience, and a recognition of their intrinsic worth.
Finally, we are being changed into His likeness day by day. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit works in us to renew the image of God. This is a lifelong process to make us more like Jesus. Through trials, discipline, and grace, God shapes us to reflect His glory. Let us embrace this process with humility and pious submission, for at the end we will demonstrate to all ages his kindness and holiness.
How can we live out this truth in practical ways? Let us recognize our worth as people made in God’s image. Irrespective of our past, God’s image in you gives your life meaning and purpose. Secondly, let us extend that same recognition to others. Treat every person you meet—friends, family, strangers, even enemies—with honour. Look beyond their flaws and see the image of God in them.
Finally, commit to the daily work of renewal. Read and think on God’s Word. Let these thoughts of truth shape your thoughts and actions. Be led by the Holy Spirit to put off the old self and put on the new. This journey is one where the disciple surrenders to his Master and is transformed along the way.
In a world that often devalues human life and distorts human purpose, let us anchor ourselves in the truth that we are created in the image of God. This truth gives us dignity, calls us to a higher purpose, and reminds us of the incredible grace that God extends to us through Jesus Christ. Let us live each day as His image-bearers, reflecting His love, grace, and glory to a watching world.