Biblical Doctrine Center
Humanity
What Scripture teaches about human beings made in God's image, our purpose, and our worth.
Overview
Historical and Literary Context
Genesis 1-2 stands in sharp contrast to other ancient creation accounts, in which humans are often created as an afterthought or as slave labor for the gods. In Genesis, humanity is the crown of creation, made deliberately in God's own image and given dominion.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27 (KJV)
What is man, that thou art mindful of him... thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
What Scripture Explicitly Says
Scripture explicitly states humanity is made in God's image (Genesis 1:27), given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28), formed from the dust and given the breath of life (Genesis 2:7), and made both male and female with equal dignity and distinct roles within marriage and family (Genesis 2:18-24).
Questions Christians Discuss
Christians discuss exactly what constitutes the 'image of God,' whether it centers on rational capacity, relational capacity, moral responsibility, or dominion, and most agree it likely includes all of these rather than a single narrow definition.
Gospel Connection
Jesus Christ is called the exact image of God (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3) and the pattern believers are being conformed to (Romans 8:29), restoring in redemption what sin has marred in every human being.
Practical Application
Because every person bears God's image, Scripture grounds human dignity and worth in this truth (James 3:9), shaping how believers treat every person regardless of ability, background, or stage of life.
Cross References
Genesis 9:6 (KJV) - Human life protected because of the image of God. Psalm 139:13-14 (KJV) - Fearfully and wonderfully made. Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) - Created for good works God prepared beforehand.
Reflection Questions
- 1
How does knowing you are made in God's image shape your sense of your own worth?
- 2
How should the image of God in every person shape the way you treat others, especially those different from you?
- 3
What does Colossians 1:15 add to your understanding of what the 'image of God' fully means?
Prayer
Creator God, thank you for making me in your image, with purpose and dignity.
Help me to see every person I meet today as bearing your image also, and to treat them accordingly. Amen.
Continue Your Study
Sin -- examines how the image of God was marred, though not erased, at the fall.
Sanctification -- explores how believers are being renewed into Christ's image.