THE IMAGE OF GOD IN THE HUMAN

I believe God created man in his own image and likeness (Gen.1:26-17).  This distinguishes people from all the other creatures. The image of God is what makes humans human.[1] I believe that the image of God is universal within the human race. It is not evident in only a portion of the human race but it is evident in all people. I also believe that this image is not lost as a result of sin or the fall. I do not believe that there is a difference in the degree of the image of God present in different people. This image cannot be correlated with the relationship one has with God. The image is in the very nature of humans in the way in which they were made. I believe that it refers to something a human is rather than something a human has or does.[2] I also believe that image refers to the elements in human makeup that enable the fulfillment of human destiny. The image helps or makes people capable of interacting with other persons, thinking and reflecting, and being willing freely.

            I believe that this doctrine has a big implication as it helps us to understand that we belong to God. Jesus was the complete revelation of God and we should pattern ourselves after him. The relationship with God is important as we will experience full humanity only when we are properly related to God.  This also leads to the conclusion that humans are valuable and we should be careful not to treat people differently based on some criteria. Every person deserves dignity as they are in the image of God.

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[1] Erickson, Christian Theology, 518.

[2] Erickson, Christian Theology, 532.