In His Image Genesis 1:26-27. What Is Man? Evolution – man is a highly evolved animal Psychology / Sociology – man is the product of his surroundings

In His ImageIn His Image

Genesis 1:26-27

What Is Man?What Is Man?

Evolution – man is a highly evolved animal Psychology / Sociology – man is the

product of his surroundings or brain waves New Age – man is God The Bible – man is made in the image and

likeness of God

The Image and Likeness of God

Preliminary Observations



Key Points from Genesis 1 and 2…1. Divine (Godhead) decree and purpose

– “let us make man…” God and angels? God and earth? God and his attributes (plural of majesty)? God and other gods (polytheism)? God, Jesus and the H.S. (3:22; 11:7)?





Key Points from Genesis 1 and 2…2. Unique creation – “breathed life…”

3. Sexes of mankind were formed differently and at different times – “one of his ribs…”

4. “Male and female,” not “after their kind…”

5. Mankind alone is made in God’s “image”

6. Mankind alone has dominion over creation

7. Mankind alone is given responsibilities and work





Key Points from Genesis 1 and 2…8. Mankind alone is given responsibilities and

work

9. Both male and female (“them, 1:28) were blessed, pointing to equality of design

10. Mankind is the crown of God creation (timing, special wording, God’s image, a garden prepared, dominion over all)





“Image” and “Likeness” Are the Same The word “and” in some English versions

(Gen. 1:26) is not in the Hebrew text Some say “image” ref. to the physical side of

man and “likeness” ref. to the ethical side “Image” (Heb. tselem) = representation “Likeness” (Heb. demuth) = similarity “Image” and “likeness” are used

interchangeably (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1-3; 9:6)





“Image” and “likeness” apply to both male and female (Gen. 1:27-28; 5:1-3)

What is the “image” of God? Some look to themselves for the answer:

everything we are is like God This approach leads to conflict with Scripture

(body? sexual differences?) We must look to the Bible for the answer


What It Does Not Mean



Man is God Satan first suggested this (Gen. 3:5) Deification of self is the central message of

the New Age Movement We are not made in the “essence” (nature)

of God, we are made in the “image” of God We are not God (Ezek. 28:2; Ac. 12:21-23;

14:11,15), but Jesus is (Heb. 1:3)





Man Looks Like God The Heb. tselem (“image”) in some

contexts can refer to physical appearance Animals have similar physical features

(eyes, ears, hands, etc.), but are not made in God’s “image”

God is a noncorporeal spirit (Ex. 20:1-4; Deut. 4:15-16; Jn. 4:24 [Lk. 24:39])





Man is Sexual Like God Sexual distinction is also found in animals,

but they are not made in God’s “image” Sexuality and gender distinction are not

found among spirit beings (Lk. 20:35-36) The Bible nowhere speaks of the sexual

orientation of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit





Man Has Dominion Like God It has been suggested that man’s function,

not his nature, is like God Dominion over creation is the result or

consequence of being made in God’s “image,” not the “image” itself (Gen. 1:28; Psa. 8:4-6)


What It Means


What It Means

Man is a social being (Gen. 2:18) Man can speak and write (Gen. 2:20) Man has an innate desire to worship a

“higher being” (Gen. 4:1ff) Man is creative (Gen. 4:21-22) Man has a capacity for volition - free-will

(Josh. 24:15) Man possesses an immortal soul

(Eccl. 12:7; Heb. 12:9)


What It Means


What It Means

Man has the ability to reason (Isa. 1:18) Man can discern right and wrong

(Heb. 5:14) Man possesses a conscience

(Rom. 2:15) Man experiences heart-felt emotion

(1 Jn. 4:7ff) Summary: Mankind is a “personal”

being (2 Cor. 4:16) like God (Ex. 3:14)


What It Destroyed by Sin?



Many protestant commentators view the “image” of God as man’s original righteousness (“spiritual perfection”) destroyed by the first sin? damaged by the first sin?





Bible Answer: Man’s reasoning / volition remained

after the fall Gen. 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7; and Jas. 3:9

refer to man after the fall


Practical Lessons


Practical Lessons

We must not harm our fellow man By murder (Gen. 9:6) By words (Jas. 3:9)

We must not make idols (Ex. 20:4; Psa. 106:19-20; Rom. 1:23)

We are the “offspring” of God, let us act like it (Acts 17:29; see Lk. 3:38)

Male headship must be respected (1 Cor. 11:7)


Practical Lessons


Practical Lessons

Christians have a special “image” to live up to… Jesus is the “image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4-6;

Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3; see Jn. 14:9) Christians are the “image of his Son”

(Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10)

• “born of” (Jn. 3:3-5)• “divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4)

Documents

In His Image Genesis 1:26-27. What Is Man? Evolution – man is a highly evolved animal Psychology / Sociology – man is the product of his surroundings