Mentally, morally, socially, and physically, we show the effects of sin. Today, we still bear the image of God (James 3:9), but we also bear the scars of sin. In so doing, they marred the image of God within themselves, and passed that damaged likeness on to all their descendants (Romans 5:12). Although they were given a righteous nature, Adam and Eve made an evil choice to rebel against their Creator. Part of being made in God’s image is that Adam had the capacity to make free choices. Every time someone marries, makes a friend, hugs a child, or attends church, he or she is demonstrating the fact that we are made in the likeness of God. In Eden, humanity’s primary relationship was with God (Genesis 3:8 implies fellowship with God), and God made the first woman because “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). This reflects God’s triune nature and His love. Socially, humanity was created for fellowship. Whenever someone writes a law, recoils from evil, praises good behavior, or feels guilty, he or she is confirming the fact that we are made in God’s own image. Our conscience or “moral compass” is a vestige of that original state. ![]() God saw all He had made (humanity included) and called it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Morally, humanity was created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness. Anytime someone invents a machine, writes a book, paints a landscape, enjoys a symphony, calculates a sum, or names a pet, he or she is proclaiming the fact that we are made in God’s image. This is a reflection of God’s intellect and freedom. In other words, human beings can reason and choose. Mentally, humanity was created as a rational, volitional agent. ![]() ![]() It is a likeness mentally, morally, and socially. It sets human beings apart from the animal world, fits them for the dominion God intended them to have over the earth (Genesis 1:28), and enables them to commune with their Maker. The image of God (Latin, imago dei) refers to the immaterial part of humanity. However, Adam’s body did mirror the life of God insofar as it was created in perfect health and was not subject to death. Scripture says that “God is spirit” (John 4:24) and therefore exists without a body. Adam did not resemble God in the sense of God’s having flesh and blood. Having the “image” or “likeness” of God means, in the simplest terms, that we were made to resemble God.
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