5023 image of God
Humanity is created in the image or likeness of God. This image of God, given in creation, was damaged in the fall, but may be restored through Jesus Christ.
Humanity created in God’s image
Ge 1:26-27 Image and likeness are probably synonymous terms in Hebrew parallelism. No physical likeness between God and humanity is intended. See also Ge 5:1-2
Paul implies that the divine image is associated in the first place with men Although Paul at points seems to imply that the image of God is especially associated with males, he does not imply that this involves male supremacy: 1Co 11:7,11-12
Respect for human life in God’s image Ge 9:6; Jas 3:9
The divine image implies partnership with God in the stewardship of creation Ge 1:26 See also Ps 8:3-8
The divine image includes imitating God’s love and justice Mt 5:48 See also Dt 10:17-19
The image of God disfigured, though not totally destroyed, in the fall
Fallen humanity in contention with creation See also Ge 3:17-19
Fallen humanity and the exploitation of nature Dt 22:6-7; Isa 7:23-25
Jesus Christ the image of God
Php 2:6; Col 1:15 See also 2Co 4:4
He is the exact representation of God Heb 1:3
He reveals God Jn 1:18
Jesus Christ is the perfect human being
Jn 1:4 See also Jn 1:9,14; Php 2:7; Heb 2:17
Restoration of the divine image through Jesus Christ
The divine image is renewed in all who are united with him by faith Ro 8:29 See also 2Co 3:18; Eph 1:13-14; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:9-10
The promise of complete restoration in the future 1Co 15:49; 1Jn 3:2 See also 1Co 15:42,45-48; Php 3:21
The Christian life as a process of transformation 2Co 3:18
