Imago Dei, What does it mean to be made in the image of God?

Hermin Bavinck once wrote, “The essence of human nature is its being in the image of God” (Bavinck, Dogmatics, vol. 1, 530). In other words, the imago dei is at the heart of what it means for us to be human. The question is, what does it mean to be made in God’s image? Thankfully, the Bible help us come to some conclusions on what it means to be made in this image of God. In particular there are several key texts on this subject: Genesis 1:26-27; Gen 5:1-3; Gen 9:6; James 3:9. Based on what we find in these passages (along with the rest of the Bible), here is what we can say about the imago dei:

General observations about the Imago Dei (image of God).

• Being made in the image of God is what differentiates human beings from animals.

• Being made in the image of God is why we possess inner-man qualities like a conscience.

• Being made in the image of God didn’t end after the fall, even though it is hindered.

The Essence of the Imago Dei (image of God)

• The image of God is what gives us the capacity to relate to God in heaven and represent God on earth.

• We were made in such a way that we can enjoy a relationship with God and participate in fellowship with him.

• We were made in such a way that we can carry out God’s will on earth and willingly obey him for his glory.

• We were made to be in a relationship with the Holy God and reflect the holiness of God with our entire being.

Specific features of the Imago Dei (image of God)

• The Image of God includes a relational capacity: equipped to hear and speak (receive revelation) (Dt 6:4).

• The Image of God includes a rational capacity: We are equipped with the ability to learn and reason (Ps 46:10)

• The Image of God includes a volitional capacity: equipped with the ability to choose and will (Josh 24:15)

• The Image of God includes a moral capacity: equipped with the ability to reflect God’s attributes (Lv 19:2).

• The Image of God includes a spiritual capacity: equipped with a soul // inner-man // non-corporeal (2 Cor 4:16)

• The Image of God includes a functional capacity: equipped with a body fit for the task given by God (Gen 2:15).

The Renewal of the Imago Dei (image of God)

• When man sinned we fell short of the glory of God that we were designed to relate to and represent.

• As image bearers enslaved to sin our relationship with God is broken and we are in rebellion to God.

• God sent Christ into this world as a man so that he could be the perfect image bearer in our place

• Christ, in his human nature, is the perfect exposition of the imago dei and it is how the image is renewed in us (cf., Eph 4:24; Rom 8:28-29).

Conclusion:

It is hard—maybe impossible—to provide a comprehensive list of attributes that define what it means to be made in God’s image, but collectively we know that being image bearers of God means that we have the capacity and the responsibility to live in relationship with God and to reflect his holiness in our lives. This capacity to walk with God was marred by sin, but is being renewed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The innate and universal capacity to receive God’s revelation and reflect his holiness makes us unique.