Created In The Image Of God

Often we think of the phrase "image of God" in terms of either value (self worth) or capacities (i.e., our abilities to think, feel, etc.). Rarely, do we think of it as a vocation or mission. The phrase "image of God" connotes a calling. We are called to represent and reflect who God is according to how He has created us in Christ Jesus (our true selves). We are also called to reign on His behalf, taking care of one part of His creation, the part where He has placed us sovereignly, so that the good that He intends for that part will be fulfilled for His glory. Of course, this connotes, by implication, that we have value in God's kingdom and that He has given us abilities (both talents and spiritual gifts) to fulfill our calling together with others in His family, i.e., the body of Christ or the church. But these are the implications, not the essential meaning of being created in the "image of God".

First of all, the phrase "image of God" points to the original vocation or calling of mankind under God. We can see this clearly in the Book of Genesis where we encounter this phrase for the first time in the Bible. Genesis 1:26-28 says, [26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” [27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. [28] God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Verse 26 points to a clear purpose or calling for mankind starting with the conjunction "so that". In addition, His command in verse 28 further clarifies this calling: ‭"Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” So, essentially, the phrase "image of God", which is central to this passage (verse 27), points to the unique calling of mankind to represent, reflect, and reign on His behalf and for His glory.

This is also the reason why there is no statement in the Bible that says that this "image" has been distorted or taken away, as some tend to believe. For example, the Bible says in ‭James 3:9, "[9] With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness." Here, human beings are referred to as being made in God's likeness or image even though we know that human beings are slaves to sin. Notwithstanding, this passage is in the New Testament, not in the Old Testament. However, what is clear in the Bible is that we are unable to fulfill our calling because of sin. The apostle Paul laments about our sinful condition in ‭‭Romans 1:21-23, "‬[21] For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22] Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles." This is the reason why all mankind have fallen short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23). The glory of God, according to Irenaeus, is a man fully alive, which of course refers, first and foremost, to Christ as the eternal Word made flesh. This also means that only through Christ can we become fully human again able to fulfill our original creation mandate which is to be the "image of God".

Thus, in Christ, we are able to represent and reflect the glory of God and be able to reign on His behalf, provided we cooperate with His work of grace through the Holy Spirit, who is always at work to make us willing and able to fulfill His purpose. The apostle Paul says in ‭Philippians 2:12-13, "[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

The Christian life is a journey of faith wherein we learn how to put off the old habits of our old selves and put on the new character of Christ so that in time we may be able to represent and reflect the glory of God who is Christ in us. This is what the apostle Paul means in ‭Ephesians 4:20-24, "[20] That, however, is not the way of life you learned [21] when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Again, he says in ‭Colossians 3:1-4, "[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Therefore, it is important to understand that our redemption does not begin or end with our reconciliation, i.e., our forgiveness from God. It continues on to our transformation and vocation until we reach the full restoration of all things in Christ together with the rest of creation. The fact that we are created in the image of God means we have a purpose and a calling. We are to represent, reflect, and reign in Christ for the glory of God. This is only possible through the redemptive grace of God. By surrendering ourselves to Him through the work of the Holy Spirit in our day to day discipleship, together with the rest of God's people, we will by His grace fulfill our calling to be the image of God.