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What Does the Image of God Mean?
Both men and women are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and are created with physical and spiritual components of their humanity. This is why human life is sacred and protected (Gen 9:5-6). This is in contrast to the rest of creation. Only humanity has the privilege and honor of being created in the image of God. Hence humanity’s value is infinitely more than animals or plants. But what does it actually mean to be made in the image of God? We can list at least five different views on what it might mean to be made in the image of God. The image of God describes natural qualities within man which liken him to God. The image of God is mental or spiritual qualities shared with the Creator. The image of God refers to physical resemblance with God. The image of God refers to the capacity to…
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What Does it Mean to Be Human?
Someone asked me this last week if I would write down my thoughts on what it means to be human. My answer will of course focus on the Bible, since that is the best source for understanding the intricacies of what it means to be human. Being human means being a creature made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-28). There are two important aspects to this statement. First, human beings are creatures made by a Creator. Hence, man is obligated to follow and obey the Creator. No creature has the authority to supersede the Creator, and thus morality and ethics are completely derived from the Creator himself. Second, although mere creatures, human beings are accorded honor that is unparalleled in creation—human beings are made in the image of God. As such, mankind is given direct authority on behalf of God to function as caretaker and guardian of the rest…