Bible Study: The Image of God in Man
Theme: Identity, Fall, Redemption, and Practical Living
Base Text: Genesis 1:26-27
Introduction
The search for identity is inherent to the human experience. We constantly ask: Who am I? What is my purpose? The Bible reveals that our true identity is not found in achievements, social status, or earthly relationships. Instead, it is rooted in being created in the Imago Dei (the Image of God) and being restored through Christ. This study examines the functional loss of this image in the Fall and its full restoration through redemption.
I. Creation and the Image of God
Text: Genesis 1:26-27 — "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...'"
1. The Meaning of "Image" and "Likeness"
These terms do not refer to physical form (since God is Spirit, John 4:24), but to communicable attributes—qualities God shares with humanity:
• A) Spiritual Dimension: The capacity for communion with God, moral consciousness, and responsible free will.
◦ Ecclesiastes 3:11: God has set eternity in the human heart.
• B) Moral Dimension: The ability to distinguish between good and evil, reflecting divine holiness.
◦ Ephesians 4:24: Created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
• C) Intellectual Dimension: Reasoning, creativity, and the power of complex language.
2. Intrinsic and Inalienable Dignity
Every human being possesses essential value because they reflect the Creator.
• Psalm 8:5-6: "You have made them a little lower than the angels..."
• Doctrine: The Sanctity of Human Life. This image provides the foundation for human rights, justice, and equality. Because man is made in God’s image, life is sacred (Genesis 9:6).
3. Responsible Dominion
Dominion is not exploitation; it is stewardship.
• Psalm 24:1: "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." We are managers, not owners.
II. The Fall and the Distortion of the Image
Text: Genesis 3 The Image of God was not destroyed by sin, but it was severely corrupted and distorted.
1. Shame and Separation
After sin, man hid from God (Genesis 3:7-10). This resulted in:
• Loss of innocence and the introduction of fear.
• Spiritual alienation (Isaiah 59:2).
2. Guilt and Self-Sufficiency
Man attempted to justify himself.
• Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
• Doctrine: Total Depravity. Sin affected every part of the human being: the intellect, the emotions, and the will.
Note: Because the image is fragmented, humans now seek identity in fleeting things: success, pleasure, power, and people (Jeremiah 17:9).
III. Redemption and the Restoration of the Image
Text: John 1:12-13 | 2 Corinthians 5:17
Jesus Christ is the perfect Image of God.
• Colossians 1:15: He is the image of the invisible God.
• Hebrews 1:3: He is the exact representation of His being.
1. New Sonship (Adoption)
By believing in Christ, we are not just forgiven; we are brought into the family.
• Romans 8:15-17: We received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father."
2. New Creation (Regeneration)
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "The old has gone, the new is here!"
• This involves a "New Birth" (John 3:3) and an inner transformation of nature.
3. The Process of Progressive Restoration
• Colossians 3:10: We are being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
• Doctrine: Sanctification. While our standing is restored instantly by faith, our character is restored progressively in practice.
IV. Reflecting the Image of God in Practice
Identity in God must produce transformed behavior.
1. Renewal of the Mind (Romans 12:2): Achieved through meditation on the Word, prayer, and spiritual discernment.
2. Putting Off and Putting On (Ephesians 4:22-32):
◦ Abandon: Anger, lies, and malice.
◦ Put on: Kindness, forgiveness, and love.
3. Humility and Service (Philippians 2:5-11): Reflecting the Kenosis (self-emptying) of Christ. A restored image is expressed through service, not pride.
4. Gifts and Purpose (1 Peter 4:10-11): We are instruments used for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
V. Strengthening the Image through Faith
• Active Hope (Psalm 27:14): Waiting on the Lord is a confident, active trust.
• Faith as Conviction (Hebrews 11:1): Certainty in God's promises regardless of circumstances.
• Community and Discipleship (Hebrews 10:24-25): Spiritual growth happens within the body of Christ.
• Constant Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17): Ongoing communication strengthens our sense of identity.
- Bible Study about Malachi 1:2–12 The Priority of Divine Love and the Call to Honor
- Bible Study about Psalm 107:1–32 - The Evidence of God’s Goodness and Mercy
- Bible Study on Deity: Trinity
Practical Applications
• Stop seeking human approval: Focus on your standing before God (Galatians 1:10).
• Daily Affirmation: Declare your identity in Christ based on Ephesians 1:3-7.
• Spiritual Disciplines: Commit to prayer and scripture to sharpen the "reflection."
• Humble Service: Look for opportunities to serve others as a reflection of Christ’s character.
Conclusion
The Imago Dei is the stamp of our origin and the map for our destiny. Though blurred by sin, it is being brilliantly restored through the work of Jesus Christ. We are not what we do; we are who He says we are.
