Genesis 1:26-28 (part 2)

Let’s take a second look at Genesis 1:26-28...

Christian theology begins with Genesis 1—and a key passage is 1:26-28 where we are told that man is “made in God’s image”. What does this imply?

First, consider the term “made” or “created” as opposed to “built”. The latter implies construction and a functional purpose—whereas made/created implies something more artistic (Eph 2:10). Both are fine—and help to inform our understanding of who we are and who God wants us to be.

What does it mean that we are made in God’s image? Here’s my top ten! We are to…

1.) convert chaos into order (with freedom) and to act with purpose (1:2)

2.) be creative and to create things of use and beauty within our ‘work’

3.) value and enjoy creation as ‘good’ (God’s intent from Eden to the New Jerusalem)

4.) be people whose word is good-- that when it is said, it is as good as done

5.) respect the equality of all people and their individual differences (1:27)

6.) exercise proper dominion over nature and the resources over which God has given us stewardship (1:28)

7.) bless God and others-- as we have been ‘blessed’ by God (1:28, 12:1-3)

8.) work to empower others-- as we have been empowered by God (1:28; Schneider, p. 51a)

9.) pursue teamwork and community—as we do our work (e.g., within marriage, between genders, in general; see: 1:26's ‘our’/Trinity; 1:27,28; Eccl 3:13)

10.) view ourselves as God’s royal ambassadors in the world (II Cor 5:17-20; Schneider, p. 47-48)

In this, history and our-story (done well) will be an extension of God’s original creation (Jn 5:17, Heb 1:3).