Everyone seems to be on a quest to answer the foundational question—Who am I? We look to countless things to determine who we are, because we know that who we are must have something to do with our purpose and worth. We search for, buy, and assign value to ourselves, trying to tell others who we are and why we matter.
In the Bible, we find the most wonderful answer to that question—an answer more precious and profound than you will find anywhere else.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Made in God’s Image?
In the first chapter of the Bible, we hear the beginning of a story, and although the first character on the scene is God, our appearance in the story quickly follows.
The opening line tells us that “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 ESV), and it relays how God sung the world into existence, from planets to plant life (Genesis 1:2-25). Then the melodic line of that song alters. The story slows. And we hear God say: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26 ESV).
So God made man in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 ESV)
God formed the first man with his own hands and shared his life-breath with him (Genesis 2:7). He spoke to the man, forming a relationship with him that he had with no other creature (Genesis 2:16). But this man was alone, so God created a woman. He created them both to reflect his glory uniquely. Then, he blessed them.
So who are we? We are God’s image bearers—embodied beings crafted intentionally by our Maker to relate to him, rule in his world, reflect his glory, and represent him to one another (Genesis 1:28). What a wonder!
What Does It Mean That We Are Made in God’s Image?
Being made in God’s image ultimately means that in some way we are especially dear to God, more so than any other part of his creation in a distinct way.
This is true of you, and it’s true of every other person you meet. All people are precious to God, male and female—from conception to the grave, from north to south, from the strong to the weak.
You are not merely wonderfully made; you are worthy of respect. And if we take God’s Word to heart—and this reality—then we will also see those around us as wonderfully made, and without qualifiers, as worthy of utmost respect.
As people made in the image of God, we are especially responsible to God and to one another. We were created with a role no other part of creation has—to reflect God’s glory and rule with him over his creation. We were created with a capacity unlike any other part of creation—to relate to God and to one another in loving fellowship.
What Went Wrong?
You might think that the world you’re a part of is a far cry from this biblical vision. The world is filled with people acting in all sorts of ways that do not reflect the character of God. Perhaps that’s part of why our ideas of him are so messed up.
So, what went wrong? We did not lose the image of God—it is what we are. Humans are image bearers of God—regardless of their capacity, accomplishments, age, race, or gender. But we woefully fail to live out that identity—why?
In the third chapter of the Bible, we read about our rebellion. The first humans disobeyed God—just as every one of us afterward would as well. Humanity’s rebellion against God ushered in God’s punishment and the curse of sin, making it impossible for us to fulfill our God-given role as image bearers. Worse than that, our sin severed our relationship with God. Sin darkened our hearts so that all of us by nature persist in disobedience and live not in the loving relationship with God he created us for, but under his just condemnation.
But since God loves his creation, he did not leave us to our peril—to suffer his just punishment for eternity. No, he worked to rescue us from the consequences of our sin. God shared in our humanity—he became human in Jesus Christ—so that he might stand as a substitute for anyone who puts their trust in him. Jesus took upon himself the punishment we deserve through his substitutionary death on the cross. He did this not only to deliver us from punishment, but ultimately to deal with our sin, so that we might be brought into a loving relationship with him and be able to reflect his image as he intended for us (1 Peter 3:18).
God desires that every one of us would turn from our rebellion and turn in faith to Jesus. If we do this, Jesus will make us new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Then, by the power of God’s Spirit we will be able to live out the life God originally intended for us in perfect relationship with him, reflecting God’s glory to the world and rejoicing in him.
How to Live Out My Purpose?
Who am I? You ask? You are a human being made in God’s image. You may think mountains and dolphins and microscopic organisms are a wonder—well, so are you! And to a much greater degree. You are of more value to God than any other part of his creation.
But, if you have not put your faith in Jesus, you will not be able to fully live according to your design in this life, and you will suffer for treason against your Creator in eternity. For, sin separates you from your Maker and enslaves you to live for yourself rather than for him, for his glory in the world. But he loves you! And he has done all the work needed to reconcile you to him.
Receive his offer of reconciliation by faith today so that you may know the joy of being reunited to him and living out the purpose he created you for! Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, to reconcile you to God, and to empower you to know him and make him known.
You need not go looking for worth or purpose any longer. You are exceedingly valuable to God who made you. He has created you for the ultimate purpose of knowing him and making him known. And by faith in his Son, you can live the life you were created for.