The doctrine of the image of God in man is foundational to understanding human dignity, purpose, and redemption. While all people bear God’s image broadly by virtue of creation, the Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC) teaches a narrower, redemptive understanding of the image of God. Question 10 emphasizes that man was created in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, but this was marred by the fall. Question 35 highlights that this image is restored in believers through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in salvation.
For the church in Greenville, South Carolina, this truth is not only a foundation for personal faith but also a vital doctrine for engaging contemporary issues like human dignity, the sanctity of life, and the hope found in Christ’s redemptive work.
The Image of God in Creation
The image of God, as described in Genesis 1:26-27, declares that humanity was uniquely created to reflect God’s character and rule over His creation, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
This passage reveals the foundational aspects of humanity’s creation in God’s image:
1. Knowledge, Righteousness, and Holiness
The WSC, Question 10, defines the image of God in man as consisting in “knowledge, righteousness, and holiness.” This echoes the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF 4.2), which states that man was created with “reasonable and immortal souls, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after His own image.” The reason why the image of God is expressed in this way is because Colossians 3:10 and Ephesians 4:24 reveal this to be the characteristics Christ restores in humanity. These qualities enabled Adam and Eve to know God, love Him perfectly, and live in harmony with His will.
2. Dominion Over Creation
As image-bearers, Adam and Eve were given dominion over creation, reflecting God’s sovereign rule. Genesis 1:28 records God’s blessing: “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” This stewardship role underscores humanity’s unique position in creation.
3. Relational Capacity
The creation of humanity as male and female in God’s image highlights the relational aspect of the imago Dei. Just as God exists eternally in perfect fellowship within the Trinity, so humans were created for relationships—with God as well as man, and marriage being the pinnacle of human fellowship.
The Fall and the Corruption of the Image
The fall of man into sin (Genesis 3) profoundly corrupted the image of God. Adam’s disobedience brought spiritual death, moral corruption, and alienation from God. While the image of God remains in every person, it is now marred and distorted.
1. Loss of Knowledge, Righteousness, and Holiness
The WSC highlights that the knowledge, righteousness, and holiness with which man was created were lost in the fall. Ephesians 4:18 describes fallen humanity as “having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Sin affects every aspect of human life, including our ability to know and love God.
2. Continued Image in a Broader Sense
Despite the fall, humanity retains the image of God in a broader sense. Genesis 9:6 affirms this truth, stating, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” This continuing image provides the foundation for human dignity and the sanctity of life, even in a fallen world.
3. The Need for Restoration
The corruption of the image highlights humanity’s need for redemption. While all people bear the image of God broadly, the restoration of the image in its fullest sense—knowledge, righteousness, and holiness—is possible only through Christ’s redemptive work.
The Restoration of the Image in Christ
The WSC, Question 35, teaches that the image of God is restored in believers through sanctification: “Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” This restoration is a central aspect of salvation.
1. Christ as the Perfect Image
Jesus Christ is described as “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15) and “the express image of his person” (Heb. 1:3). In His incarnation, Christ perfectly reflected God’s character, fulfilling the purpose for which humanity was created. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He accomplished the redemption necessary for restoring God’s image in His people.
2. Renewal in Knowledge, Righteousness, and Holiness
Believers are renewed in the image of God through union with Christ. Ephesians 4:24 calls Christians to “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Similarly, Colossians 3:10 describes believers as being “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
This renewal is the work of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies believers and conforms them to the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:29). While this process is not completed in this life, it is the sure hope of every Christian.
3. The Hope of Full Restoration
The restoration of God’s image will be completed in the new creation. In eternity, believers will perfectly reflect God’s character, free from sin and its effects. 1 John 3:2 declares, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
The Image of God and Human Dignity
The doctrine of the image of God has profound implications for how we view and treat others, even in a fallen world. It provides the foundation for human dignity and the sanctity of life, addressing issues such as abortion, racism, and care for the vulnerable.
1. The Image of God and the Sanctity of Life
Every human being, from conception to natural death, bears the image of God and is therefore of infinite worth. Psalm 139:13-14 celebrates God’s involvement in the formation of life in the womb, “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
The sanctity of life compels believers in Greenville to oppose abortion, care for expectant mothers, and advocate for the most vulnerable in society. It also calls the church to extend the grace of the gospel to those who have been affected by abortion, offering forgiveness and restoration through Christ.
2. The Image of God and Human Relationships
The image of God challenges us to treat every person with dignity and respect, regardless of age, race, gender, or social status. James 3:9 rebukes the use of speech that dishonors others, stating that we curse “men, which are made after the similitude of God.”
This truth calls the church to combat dehumanizing attitudes and actions, including racism, exploitation, and neglect, and to affirm the inherent worth of every person.
3. The Image of God and Restoration
While the image of God in all people provides a basis for dignity, the restoration of the image through Christ offers the hope of true transformation. The gospel addresses the root problem of sin, enabling individuals and communities to reflect God’s character and purposes.
Application for Believers
The doctrine of the image of God calls Christians to live in light of this truth in every area of life.
1. Proclaim the Gospel
The restoration of the image of God through Christ is central to the church’s mission. In Greenville and beyond, believers are called to proclaim the gospel, inviting others to experience the renewal that comes through union with Christ.
2. Model God’s Character
As image-bearers renewed in Christ, believers are called to reflect God’s character in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. This includes pursuing personal holiness, loving others sacrificially, and stewarding creation responsibly.
3. Advocate for Human Dignity
The image of God compels believers to advocate for the dignity and worth of all people. This includes defending the unborn, caring for the marginalized, and seeking justice in society.
Conclusion
The image of God in man is a profound doctrine that reveals humanity’s unique dignity and purpose. While sin has marred this image, Christ restores it through His redemptive work, renewing believers in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. For the church in Greenville, this truth provides a foundation for faith, a guide for ministry, and a hope for the future.
As we live in light of this doctrine, may we honor the image of God in others, proclaim the gospel that restores what sin has marred, and look forward to the day when we will perfectly reflect God’s glory in eternity. To Him be the glory forever and ever.