“Let Us Make Man in Our Image”

Understand We Are Created After God’s Divine Image

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”

~ Genesis 1:26 ~

Biblical scholars explain the two Hebrew terms behind the words image and likeness as references to being created in the form of God as well as to having His divine attributes. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf summarized what we have learned from modern revelation when he taught, “We are created in the image of our heavenly parents; we are God’s spirit children.” Whereas in ancient Near Eastern temples it was common to have the image of the god in that god’s temple, in the Garden of Eden the image of God is found in the man and the woman.

~ David Rolph Seely – Created in the “Image and Likeness of God” ~

In Word: Our identity is important to us. It is how we define ourselves within the context of society. We are either proud of who we are or are ashamed of what we are and have become. Either way, we allow our identity to define our reality. Trust begins with understanding who we are in relation to others. In our relationship with a sovereign God, we come to know the absolute reality of our own divine nature and heritage. We are created in the image and likeness of a Holy and Sovereign God. When we come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit steps in and sanctifies us as we become more like Christ.

Therefore, our trust is in the Sovereign God who created each one of us to bear His image, His own likeness – which is that very image and likeness of his Son, Jesus Christ (see, Colossians 1:15). In essence, our trust in God and Christ begins the process of transforming our fallen and natural image to that of a Holy and righteous image of God and the Savior.

In Deed: We are enticed by the power and authority of the Holy Spirit, however, because God is sovereign, he has given us moral agency to choose for ourselves whether we are willing to submit to Him and partake of the divine grace he offers. A Sovereign God will not violate man’s sovereign moral agency. Yet, as we surrender and yield to God’s perfect will, we are liberated from the sins and pangs of death. We find hope, courage, and strength through times of adversity.

This gives us hope and a blessed desire to continually follow and worship God. To strive toward the will of God rather than the will of self. We surrender ourselves completely and wholly to the divine creator because we have been created by a divine and Holy God. Charles F. Stanley teaches, “God created human beings with fellowship in mind – first with Himself, then with others. … we can’t fully love one another until we have ourselves experienced the love of God. We experience His love when we willingly surrender to His call to be our Savior, Lord, and Friend.” (Charles Stanley – Life Principles Daily Bible, NASB, 2011). The scriptures also teach that the closer we draw and yield ourselves toward God and His will, the deeper our fellowship and relationship is with Him. We give all of ourselves to Him as He pours out all of His grace into our hearts and soul to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus the Christ (Romans 8:29).

Be intent, committed and find the necessary motivation to seek God daily, cultivating a healthy and authentic relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Also, seek after opportunities to serve God in all things and in all ways.

Take a Moment and Ponder: Have you lost sight of who you are? What personal revelation do you receive concerning God having created you in His own image and likeness? How does that change the way you see and understand who you are? Have you drifted from a pure and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father? As we come to understand our true nature, through the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we come to learn how we are able to be of service to others. We become His hands, hearts, mind, and blessings to others who might find themselves struggling.