https://podcast.preppedforseminary.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-made-in-gods-image/
What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
It’s a phrase we often hear in Christian circles. It is a foundational truth of human identity. Yet, it is one of the most misunderstood and, at times, misapplied concepts in both theology and culture.
Some use it to affirm human worth, and rightly so—being made in God’s image gives every person an inherent dignity. But the image of God isn’t just about who we are; it’s about how we live. It carries with it both privilege and responsibility.
To be made in God’s image is to reflect His character, represent His rule, and live in a relationship with Him and others in a way that brings Him glory.
Understanding this truth is vital for grasping our purpose and engaging with the world around us. Let’s explore what it truly means to be an image-bearer and how we can live in alignment with this divine calling.
Four Perspectives on the Image of God
Scholars and theologians have wrestled with the meaning of Genesis 1:26-27, where God declares, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” While no single view fully captures its depth, four major interpretations help us understand its implications.
1. The Substantive View: Who We Are
This perspective holds that the image of God is something intrinsic to humans—our ability to reason, create, and make moral choices. Thinkers like Augustine and Aquinas emphasized that our rationality and spiritual nature set us apart from the rest of creation.
This view rightly highlights our unique human capacities. Still, it also raises an important question: What about those who cannot fully express these traits—such as infants or those with disabilities?
The answer is found in understanding that the image of God is not earned by our abilities but granted by our Creator. It is not just about what we can do but about who we are as God’s creation.
2. The Functional View: What We Do
Rather than focusing on human qualities, this view emphasizes our role as stewards of creation. In the ancient world, kings were often referred to as the “image of God” because they ruled on behalf of their deity. Similarly, Genesis 1:28 connects the Imago Dei with humanity’s responsibility to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.”
Being an image-bearer means acting as God’s representatives on earth—cultivating, ruling, and shaping creation in ways that honor Him. However, this view can feel transactional if it suggests that our worth is based on fulfilling our responsibilities.
A balanced understanding sees intrinsic worth and divine calling as part of the Imago Dei.
3. The Relational View: How We Love
Another perspective sees God’s image as primarily about relationships—with God, others, and creation. Genesis 1:27 states, “God created man in His own image… male and female He created them.” The emphasis on gendered relationships suggests that imaging God involves living in community.
Theologian Karl Barth pointed to the Trinity as the perfect model of relationality—Father, Son, and Spirit existing in eternal love. Likewise, human beings reflect God’s image best when we live in right relationship with Him and with one another.
4. The Filial View: Whose We Are
A lesser-known but powerful perspective is that the Imago Dei is about sonship—our identity as God’s children. Genesis 5:3 describes Adam’s son, Seth, as being in his father’s “likeness and image”—using the same Hebrew words from Genesis 1. Just as a child reflects their parent, humans were created to resemble God in character and purpose.
This view beautifully ties into the New Testament, where believers are called children of God (Romans 8:15-17). The image of God is not just about function or ability—it’s about belonging to God’s family and being shaped into His likeness.
Living as True Image-Bearers
When we combine these perspectives, we get a fuller picture of what it means to be made in God’s image:
- The Substantive View reminds us that our worth comes from God, not our abilities.
- The Functional View calls us to steward the earth and represent God’s rule.
- The Relational View challenges us to live in loving community.
- The Filial View affirms that we are God’s children, created to reflect His character.
However, in modern discourse, the image of God is often reduced to an argument for human dignity alone—without the corresponding responsibility to live in alignment with God’s design.
For example, many political and social movements reference the Imago Dei to affirm human value. Still, they often ignore the fact that being made in God’s image also means we do not belong to ourselves. We are called to live in obedience to our Creator, aligning our lives with His truth rather than merely asserting our own identity.
To bear the image of God is not just a privilege—it is a calling.
The Challenge: Are We Living as Image-Bearers?
If we truly embrace the Imago Dei, it should shape every area of our lives:
In our relationships – Do we honor others as fellow image-bearers? Do we forgive, love, and seek reconciliation?
In our work – Do we reflect God’s creativity, excellence, and integrity in laboring and leading?
In our personal holiness – Do we obey God, recognizing that our identity is tied to His authority?
In our witness – Are we helping others discover their identity—not just in dignity, but also in calling?
Being made in God’s image is a profound privilege, but it also comes with a weighty responsibility. We do not determine our own identity; we allow God to shape us.
Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15). Through Him, we are being restored into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Living as true image-bearers means looking to Christ, following Him and allowing His Spirit to transform us.
Reflection Questions
- How have you traditionally understood the phrase “made in the image of God”? Has your perspective changed?
- Which of the four views—substantive, functional, relational, or filial—resonates most with you? Why?
- What areas of your life do you need to reflect better God’s image—relationships, work, personal holiness, or witness?
- How does the reality of being God’s image-bearer challenge how you engage with culture, politics, and societal values?
- What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully as an image-bearer of God?
Being made in the image of God is not just a truth to affirm—it is a reality to live into. How will you live as His image-bearer today?