In God’s image & likeness, part 1 (Genesis 1)

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Land creatures and human beings were formed on day 6 of creation, while birds and sea creatures had been created the day before (Genesis 1:20-31). They were encouraged to reproduce and fill the earth, and given food to eat. All were deemed “good” by their Creator. 

But between human beings and all other creatures there is great distinction. In verse 26-28, the narrative dramatically breaks a repetitive pattern to signal the importance of what was going on:

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 

Everything was called “very good” after people were created (verse 31). 

A FEW OBSERVATIONS ABOUT WHAT’S DIFFERENT WITH THE CREATION OF MANKIND

▶ “In Our image, according to Our likeness.” Human beings are the only creatures of which this is said. Much has been written about what it means to be made in God’s image, but the concept is still a mystery. It does not make mankind equal with God; He is still our Creator who blesses and commands us.

▶ “Let them rule… fill… subdue… rule.” Nothing like this is said of another creature either. God said that one set of creatures should subdue the earth and rule over the other creatures. That distinctive subgroup is humanity.

▶ “Male and female.” Unlike other creatures, here both sexes are mentioned. Both are created by God. Both are “man” (mankind). Both bear God’s image. Both are blessed by God. Together they will be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. Both rule over the other creatures. 

The distinction of being made in the image of God is granted to humans by God at creation, not after a certain functional benchmark or stage of life is achieved.  It is the essence of humanity, setting us apart from other beings that God has created. 

Neither can that image be lost, as we will see as more distinctions of humanity are observed in two other passages in Genesis. Please keep reading: In God's image & likeness, part 2 (Genesis 5) and In God's image & likeness, part 3 (Genesis 9).

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Image credits: 

The Creation of Adam by Michaelangelo, Sistine Chapel

Vitruvian Man by Leonardo Da Vinci. Image supplied by janeb13 on Pixabay