Much of our conduct one toward another in society today is characterized by unkindness, harsh words, blatant disrespect, and even outright hatred. Civility and common courtesy are simply behaviors we now read about in old novels. Our speech one toward another is often filled with outright contempt to the point that we even celebrate and commend it when expressed by others. One fundamental truth that has been eclipsed by the post-modern thought storming into our lives is that we are made in the image of God.
The Scriptures record this simple but unimpeachable testimony, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27; emphasis added). While there may be some variations in just what it means to be made in his image, most Bible scholars agree that this image includes one key consideration. God made us in his moral likeness with the capacity to fellowship, commune and worship him. Nothing else in his created universe shares this quality – only mankind. Man and woman are the very zenith of his creation. We alone are made in his image and this truth has significance and far reaching implications.
Man’s fall into sin left this image severely marred, almost to the point of being unrecognizable. Nonetheless, faint as it may be, it is there! We dare not lose sight of this truth. It is the fundamental common feature of our humanity that demands mutual honor and respect. We are each made in the image of God; therefore, we should not pervert judgment. We treat the poor and rich alike in justice and fairness. We are each made in the image of God; therefore, we show mercy and compassion to those less fortunate. We are each made in the image of God; therefore, we treat even those who violate society’s laws with dignity, however unworthy their behavior.
The fact that we are made in the image of God is of no small consequence. It is the basis for capital punishment. For one man to murder another is to disregard God’s stamp upon his creation. Consequently, God declared to Noah “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (Genesis 9:6; emphasis added).
This image is communicated to every man and woman. None are excluded. Even the unborn child bears this image. God told Jeremiah, the prophet, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Yes, indeed, the image of God has been marred by sin. But God is in the business of restoring that image through the gospel of his saving grace. This gospel has to do with his Son, Jesus, who was made “to be sin for us…that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through faith in Christ we can have that image rightly restored.
From the Chaplain 