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Who are we as humans? What makes us so? According to the Bible, our self-understanding starts with being created by God. Humans are made in the image of God. But what does that mean?
A fundamental question that defines anything is: what can it do? But more importantly: what is it for? What did God make humans for?
Why Did God Make Humans?
Genesis 1:1 says, “God created the heavens and the earth.” The earth was formless and empty, and over the next verses God formed and filled the universe. Throughout the first five days of creation, God speaks and things come into being. God is clearly in charge. But on day six, the basic pattern and language of creation changes, indicating something unique taking place when God creates human. God says (Gen 1:26), “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” Thus the ruler of the universe made human beings to be rulers under him. In Genesis 1:28, God said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.” In other words, God told humans to fill and form the creation. To be made in God’s image is to share in God’s rule over creation and to care for what God has made.
Why Are Humans Intrinsically Valuable?
This is why all humans have intrinsic value. Our essential identity and dignity was bestowed on humans by God when he created us in his image. This reality should inform everything we know to be true about us. We have been given the stewardship of God’s creation, and we reflect God’s authority. The dignity. purpose, and rights of human beings are not bestowed by government or society, but are come from our Creator.
As C.S. Lewis said, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” This is true because every human being is made in God’s image.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How was the creation of human beings different from the creation of anything else?
- What purpose did God give humanity that is different from other created things?
- What are some ways government and society have attempted to define human worth? Explain.
- How do you respond to the quote, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.”?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
