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A Doctrine & Theology Reflection | The Way Bible Series
Bearing the Image of God
The phrase Imago Dei (“image of God”) stands among Scripture’s most breathtaking claims (Genesis 1:26–27). It reveals humanity’s worth as reflections of God’s nature—rational, moral, creative, and spiritual. Though the image was marred by sin, it was not erased; redemption through Christ restores it (Colossians 3:10).
Millard Erickson (2013) notes that this truth grants dignity and moral accountability to humankind, for we bear the imprint of God’s moral and spiritual likeness. Though fallen, humanity retains the echo of divine design. In Christ, believers are restored to that original reflection, transformed daily into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
A Brief History of Interpretation
From Philo to Augustine, and Aquinas to Calvin, theologians have explored how humans bear God’s image. Augustine emphasized intellect and will; Aquinas saw divine likeness in reason; Luther and Calvin focused on holiness restored through faith. Together, they affirm that to be human is to reflect divine character and purpose.
Modern theologians such as Karl Barth and Stanley Grenz shifted focus toward the relational nature of the image — emphasizing that humanity mirrors the Triune God through relationships of love, community, and service.
Substantive, Relational, and Functional Views
Three major frameworks describe the image of God:
- Substantive view – humanity reflects God through intellect, morality, and spirituality.
- Relational view – we bear God’s image in community and love.
- Functional view – we mirror God’s rule through stewardship and care for creation (Genesis 1:28).
Each perspective complements the others, revealing that the image of God encompasses who we are, how we love, and how we serve.
