Written by the Pray.com team.
We can often forget that the Bible was written (originally) to ancient readers. Knowing this context is important. When the Bible says that God made man in His image and likeness, that revelation would have been mind-blowing to an ancient reader. The term “Image of God” was only used for kings, rulers, and warlords. Or, it was used as an engraved image of a god, like an idol. Kings and idols were revered, and alone worthy of people’s worship and respect. To call people God’s image-bearers means that every person is worthy of the dignity of pharaohs and kings. If everybody is made in the image of God, everybody is imbued with dignity, purpose, and agency. God gave Adam and Eve a divine calling – to tend to the earth, multiply, and fill the world with His character as His image-bearers. This calling extends to us. Our divine purpose is to know God intimately, walk in His ways, and fill the earth with His goodness through our work, relationships, and art. You have value given to you by God. You have something to offer the world. You were designed with intention, purpose, and love. Live into that identity!
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. [Genesis 1:27]
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