Getting Started

We were created as persons by a personal God. The Scriptures explain this by how, unlike the rest of creation, we are. God formed us and then breathed life into us. Because of this everyone has worth and value. Our purpose in life is rooted in the fact that we are created in the image of God. What does it mean to be created in God’s image and how that should affect the way we view God and ourselves.

Something to consider: What does it mean to be human?

Who are we?

Made in God's image

Genesis 1:25
Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 2:7
Genesis 5:1-2        
2 Corinthians 3:18
Genesis 9:6  
1 Corinthians 11:7
Philippians 2:3,6  
James 3:9
Colossians 3:10
Genesis 9:6
Psalms 8:3-8
Matthew 5:48
Romans 3:23  
Colossians 1:15
2 Corinthians 4:4
Hebrews 1:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 4:24
Psalms 17:15
2 Timothy 3:2
Romans 8:29
Galatians 3:28
Ephesians 2:10
1 John 3:1-3
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
Genesis 3:17-19 
Deuteronomy 22:6-7
Isaiah 7:23-25

We are mortal

Hebrews 9:27
Psalms 89:48
Job 4:17
Job 14:10
Romans 6:12

The soul is mortal

Psalms 119:175
Psalms 89:48
Psalms 78:50
Psalms 22:29
Joshua 10:35
Ezekiel 18:4
Psalms 49:15
Job 33:22

Questions about our image

Now that we've looked at a number of verses, we encourage you to explore these questions with your group or in a journal.

• In your own words, what does it mean to be created in the image of God?
  

• How does Genesis 1 distinguish humankind from the rest of creation?  
  

• In what way does the doctrine of image speak into modern-day issues? 
  

• How has the idea of everyone made in the image of God changed the way you look at yourself and humankind?
  

What does it mean?

Knowledge is good, but knowing how to act on that knowledge is better. Explore some of these questions about how our knowledge affects our lives.

• How does a nonbeliever bear the image God?  
  

• In what ways does your life reflect the image of God well? 
  

• What ways does your life reflect a false image of God? 
  

• What does repentance look like in these areas?