Genesis 1:26-27

What “In the Image of God” Does NOT Mean

1. It does NOT mean that man is divine! (cf. Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:2)

2. It does NOT refer a physical likeness! (John 4:24; Hos. 11:9; Luke 24:39)

3. It does NOT refer to something different than the “likeness” of God (Gen. 1:26-27; 5:1, 3; 9:6).

4. It does NOT refer to the sexual distinction between man and woman.

5. It does NOT refer to man’s domination of the lower creation around him.

What “In the Image of God” Entails

1. Man is capable of speaking (Gen. 1:3, 6, 9, 26, 28, 29)2. Man is capable of writing (Ex. 21:18; Dan. 5:5, 24-28)3. Man is capable of advancing intellectually (Prov. 1:5; 9:9)4. Man is capable of reasoning (Is. 1:18; Ac. 17:2-3; Ro. 1:20)5. Man is capable of making rational choices (Josh. 24:15)

What “In the Image of God” Entails

6. Man has an innate sense of morality (Rom. 2:14-15)– Awareness there is a difference between right and wrong– Recognition that men are amenable to this “moral oughtness”– Ability to choose between right and wrong

7. Man is creative (Gen. 1:1, 21, 27; 2:3)8. Man can experience heart-felt emotions: love, mercy,

compassion, anger, etc. (1 Jn. 4:8; Lk. 6:35-36; Eph. 4:26)9. Man has an innate religious inclination (Rom. 1:20-23)10.Man possesses an immortal soul (Matt. 10:28; Ecc. 12:7)