Our Identity Explained

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why was I born? Why am I here? Why do I exist?” The real question is, “Who am I?” The starting point to answering this question is found in the first chapter of the Bible.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'”

Genesis 1:26

What if humanity was made in God’s image and likeness?

Most of us automatically think of this concept in the physical sense, neglecting that we are also body, mind, and soul. The original readers of this ancient text understood this better.

Consider the insight of Dr. T. D. Alexander, of Union Theological College and Queen’s University of Belfast.

“…humanity expresses God’s image in relationship, particularly in well-functioning human community, both in marriage and in wider society.”

Dr. Alexander continues his argument by expanding into more diverse areas of human existence.

“…the image has been seen as the capacities that set man apart from the other animals—ways in which humans resemble God, such as in the characteristics of reason, morality, language, a capacity for relationships governed by love and commitment, and creativity in all forms of art. All these insights can be put together…to establish worthy relationships with God, with one another, and with the rest of the creation. This ‘image’ and this dignity apply to both ‘male and female’ human beings.”

ESV Study Bible Notes

Reason and Morality, Love and Commitment, Creativity and Art

Within God’s image and likeness, we have a better answer for complex components of human existence. Our reason and morality are vastly different then the rest of the created world, in that we’re aware of ourselves, and our impact on each other and our greater environment. Humanity is different.

Think of our appreciation for love and commitment, having huge celebrations when a couple has reached 40, 50, and 60 years of marriage. In the evolutionary mindset, this should be looked at as negative, the male rejecting decades of spreading his seed. (Though crass, we see the lack of logic.) Humanity is different.

Then there is creativity and art. Human beings crave opportunity to design complex works of wood, metal, and stone. We write, we draw, we paint, we mold, we fabricate with an expression not witnessed in any other species on the planet. Humanity is different.

2 Push-Backs to the Image and Likeness of God

Push-Back #1: “I don’t trust those ancient writings.”

Some believe the Genesis writings, as part of the Torah (first five books of the Bible) are not authentic or authoritative, and therefore should not be trusted or followed.

In fact, many place the same disbelief on all Biblical texts. However, as pastor and author, Mark Clark points out in his book, “The Problem of God”, the same scrutiny is never placed on other documents of antiquity. Consider the examples he provides that scholars and historians accept. (M. Clark, The Problem of God, Pg. 74-75)

• Thucydides Writings (411 B.C.): 8 Copies
• Aristotle’s Poetics (335 B.C.): 5 Copies
• Caesar’s Gallic Wars (51 B.C.): 3 Copies
• Biographies of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.): 2 Copies

Now let’s consider the Torah, to which the Genesis account is given by Moses. We have thousands of pieces of papyri. The oldest is the Ketef Hinnom Silver Scroll Amulets from 700-600 B.C. The oldest complete copy of the Torah was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls, dating back to 200 B.C. – 200 A.D.

Now let’s consider the global acceptance of the Genesis account. Around 56% of the world’s population, made up of Muslims (Tawrat), Jews (Torah), and Christians believe Moses’ writings to be authentic and authoritative. Christians making up the largest group at 31%.

Push-Back #2: “I focus on the teachings of Jesus.”

Some like to focus on Jesus as a good moral teacher. Some in the church, push back against many Old Testament writings. They like to focus on the four Gospel accounts, and sometimes the Epistles. This practice leads strips the Old Testament of so many key theological concepts, that point to and lead us to Jesus.

Nevertheless, let’s dive down this rabbit hole. What does Jesus believe? Does Jesus believe the Genesis account to be authentic? Does He use it in an authoritative way? Consider the following texts.

“But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’”

Mark 10:6

“But if you do not believe his (Moses) writings, how will you believe my words?”

John 5:47

Jesus himself points us back to the Genesis account as a defence to the religious leaders in Mark 10. Then he boldly states in John 5 that if someone cannot believe Moses, then how could they every believe Him as the Christ?

Where does this lead us?

Maybe for the first time, your mind has been opened to the magnitude of meaning that is connected with being created in the image and likeness of God? Maybe you’ve been on the fence, but now you’re accepting that it might be true? But why? Where does this lead us?

Once we understand our created nature, being made in God’s image and likeness, we see something beautiful unfold; relationship! We were created in the image and likeness of God to be in relationship with Him, and with each other!

No other created species was designed in such a way, to understand relationship outside of themselves with their Creator, and the other created species both human, and in all creation. Image and likeness are not simply physical, but mental, emotional and spiritual, and relational.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• What does it feel like to hear you were made in God’s image and likeness?
• What is the greatest barrier to believing you were created to be in relationship with God?