The Image of God in Man

Abstract

This study deals with understanding the meaning of “image of God in man”. It is associated with identification and analyzing this concept associated with the “likeliness” of God as defined in the Bible. The main focus of this study is to provide detailed analysis of this concept associated with defining the concept associated with the general understanding of the Biblical context. This study also provides studying the concept associated with the identification of similarities with the attributes of God. Another important aspect associated with the understanding of “image” and differences in the God's attribute as compare to man. This study also provides detailed analysis of the image of God with comparing different characteristics of man similar with the “image' of God. This study will also provide detailed analysis of the historical interpretations and concept of image in Old and New Testament. This study also deals with the concept of spiritual and physical form for the analysis of “image of God in man”.

Table of Contents

Abstract1

Introduction3

Thesis Statement4

Discussion4

Need and Purpose of the Study5

Significance of Study6

Image and Likeliness7

Attributes of God in Man: Image and Likeliness8

Attribute of Love8

Attribute of Generosity and Kindness9

Attribute of Wisdom and Intellect9

Image of Superiority and Power10

Attribute of Freedom11

Historical and Biblical Interpretation of Image of God in Man12

Physical and Spiritual Form14

Spiritual form of God and Soul of Man14

Spirit and Eternity15

Concept of Plurality and Sovereignty15

“Image of God in Man” as defined in the New and Old Testaments16

Conclusion18

The Image of God in Man

Introduction

'God made man in his own image' (Genesis 9:6). God has created a man and thus, image of creator always reflects in its creation. Man is the most superior creation of God and with this verse; it clearly reflects the value and worth of mankind. This further demands understanding and wisdom to realize that, it is not just a verse that reflects the worth of man, but every verse and word of Bible requires proper understanding. This is the reason that this concept is addressed in Bible with more clarity in different meanings. In Genesis 1:26 it is again explained that are men are created in likeliness 'Let us make men in our image after our likeliness'. This attracts the attention of man to explore and understand the concept of “image” and “likeliness” of God in man. One of the most important aspects in understanding the Likeliness and image of God in man deals with identifying various attributes and characteristic. This involves analyzing different attributes of God and comparing it with the characteristics of man, such as love, truth, creativity, freedom, and wisdom.

One of the most important concepts associated with analyzing the “image of God in man” is that, man has physical existence and physical form as compare to the spiritual and divine occurrence of God. This is one most important basis for the understanding of concept of image and form. After death, there is no physical existence, there is only spirit. This provides an important aspect for analyzing the image of God in ...