Humanity in the Image of God free essay sample

Marquis Robinson Professor Max Botner THEO 451 Christian Theology 11 October 2012 Humanity in the Image of God Humans are imperfect creatures, but we were born in the image of God. Understanding how humans are born into sin and created in God’s image is a complex situation. Is being born in God’s image a physical meaning or something that takes place in the spirit? If created from God spiritually then do people with unbalanced minds and are vindictive and destructive an image of God? If physically then do humans with birth defects an illustration of God?Is being in Gods image a literal meaning for perfection and being pure? God tells us in the bible that we were created in his image but does his image come with flaws? Proclaiming that humans are created in the image of God could mean that in the attributes of human nature which lets God to be made demonstrated in humans. We will write a custom essay sample on Humanity in the Image of God or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Humans are conscious of being apart of God’s plans and knows how important to be specially made in the image of the most high. Humans are different from every other creature in the world. The thought process of humans and the way we reflect separates us from other creatures.Our quick decision making and self reflective nature disconnects us from other creatures and gives us our uniqueness. Although humans were created in God’s image, God the creator gave the first true humans (Adam Eve) a free will to reject the relationship with the creator and withdrawal from his works as it shows us in Genesis (The Fall of Adam Eve). The example in Genesis of Adam Eve shows that by rejecting their spiritual and moral representation to God comes with consequences but God will still be on your side. Humanity in the image of God simply means that man was made to resemble God. Just like Adam all humans don’t have the same flesh and blood but, having the same spirit of God. In John 4:24 â€Å"God is spirit,  and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. † This bible passage insists that Humans in the image of god could exist without the body. The illustration of God can associate with the supernatural part of man. This supernatural attribute is what separates us from all the other creatures in the world.In Genesis 1:28, God makes sure he states that the human he created (Adam) will rule over all the other living creatures created as he does the world. This enables Adam to commune with God and make the replica of the image of God evitable mentally, morally, and socially. Man was created as a free rational being. Humans can be understanding in reason as well as choose reason. In this sense, man takes on the attributes of God by their intellect and free will. Humans that do great things whether its entertainment, job titles, or anything that has an importance shows God our judgment and brighten minds.This in itself demonstrates that we are made in God’s image. Man was also created with a reverence and fairness as well righteousness. These attributes is a reflection of God’s divinity and holiness. In Genesis when God created everything he took a step back and realized all things that he created was more then good enough. Morally, humans act as God did when he created all living things. Our conscience is evidence from the thought of creating something good or using your morals to solve problems. This is in its own shows God’s image in humanity.In Eden, mans first relationship was with God, until God made the first women because, he thought it wasn’t good for a man to be alone. This makes me believe that man women were created to fellowship, which reflects God’s love. People that are making new friends, meeting the love of their life, and attending church are just showing how alike we are to the image of God. Throughout the bible there are a lot of passages that discuss this topic of Humanity in the Image of God. Many passages are often misinterpreted and construed and that mainly has to deal with how the bible is written.The first passage I decided to look into was found in the first book of Bible Genesis. Genesis 1:26 which states; â€Å"Then God said, â€Å"Let us  make mankind  in our image,  in our likeness,  so that they may rule  over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky,  over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a]  and over all the creatures that move along the ground. † This text begins the moments of sacred scripture. It shows the love a God and the uniqueness of man. When referring to â€Å"man†, God is describing man as well as women.This passage implies that human share some type likeness of God. Being made in the image of God gives us personal traits that separate us from other creatures such as the animal kingdom. In Genesis 1:26 the words â€Å"image† and â€Å"likeness† is used to formulate significance of men being created this way. We know that when God uses the word â€Å"image† he is not referring to his physical body or physical appearance of God. In John 4 we learn that God is a Spirit and he doesn’t inhabit a physical body. Us as humans exist as body and soul together, and both are associated with the person we are. Another passage that dealt with Humanity in the image of God was found in Romans. Romans 8:29 states; â€Å"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. † When I first read this passage I was confused to what was going on. When reading it from the New International Version it began to make more sense. God created Christ as a image of himself for the people. The image of God was created in his first creation which was defaced by sin.God inflicts his grace in us as humans and enriches us with holiness, giving us the power of being freed of guilt and sin. Creating man as in the image of God was God’s way to show his grace and love to the world. God’s anticipation of saints is the same with the everlasting love of his image. The last bible verse I decided to interpret was found in Luke. Luke 3:38 read; â€Å"Who was the son of Enos, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God†. I chose this verse because It was interesting when they referred to Adam as the son of God.Everyone knows that when you are born you take on the traits and personality of your offspring. I am not much of a bible scholar but, since Adam was the first human created he takes on the image of God. God created Adam with free will which reflects his image. Humanity in the image of God is often misinterpreted because Christians or readers of the bible don’t look at this bigger picture. This is an ethical issue because humans often believe that being in the image of God means being perfect and not having a sinful nature.Christians need to believe the image of God has to do with righteousness and holiness of truth. The soul is what connects us the image of God, not our physical appearance. Our mindset and incomparable uniqueness is what seperates us from other creatures. Humanity in the image of God is simple misunderstanding within the Christian religion. I believe ministries and churches should try and make Christians understand the fact that the image of God does not consist of physical appearance but the uniqueness of the mind and soul.When I first came across this topic I thought that Humanity in the image of God would have to do with how we look but it was much more. The spirit of human is reflected on God’s love for his creation. Our mind and soul are influenced by his love. In my life, I want to make sure that my mind and soul stays within God’s. All humans make mistakes and I am no different. God made us in his image to realize our faults and correct them and that is the uniqueness of being in the image of God.