What It Means to Be Made in the Image of God: Purpose, Identity, and Rulership

The Profound Reality of Being Made in God’s Image

At the end of creation, God looked at everything He had made and declared it very good. This moment was unlike the previous days of creation—something had changed. Humanity had been formed, bearing the very image of God.

But what does it mean to be made in the image of God? Theologians have wrestled with this question for centuries, and while different perspectives exist, they are not necessarily in conflict. Instead, they offer complementary insights into the nature and purpose of humanity.

To understand our identity and calling, we must examine three complimentary ways in which we can reflect God’s image: through function, relationship, and status.

The Three Ways We Reflect God’s Image

1. The Functional View: Doing What God Does

Some believe being made in God’s image means that humans can do the kinds of things God does:

• God creates, and therefore humans can create.
• God speaks, and therefore humans use can language.
• God is rational, and therefore humans reason.

These unique capacities distinguish us from animals and reflect the nature of our Creator. However, defining God’s image solely by what we do has limitations.

“What happens when we can’t do those things? What about a newborn baby? Does that mean they’re not really in the image of God? That doesn’t seem to be what the bible communicates.”

This perspective is helpful but incomplete. We can do these things because we are made in God’s image, but these things don’t fully define Imago Dei.

2. The Relational View: We Reflect a God Who Is Relationship

Another perspective emphasizes the relational aspect of being made in God’s image.

“God doesn’t just do relationships—He is a relationship.”

God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a perfect unity of love. Because we bear His image, we too are inherently relational beings.

This means our relationships—with God, with one another, and even with creation—are fundamental to our identity. The way we love, serve, and engage with others is part of reflecting who God is.

3. The Status View: Being Made Rulers in God’s Creation

Perhaps the most striking aspect of being made in God’s image is what Genesis 1:26 explicitly states:

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion…”

The Genesis narrative assumes that there is a God, and that God is in charge. Unlike the rest of creation, humans are given a ruling role. In the ancient world, this idea was revolutionary. The first readers of Genesis, recently freed from Egyptian slavery, would have been stunned by this revelation:

“After 400 years of being told they were slaves, now they are told they are rulers!”

This ruling status is not based on ability, intelligence, or age—it is inherent to being human. Just as a prince is heir to a throne regardless of his development or actions, every human being is given intrinsic value and purpose simply by being made in the image of God.

Implications: What Does This Mean for Us?

Recognizing that we are made in God’s image transforms how we see ourselves, others, and our purpose in the world.

1. Our Value Comes from God, Not What We Do

Human worth isn’t based on intelligence, physical ability, or success. Every person—regardless of age, health, or status—has infinite value because they bear God’s image.

2. Men and Women Equally Reflect God’s Image

Genesis 1:27 affirms that both male and female were created in God’s image. Before Eve’s name was even mentioned, Scripture had already declared that both men and women fully reflect God’s nature.

3. We Are Called to Rule and Steward Creation

When God made the world, it was formless and empty. He filled it and formed it, shaping it with His word. Then, in an astonishing act, He gave that same responsibility to humanity.

“It’s as if God throws the keys of creation to His image-bearers and says, ‘Now you fill it and form it. You take what was empty and formless, and make it flourish—just like I did.’”

God created little rulers, not just beings who exist for themselves. Our calling is to cultivate, create, and care for the world as God’s representatives.

Trusting Him, Shaping Me, Restoring Us

Living in the reality of being made in God’s image means embracing three key commitments:

Trusting Him: Recognizing that our value comes from God alone, not our abilities or achievements.

Shaping Me: Allowing this truth to transform the way we see ourselves and others, treating all humans as bearers of God’s eternal image, fully revealed in Jesus.

Restoring Us: Living out our role as stewards, working to bring order, beauty, and flourishing to the world around us.

“Human beings do not acquire purpose because they acquire some sort of ability. Human beings don’t acquire value because they make something of themselves. Human beings are created with value. They are formed with purpose.”

How to Live as Image-Bearers

1. See Yourself as God Sees You: Stop measuring your worth by the world’s standards. Your identity is rooted in being made in God’s image.

2. Recognize the Value in Others: Every person—regardless of age, ability, or background—bears God’s image. Treat others with the dignity they deserve.

3. Live Out Your Calling as a Ruler: God entrusted humans with the task of cultivating creation. Take responsibility for how you engage with the world—through your work, relationships, and community.

4. Reflect God’s Character: Being made in God’s image means reflecting His nature. Choose love, justice, compassion, and stewardship in all you do.

Living in the Fullness of God’s Design

Being made in the image of God is not just about what we do—it’s about who we are. It gives us identity, purpose, and a calling to rule wisely in God’s creation.

The Image of God is not earned; it is given. From the moment of conception to the end of life, every person has intrinsic worth because they reflect their Creator.

If you want to explore more about what it means to live in God’s design, check out more of our content at IdentityProject.tv. Learn how to embrace your identity as an image-bearer and step into the purpose for which you were created.