InstaStudy

"Let Us Make Man": Understanding God's Creative Intent

A study exploring the profound meaning behind God's declaration, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," focusing on the singular nature of the Creator and the divine purpose for humanity.

1. The Singular Creator and the Divine Pronoun

1.1 One God, One Creator

Verses: Isaiah 44:24; Isaiah 45:12; Malachi 2:10
  • God alone is the Creator; there is no other; He is the sole source of all life.
  • His creative power is unique and unrivaled.
  • All things exist by His will and design.

1.2 "Let Us": A Plural of Majesty or Deliberation

Verses: Genesis 1:26; Isaiah 40:13-14; Psalm 33:6
  • God speaks to Himself in a majestic or deliberative manner, emphasizing the importance of His act.
  • This divine pronouncement does not imply multiple co-equal persons in the Godhead.
  • It signifies the profound counsel and wisdom within the one Creator.

1.3 The Word of God as the Agent of Creation

Verses: Psalm 33:6; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16
  • God's Word (His thought, plan, and expression) is the active force in creation.
  • The Word is God Himself in action, bringing all things into existence.
  • All things were made by Him and for Him, revealing His singular power.

2. Man in God's Image and Likeness

2.1 What "Image" and "Likeness" Mean

Verses: Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 5:1; James 3:9
  • Humanity reflects God's moral, spiritual, and intellectual capacities.
  • It signifies a unique relationship and potential for fellowship with the Creator.
  • This resemblance is not a physical form of multiple persons, but a spiritual and relational capacity.

2.2 Attributes of the Divine Image

Verses: Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29
  • Created with righteousness, holiness, knowledge, and spiritual understanding.
  • Endowed with the capacity for love, reason, and free will.
  • Designed to reflect the character and nature of the one God.

2.3 The Purpose of Bearing God's Image

Verses: Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:4-6; 1 Corinthians 11:7
  • To represent God on earth as His stewards and vice-regents.
  • To have dominion over creation, exercising responsible authority.
  • To glorify the Creator through our lives and actions.

3. The Word Made Flesh: The Ultimate Image

3.1 Jesus as the Express Image of God

Verses: Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15; John 14:9
  • Jesus is the perfect manifestation and express image of the invisible God.
  • He fully reveals the character, nature, and glory of the one Creator.
  • He is the ultimate pattern for humanity's restoration and perfection.

3.2 God Manifest in the Flesh

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:14; Isaiah 9:6
  • The one God chose to reveal Himself in human form, dwelling among us.
  • Jesus is the Father (God) dwelling in a human body, not a separate person.
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him, demonstrating His singular deity.

3.3 The "Us" in Prophetic Foresight

Verses: John 1:1-3; Revelation 13:8; Ephesians 1:4
  • God's eternal plan included His manifestation as the Son, Jesus Christ.
  • The "us" can be understood as God speaking from His eternal counsel, encompassing His future self-revelation.
  • The creation of man was always in view of redemption and restoration through Christ, the Word made flesh.

4. Dominion and Responsibility

4.1 Mandate to Rule and Subdue

Verses: Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:6-8; Genesis 2:15
  • Humanity was given authority over the earth and its creatures.
  • We have a responsibility to care for, manage, and cultivate creation.
  • This dominion reflects God's own sovereignty and order.

4.2 Moral Responsibility and Choice

Verses: Genesis 2:16-17; Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15
  • Created with free will, humanity has the capacity to choose obedience or disobedience.
  • We are accountable to the Creator for our choices and actions.
  • This moral capacity is a fundamental aspect of bearing God's image.

5. The Fall and Redemption: Restoring the Image

5.1 The Marred Image

Verses: Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12
  • Sin distorted and marred the divine image in humanity.
  • Disobedience resulted in spiritual separation from God and the introduction of death.
  • The fall brought brokenness and a need for spiritual renewal.

5.2 Redemption Through Christ

Verses: Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:10
  • God, in His mercy, provided a way for the restoration of the divine image.
  • Through Jesus Christ, the image can be renewed and transformed.
  • Salvation brings us back into fellowship and right relationship with God.

5.3 Living in the Restored Image

Verses: Ephesians 4:22-24; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Philippians 2:5
  • Continual transformation into the likeness of Christ is the goal of redemption.
  • Living a life of holiness, righteousness, and true knowledge.
  • Reflecting God's character and purpose to the world around us.