Day 76

Of Creation

Chapter 4, Paragraph 2.

“….rendering them fit unto that life to God, for which they were Created; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness;…”

Scripture Lookup

Ecclesiastes 7:29.

Genesis 1:26.

Reflection

What does it mean to be made after the image of God?

Viewing ancient Greek statues of various gods and goddesses, it is remarkable how human-like they are. They model what was considered the perfect physique. Strong, muscular arms and legs, pleasant facial features, they provided an example of external deity that was like a human, only better. One could look at them and think, “The gods and goddesses look like us.” When God created Adam and Eve after His image, did they reflect Him in physical appearance? No. God is a spirit, remember, and does not have a body like men. So it was not in external appearances that they were made after His image.

To be made after the image of God means that Adam and Eve reflected some of the properties of God, particularly in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. Having a reasonable soul, they were able to understand who God was, what He had made, and what He required of them. They were able to do that which was pleasing to God, as they had not yet broken His law. Adam and Eve were able to be in fellowship with God. Thomas Vincent writes in his The Shorter Catechism Explained from Scripture,”Man at first had true and chief love to God; his desires were chiefly after him, and his delight was chiefly in him, and no creature in the world had too great a share.”

Tainted with sin as we are, it is difficult to picture what Adam and Eve were like before the Fall. Yet some aspects of God’s image still remain in every person born on earth. Our souls are still reasonable and immortal, and know from the general revelation found in creation that there is a God. Unbelievers also strive to keep some sort of moral code. We have a reminder of what Adam and Eve lost when we view the rest of mankind. Thankfully, we have a Savior who restores the image of God in His people.

Questions to Consider

• How are the people around you reflecting God’s image?