This is recorded in Genesis 1:26. The creation of man is distinctive for four reasons:-

• God had a divine plan for man.
• Man was made in the image of likeness of God.

1. Physical likeness of God? This may be true. See Exodus 33:20-23.
2. Nature like God. i.e. Intellect, emotion and will.
3. Moral likeness Spiritual likeness.
4. Man’s position over God’s creation is like God’s position over man.

• Man was made for a divine purpose. He was to be king of the earth. He was to be God’s representative on earth. He was also made for God’s glory.
• Man has life. Man should have a reverence for human life

This is recorded in Genesis 2-3. It seems that man had to be given an alternative from God’s way since he was made in the image of God. Satan tempts Eve and she is deceived into eating from the forbidden tree. Adam then follows the example set by Eve and also falls into sin. This fall of Adam and Eve had several implications on man’s image.

• They were diseased physically. i.e. They began to die.
• They were affected naturally.

1. Intellectually – Their minds were darkened and they lost their knowledge of God. See Ephesians 4:18.
2. Emotionally – They were degraded. They become selfish and could not love.
3. Will – Their will was affected. They no longer wanted to do God’s will.

• Morally their image was lost.
• Spiritually they died.

See 2 Corinthians 5:17. Adam was the head of the old creation but now Jesus is the head of the new creation. God must judge sin and so man must become part of this new creation or be punished. God punished Jesus for our sins. Jesus has paid the debt to God even though we deserved death. God is satisfied that through the death of Jesus, He can look upon men who believe in Jesus.