From the Start: A Genesis Series – Part 4 | Genesis 1.26–31

Introduction: A Picture That Points Beyond Itself

Have you ever looked at a picture that instantly transports you back to a moment in time? Maybe it’s a photo of a favorite vacation spot, a loved one, or a milestone event that brings a flood of memories with it. A photograph isn’t the actual experience—it points us back to something real and meaningful. In much the same way, Scripture teaches that humanity functions like that photograph: we are not God, but we were created to reflect Him—to represent His nature and character within His creation.

In Genesis 1.26–31, we see one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…’”

This short but weighty statement reveals the incredible purpose and dignity of humanity. We are not accidents of nature. We were intentionally formed by God to mirror His glory and to live as His image-bearers in the world.

Defining “Us”: The Divine Community

When God says, “Let us make man in our image,” the wording invites us to look deeper. Scripture reveals that the plural “Us” refers to the Triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—all present and active in creation. The Father speaks the world into existence, the Spirit hovers over the waters, and the Son, the Word made flesh, is the agent through whom all things were created (John 1.1–3).

From the very beginning, creation was a collaborative act of divine unity. Humanity, made in that same communal image, is designed for relationship—with God and with one another.

Made in His Image: What It Means to Be Human

The phrase “in His image” (Hebrew: tselem) signifies representation. In the ancient world, a king might place statues of himself throughout his kingdom as a reminder of his rule and presence. In a similar way, God placed humanity within His creation to reflect His authority, wisdom, and goodness.

Being made in God’s image means we embody His communicable attributes: love, mercy, creativity, justice, and moral discernment. Every person, regardless of status, ability, or background, carries inherent worth because they bear the imprint of the Creator.

Ruling with Responsibility

Genesis 1.26–28 gives humanity a clear command: to have dominion over the earth. Unfortunately, this word “dominion” has often been misunderstood. God’s intent was never exploitation but stewardship. Humanity was created to rule as caretakers, not conquerors—to cultivate the earth in a way that allows creation to flourish.

This divine rule mirrors the humility of God’s own leadership. Deuteronomy 17 outlines how Israel’s kings were to lead—with restraint, obedience, and compassion. Likewise, our “royal” role as humans is to steward God’s creation wisely, sustainably, and for the good of all living things. To care for the earth, to work and keep it, is an act of worship that honors the Creator.

Fruitfulness: Participating in God’s Creative Work

When God blessed humanity, His first command was, “Be fruitful and multiply.” This wasn’t merely a biological instruction—it was a spiritual mandate to participate in His creative work. Each generation of humanity is meant to fill the earth with image-bearers—people who know, love, and reflect God.

In our culture, this vision is often devalued. Children are seen as burdens rather than blessings, and parenthood is sometimes dismissed as a limitation instead of a gift. Yet Scripture tells a different story:

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127.3)

God’s design for family, fruitfulness, and community remains a central part of His purpose for creation.

Blessed by the Creator

Before humanity ever acted or achieved, God blessed them. The first divine word spoken to mankind was a word of favor and joy. God’s intention from the beginning was that humanity would live under His blessing—finding satisfaction in His provision and delighting in His creation.

Ecclesiastes 5.18 reminds us that it is good to “eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil” God has given us. Even Paul echoes this truth in 1 Timothy 6.17, reminding believers that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Our Creator desires not only our obedience but our joy in His good gifts.

Conclusion: Reflecting His Glory

When God finished His creation, He looked upon everything He had made and declared it “very good.” Humanity stood at the center of that declaration—not as gods, but as God’s image-bearers, reflections of His creative and redemptive heart. As the late John MacArthur wrote, “The creation of the human race was the central object of God’s creative purpose… so that God's grace, mercy, and compassion could be lavished on this creature whom God had created in His own image.”

Our calling is simple yet profound: to live as representatives of the King, caring for His world, reflecting His attributes, and finding joy in His blessings. From the start, God’s plan was not just to create life—but to fill His world with people who bear His image and share His glory.