4. His being created with a soul. No other creature was created with a living soul, only man; "And man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7b).

5. His being placed in dominion over the earthly creation. "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28).

Image Of God

What is meant by the expression "the image of God"? What does it mean when we confess that "man was created in the image of God"? The word "image" in this sense refers to a reflection, resemblance, or likeness.

Ellen carefully studies her reflection in the mirror before leaving the house. She wants to see what she looks like. Would the reflection Ellen sees in the mirror reflect some of her characteristics? Would it reflect all? Would all of Ellen's joys, sorrows, feelings, thoughts, and desires be fully seen in this reflection?

John often looks at the painting of his deceased grandfather which hangs on the wall at the head of the stairway. This painting portrays such a clear resemblance of his grandfather to him, that John enjoys viewing it. However, would this painting reveal every aspect of his grandfather's character?

Mary's appearance, speech, and actions resemble her mother's to such an extent that people often say to her, "You are the 'picture' of your mother." Do you think Mary is a true "picture" of her mother in every sense?

These examples help us understand what is meant by the image of God. When God created man, He created him to reflect, to "mirror," some of His qualities on earth. Man bore a likeness to God, a resemblance of His righteous Being.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

- Genesis 2:7

What valuable lessons and truths about the meaning and importance of being created human are missed by those who deny the truth of man's creation as described in Genesis 1 and 2?

How do these examples of a mirror reflection, painting, and resembling appearance help to illustrate that which is meant by "image"?