Theology I: Image of God (part 2)
Image of God | Human Dignity, Work, and Moral Responsibility
What does it mean to be made in the image of God, and why does it matter for everyday life? In this Cedarville University theology lecture, students examine the biblical doctrine of the imago Dei and explore how being an image bearer shapes human identity, work, relationships, justice, and ethics. This session builds directly on Genesis 1 and traces how the image of God is created, distorted by sin, and progressively restored through Christ.
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0:20 Review of Genesis 1 and the image of God
0:50 Humanity as God’s representatives
3:38 Three historical views of the image of God
4:28 The functional view and dominion
7:35 The relational view and community
9:31 The substantive view and human capacities
11:41 Integrating the three views
12:19 Images as representations of authority
14:26 Humanity as God’s visible representatives
18:14 Image bearing and sanctification
20:14 Human distinctiveness and dignity
22:58 Human life versus animal life
25:17 Work as worship and vocation
27:21 Partiality, favoritism, and justice
32:19 Image of God and protection of life
35:16 Pornography and human trafficking
36:38 Why the doctrine of humanity matters
The lecture begins by revisiting Genesis 1:26–28, emphasizing that humanity is created in God’s image and given a unique calling to represent God on the earth. Unlike the rest of creation, human beings are placed at the climax of creation and entrusted with stewardship, dominion, and responsibility. This image-bearing role is not merely about what humans do, but about who they are as God’s appointed representatives.
Students then explore three major theological views of the image of God. The functional view emphasizes humanity’s role in ruling and stewarding creation. The relational view highlights humanity’s capacity for relationship with God and with one another, reflecting the relational nature of the Trinity. The substantive view focuses on the internal capacities God has given humans, such as reason, conscience, will, and moral awareness. The lecture argues that a holistic understanding brings all three together, with the substantive view at the center, enabling humans to function and relate as God intended.
The doctrine of the image of God is shown to have far-reaching ethical implications. Because all people bear God’s image, every human life has inherent dignity and value, from conception to death. This truth challenges cultural assumptions about abortion, euthanasia, racism, human trafficking, pornography, and violence. To harm, exploit, or devalue another person is ultimately an offense against God Himself.
The lecture also applies image-bearing to everyday work and vocation. Whatever one’s calling, work is to be done as unto the Lord, with excellence, integrity, and faithfulness. Being made in God’s image means representing His character not only in words but in actions, habits, and attitudes.
Finally, students are reminded that while sin has deeply distorted the image of God in humanity, it has not erased it. Through salvation and sanctification, believers are being renewed in knowledge and righteousness after the image of Christ, the perfect image of God. This ongoing transformation points toward a future hope when Christ returns and restores His people fully.
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