Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #16 — In His Image

Picture: Counsel #16 — In His Image CI 18.1

Being created in the image of God is what sets human beings completely apart from the rest of creation. Unlike what most people are taught to believe today, we’re not highly evolved animals or advanced apes that made it a little further up the food chain. That’s a common belief in evolutionary theory, but it’s not biblical. CI 18.2

Evolution says we’re the product of time, chance, and random processes, but Scripture says we are the intentional handiwork of a loving, intelligent Creator who formed us in His image. God created humans unlike anything else in creation. Yes, animals were made by God, but only human beings were formed in His likeness - able to speak, write, engage with complex topics, reason, procreate, and seek after God Himself. We aren’t the result of millions of years of random mutation; we are the result of divine design. Knowing this should impact how we see ourselves. Being made in God’s image gives us sacred value and a calling to live in a way that reflects His heart. It’s not just a gift - it’s a responsibility.^[17] CI 18.3

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 NIV CI 18.4

“Man came from the hand of God perfect in every faculty of mind and body…” Ellen White in My Life Today , p. 126 CI 18.5

Reflect: What would change if you saw every person as made in God’s image? CI 18.6