At the pinnacle of God’s creation is mankind. Humans are exclusive among all other creatures in that they are created in the image and likeness of God.
Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 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.
There has been much debate over what the “image” and “likeness” of God are. Image has to do with resemblance and likeness has to do with similar traits. Neither should be understood as relating to physical characteristics because God in His essence is spirit. (John 4:24) Rather, mental and spiritual attributes are likely the meaning. Continue reading