Adam & Eve Part 4: In Our Image, After Our Likeness
Genesis 1:26 KJVS
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.
This verse stands at the epicenter of questions people have about Genesis, as well as the Bible as a whole. Now if you are thinking about the first part of the opening verse, who is us? Please read the article I wrote on “Who is Us, Like Father, Like Son”. The purpose of this article is to focus on “in our image, after our likeness.” And to better understand, this let us first look up image and then likeness using the Strong’s Concordance:
Image
Strong's Number
H6754
Original Word
צלם
Transliterated Word
tselem
Phonetic Spelling
tseh'-lem
Parts of Speech
Noun Masculine
Strong's Definition
From an unused root meaning to shade; a {phantom} that {is} (figuratively) {illusion} resemblance; hence a representative {figure} especially an idol: - {image} vain shew.
Likeness
Strong's Number
H1823
Original Word
דּמוּת
Transliterated Word
demûth
Phonetic Spelling
dem-ooth'
Strong's Definition
From H1819; resemblance; concretely {model} shape; adverbially like: - {fashion} like ({-ness} {as}) {manner} similitude
Based on these definitions and the scripture given. We can deduce that God mad man in his resemblance and after his fashion and similitude. As we see the same thing stated again in similar fashion in Genesis chapter five.
Genesis 5:1-2 KJVS
This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; [2] Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
We receive the information that man was formed in the image of God and in his likeness. But what does that mean? Well, no need to speculate, let us grab a scripture that clarifies it for us.
Colossians 3:10 KJVS
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
The number one image we were made in that made us like or similar to The Most High God, was the level of knowledge; reasoning, intellect, and wisdom he gave to man. Unlike Gods other creations, man possess a level of intellect beyond instinctual nature. We can plan, organize, and execute, on a level worthy to be called sons and daughters of God. We can reason, weigh options and make choices (need they be good or bad) far beyond that of any other creature upon earth. Because of this, mankind is held to a higher standard across the board. They are judged harshly for what they do (or fail to do) in both word and deed. Because mankind was the pinnacle of God’s creations. Made even different from the angels (and demons) formed. As even they move as they were created to do. The good to do good, and the evil to do evil (but more on that another time). They obey the creator that made them without fault. We however, can choose to do good or evil. The only other thing in all existence possessing this ability, only second to The Most High God (and Christ of course). And as the scriptures say, “to whom much is given, much is required.” And God requires much of mankind per their blueprint. To take it a step further, let us define knowledge using the Strong’s Concordance:
Knowledge
Strong's Number
G1922
Original Word
ἐπίγνωσις
Transliterated Word
epignōsis
Phonetic Spelling
ip-ig'-no-sis
Parts of Speech
Noun Feminine
Strong's Definition
From G1921; recognition that is (by implication) full discernment acknowledgement: - (ac-) knowledge (-ing -ment).
Discernment
the faculty of discerning; discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding.
the act or an instance of discerning.
Discern
to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend: They discerned a sail on the horizon.
to distinguish mentally; recognize as distinct or different; discriminate:
God gave man the unique ability of full discernment. The sharpness and keen awareness of ourselves and our surroundings, to be able to make judgements and understand things to decide what to or not to do. To process such things with intelligence. Not just move on impulse or instincts. Yet, having and being susceptible to impulses or instincts. The number one instinct imbedded in us was righteousness. Which is why no matter what nation you come from or visit, you see universal law. Things we can all agree on as right or wrong. And those who commit such breaking of these laws must be punished. But even they themselves discern it to be wrong, which is why they feel the need to usually hide it.
2 Esdras 9:19 KJVA
For then every one obeyed: but now the manners of them which are created in this world that is made are corrupted by a perpetual seed, and by a law which is unsearchable rid themselves.
What happened was, at first everyone was obedient. But the mannerisms of the people created began to become more wicked as time progressed. Being that much more corrupted by the perpetual seed of wickedness, sown first in the heart of man and then in the progeny that they bear. And by a law or standard of their own devising they slowly kill themselves off, shortening the life span of man. For in that time, man was living for hundreds of years. And had not seen death, yet.
Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
The scriptures let us know that man was made upright. Mankind was made to be able to conform to righteousness and expected to move righteously. Man was not made wicked or sinful. Man wasn’t taught sin at the first, only righteousness. But man chose to seek out other pleasures, that man found to be in his best interests (or so he thought), after his own desires. Because you were made with the ability to choose.
Wisdom of Solomon 2:1 KJVA
For the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not aright, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have returned from the grave.
The problem when man was first formed, was the same problem that grew in the days of Noah and the same problem growing now. Those who chose not to cleave to righteousness became ungodly. As such, they started reasoning and processing things differently. But not in the way that they should be reasoning or processing information; hence, not aright. Which is ultimately what brought about the flood.
Wisdom of Solomon 2:12 KJVA
Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous; because he is not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objecteth to our infamy the transgressings of our education.
Just like now, the same thing was happening then. Man was deviating from the script slowly but surely. So what can help unify the people? A good leader. That was what Adam was supposed to be unto the people. He had to learn righteousness from The Most High God to be able to lead the earth in righteousness.
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 KJVS
Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. [6] Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
The Most High God (through Christ) was teaching man at that time to be righteous. He didn’t leave man initially without any guidance. He was very much so close to his creation.
Genesis 1:26-27 KJVS
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.
Mankind was also fashioned to look similar to what we would imagine Christ or God looking like in the celestial realm. Similar to your shadow being a resemblance to you but still very much so different from you. So too, for us and The Most High. The bodies we have, were made perfect and similar in appearance to what they look like, but function differently. The bodies we have, were made perfect and similar in appearance to what they look like. No other creature did God say was made in his likeness and image outside of man. So for people who may feel like, “Well, maybe God looks like a fish, or a hawk.” No, the closest living thing on earth that resembles what we can expect God and Christ to look like is a human being. This does not mean everything is exactly as we are but it isn’t anything far from it when weighed against something like a bat or cat. And even when the time comes to receive an immortal body it will be based on the foundation we now have.
Wisdom of Solomon 2:23-24 KJVA
For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own eternity. Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.
Originally, The Most High God created all of mankind to have the ability to live forever. As righteousness allowed one to continue to live. However, man did not have a celestial body. But had the best version of the terrestrial body that allowed man not to get sick, improved regeneration. Increased strength, speed and stamina. For all intents and purposes, man was a superhero compared to now. But this was the image God made man in. He made man to be a miniature God on earth. A little version of him across the board. Again, this is why man is, and will be judged more harshly than any other creature upon earth. And the rest of nature is judged based on our actions. Else, there would be no need to judge man, even the other nations today, so harshly, if there wasn’t a high standard or expectation, let alone one that God felt they couldn’t attain. He would simply sweep it under the rug because they don’t know any better or they weren’t created that way. But we were made to be as he is.
