What does it mean to be created in the image of God? We know an image is not the original. We obviously do not share the divine nature of God but we do resemble some of His characteristics.
First, man is to be a reflection of God to the rest of creation. We reflect God by sharing attributes (still limited) such as speaking, loving, giving, hearing, and reasoning. Adam and Eve in their original state were created with a perfect ability to express and share those attributes.
Secondly, man is to live in fellowship with God. Adam and Eve had the unique privilege of walking and talking with God in the Garden of Eden in complete unity. Within each person is a longing and desire to be in relationship and fellowship with God. That was God's design. He wants to be in fellowship with us as his image bearers.
Third, humankind is to act as God's representative and stewards to all creation. Genesis 1:28 says, "God blessed them [Adam and Eve] and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Man is to rule and act as a steward over God's creation.
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