In Genesis 1, God creates man in His image. That is a truly great thing and sets us apart from any other creature because no one else is said to be awarded that same privilege. Man in the image of God is the reason for the death penalty, instantiated in Genesis 9, repeated in the Mosaic Law, affirmed by Jesus, and reaffirmed by Paul. Genesis 9:6 reads: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man.”

It’s clear that being made in the image of God is something spectacular and awesome, so it’s somewhat surprising that the bible gives no further details as to what exactly that means. That’s why I would like to give some educated guesses for it here. I believe the combination of these make up the image of God in us since individual points can also be attributed to other beings.

First, we are free moral agents. As opposed to animals, which only act on instinct and are incapable of making moral judgements, we are capable of it. Angels, however, are also free moral agents because some of them decided to rebel against God, yet angels are not said to be made in God’s image.

Second, we can relate to God. So do angels, after all they see him in all his glory, but we are different in the aspect of salvation. Angels are irredeemable, so they cannot experience salvation like we can, they don’t relate to God like we do. 1 Peter 1:12 mentions that, talking about salvation: “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven–things into which angels long to look.” Angels observe us to learn more about God’s grace and salvation, lived out by Christians.

Third, we are able to procreate. Angels are not, but animals are, too. By God’s design, we procreate in the God-ordained institution of marriage, which seals together a man and a woman as one flesh. Also, though God still creates every baby, we are physically responsible for creating human life made in God’s image. As a soon-to-be father I can say that it’s one – if not the – most amazing thing I have ever experienced.

Lastly, we were given dominion over this earth. God gave all of creation for man to rule over right after he created man. Paul even says that we will judge angels. We were made as rulers right under God over all creation.

All these aspects together make us different than all other created beings. There is no biblical support for these being tied together with being made in the image of God, so take it as an educated guess. Either way, it’s difficult not to stand in awe of how great God created us!