If Someone Goes to Hell, Are They Still Made in The Image of God?

Genesis makes it clear that God made man and woman in His image. Genesis 1:26–27 says, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

The Old Testament mentions this Hebrew word 16x. 5 x referring to man being made in the image of God. 2 x of the golden mice (1 Sam. 6:5, 11). It is also used in referring to an idol. Man as God’s image from Genesis is the one who has dominion over God’s creation. God “handed over” His creation to man, sometimes called his co-regent or vice-regent.

Other Scripture Explaining This Topic

In a similar vein, we have: Psalm 8:5–8, “Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field, The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.”

David explains man’s God-given identity in glory, majesty, and rule. Theologically, we have an extraordinary relationship. God created us, in His likeness, image, with the ability to have dominion over all of God’s creation and to have relationship with Him. Unlike any animal, plant, or thing that God created, only man has this privileged relationship and capacity.
To hear Dr. E’s full answer, listen to the podcast or watch on Youtube!

Find more episodes of Ask Dr. E here.

Call or text us your question at 615-281-9694 or email at question@michaelincontext.com.