In the very beginning of the Bible, we see God creating everything. He had a very busy six days, and then He rested on the seventh. Some people say He created rest on that seventh day, which is interesting to mull over but not at all related to this topic.
In chapter 1 of Genesis, it’s kind of a quick overview of creation. It reads almost like bullet points, but in verses 26 and 27, God slows it down a little. In the ESV version it says:
“Then 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 birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
God said, let’s do it, then He did.
But focus on these words again: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 2:7 (ESV) says, “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”
We are created in THE IMAGE OF GOD. God carefully molded us from the ‘dust of the ground.’ He shaped us into who He wanted us to be. Then He breathed His own life into us.
Wow. How much God must love us!
But His love doesn’t stop there.
When we sin, we separate ourselves from God (Isaiah 59:2). Because He is holy and pure, He cannot look on sin. Even though He loves us, He has to turn away.
God didn’t want to stay apart from us, though.
When we sin, we bring death (James 1:15; Romans 6:23). In the Old Testament, an animal had to die so we could live – it was a sacrifice. A life for a life.
But we could never do enough to earn Heaven. God knew that. Instead, He sent His son to die for us (Romans 5:8; John 3:16). Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are free from sin and (eternal) death.
Second Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
You were created special. You were made in the image of God. Then, through Christ, you can be made new again.
Dwell in that truth, friend. God loves you so much. He wants a relationship with you. Love Him, and let Him love you today.