The Creation of Man - In what did the image of God, in which man was created, consist?

“So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.”
— Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

1. Why This Question Matters

Turretin begins with an important concern:
If we misunderstand the image of God, we will misunderstand:

The image of God is not a small doctrine. It shapes our understanding of sin, grace, salvation, and sanctification.

2. What the Image of God Is NOT

Turretin first clears away common errors.

1. The image of God is not the body itself

God is spirit (John 4:24).
Therefore, God’s image does not consist in:

The body belongs to human nature, but it is not the image of God itself.

2. The image of God is not mere dominion alone

Some say the image of God is only man’s rule over creation (Genesis 1:28).

Turretin agrees that dominion is related to the image, but he denies it is the whole of it.

Why?
Because dominion flows from something deeper:
man was fit to rule because he was first righteous, wise, and holy.

Dominion is a result, not the essence.

3. The Image of God Properly Considered

Turretin distinguishes carefully and helpfully.

The image of God consists chiefly in the soul, not the body.

Specifically, it consists in original righteousness, which includes:

This image affected the whole man, but especially the mind, will, and affections.

4. The Three Main Parts of the Image of God

Turretin explains the image of God in three closely connected aspects.

1. The Image of God in the Mind

True Knowledge

Man was created with:

Adam did not need to “discover” God.
He knew God truly, though not infinitely.

“That you have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
— Colossians 3:10 (ESV)

This verse shows that knowledge was part of the original image, now being restored in Christ.

2. The Image of God in the Will

Righteousness

Man’s will was:

Adam did not struggle with inner rebellion.
He loved what was good and chose it willingly.

“Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
— Ephesians 4:24 (ESV)

Righteousness was not added later.
It belonged to man as he was created.

3. The Image of God in the Affections

Holiness

Man’s desires and emotions were:

Adam loved God above all things.
He feared God rightly.
He delighted in obedience.

This holiness was not merely outward, but inward and sincere.

5. The Image of God as a Whole

Putting it all together, Turretin teaches:

The image of God consisted in original righteousness, by which:

This righteousness was:

6. Did Man Lose the Image of God After the Fall?

Turretin makes a crucial distinction.

1. The image of God was not totally destroyed

Man still retains:

This is why fallen man is still called God’s image (Genesis 9:6; James 3:9).

2. The image of God was grievously corrupted

What was lost:

Man did not become neutral.
He became sinful, blind, and hostile to God.

The image remains in ruins, not in purity.

7. Christ and the Restoration of the Image

Turretin points us forward to Christ.

Jesus Christ is:

Through union with Christ, believers are:

Salvation is not merely forgiveness.
It is the renewal of God’s image in us.

8. Summary for Teaching or Personal Study

The image of God consists in:

This righteousness included:

After the Fall:

In Christ:

9. A Brief Devotional Reflection 

Man was created to reflect God,
but sin shattered the mirror.

Christ does not discard the mirror.
He restores it.

And as we behold the glory of the Lord,
we are being changed
from one degree of glory to another.