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Created in the Image of God: The Foundation of Human Identity
Genesis 1:27Episode Summary
What gives every human life meaning, value, and dignity? Scripture grounds the answer in one unchanging truth: every person is created in the image of God.In this weekend reflection from Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why biblical identity begins with our Creator rather than personal labels, experiences, accomplishments, or outward characteristics. Genesis 1:27 teaches that human beings are not accidents or self-created. We are made by God, for His purposes, and accountable to Him.Although sin has distorted how we understand ourselves and treat others, the gospel renews believers according to God’s design. Understanding the image of God changes how we view our worth, our purpose, and the dignity of every person around us.Listen
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Episode Highlights
- Human identity begins with the God who created us.
- Every person possesses dignity because humanity is made in God’s image.
- Cultural labels and personal experiences cannot provide a stable foundation for identity.
- Sin distorts how people understand themselves and treat others.
- The gospel renews believers according to God’s purposes and design.
- A biblical view of identity shapes how Christians live and love their neighbors.
A Foundation That Does Not Change
Christians do not have to build their identity upon shifting feelings, changing circumstances, or the approval of others. Our identity begins with the God who made us. Being created in His image gives human life meaning, value, and purpose.This truth also shapes how believers treat other people. Human dignity is not earned through intelligence, achievement, social standing, usefulness, or personal ability. Every person should be treated with dignity because every person has been created by God.Understanding the image of God gives Christians a firm foundation for thinking about identity. We are not random, accidental, or self-created. We belong to the Creator, and our lives find their meaning in Him.Continue with Contending for the Word Q&A
Contending for the Word Q&A helps Christians think biblically, grow in discernment, and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word amid the confusion of our day. Explore More Episodes “` Watch on YouTube “`
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
