Additional Basic Information: The Image of God in Man
In Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...." What does this mean? Basically, it means that man reflects some important characteristics of God, without being equal with God. We will focus on several aspects:
Notice that in verse 26, God continues, "...and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
In verse 28, He says, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
We see immediately that man was given the task of taking care of the garden (2:8), and of giving names to the animals (2:19).
He formed a family with Eve.
He talked and communicated.
He was to take care of the plants and animals.
He was to give names to the animals.
