In “Created in God’s Image,” Hoekema presents a compelling case for understanding humanity as created in God’s image, emphasizing that this concept is not merely a physical or superficial resemblance, but rather a profound reflection of God’s character and nature. According to Hoekema, being created in God’s image means that humanity bears a unique relationship to God, one that is characterized by a capacity for fellowship, communion, and likeness to God.
The idea that humanity is created in God’s image is rooted in the biblical account of creation, specifically in Genesis 1:26-27, where it is stated that God created humanity “in his own image” (Hebrew: tselem ) and “after his own likeness” (Hebrew: demut ). This concept has been understood and interpreted in various ways throughout history, with some viewing it as a reference to humanity’s physical appearance, while others see it as a reflection of God’s spiritual and moral attributes.
Hoekema grounds his argument in a thorough exegesis of the biblical text, carefully examining the Hebrew words tselem and demut , as well as the broader theological context of the creation narrative. He contends that the image of God in humanity is not limited to a specific aspect of human nature, such as rationality or morality, but rather encompasses the entirety of human existence, including our physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.