The image of God is humanity’s created identity and calling to represent God within His world through delegated dominion under His rule.
To bear God’s image is to be His living representative in creation — male and female together, commissioned to fill, cultivate, and govern the earth on His behalf. The image is universal to humanity and was not erased by rebellion, though it was defaced: people still bear it, yet no longer reflect God rightly.
Christ is the true and perfect Image, the eternal Son who reveals the Father; and in His obedient humanity He also restores the image-bearing vocation Adam corrupted. Those united to Him are being renewed after His likeness.
See in Scripture: Genesis 1:26–28; Genesis 5:1–3; Genesis 9:6; Colossians 1:15; Colossians 3:9–11; 2 Corinthians 3:18