What is the image of God?

Last updated on July 20, 2025

The Bible plainly tells us the nature of God. In 1 John 1:5, we read, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” This light is not just physical radiance but spiritual purity, truth, and glory. God has no darkness—no deception, no corruption, no evil. He is entirely holy.

Furthermore, John 4:24 declares, “God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” God is not composed of matter. He is not limited to time, space, or form. He is spirit—eternal, boundless, and unseen.

1 Timothy 1:17 reinforces this truth by saying, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” And in 1 Timothy 6:16, Paul writes, “He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him.”

Taken together, these verses make it absolutely clear: God is light, spirit, and invisible. He is not made of flesh, nor can anyone see Him as we see each other. Therefore, when Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in His own image…”, we must understand this does not refer to physical appearance.

The Image of God Is Spirit, Not Flesh

Since God is invisible and spirit, we can conclude that the image of God is not our physical form. Flesh was never the basis of God’s image because God does not have flesh. If we think of the body as the image of God, we would have to conclude that God is both male and female, since Genesis 1:27 states, “Male and female He created them.” But we know that God is not male or female in physical terms. Rather, He created the spirit of man and woman in His image. The true image of God lies in the spiritual being within—the inner person of light.

Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 15:44: “If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” Our outer flesh belongs to the earth, but our inner being is spiritual. Later, in 1 Corinthians 15:49, he adds, “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.” This transformation—from the image of Adam to the image of Christ—is spiritual in nature.

2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks to this ongoing transformation: “And we… are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” God is shaping our inner being to reflect His own light. That image is not something we see in the mirror, but something we reveal through our spiritual life.

Jesus Christ: The Image of the Invisible God

To further understand the image of God, we must look to the Son—Jesus Christ. John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This Word is God’s divine expression, and later in John 1:14, we are told, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

Jesus, therefore, is the visible expression of the invisible God. Colossians 1:15 puts it plainly: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Through Christ, we see the character and light of God in bodily form. Jesus is not just a reflection of God’s image—He is that image, manifest in the flesh— He was the Light when he was here on earth.

Furthermore, those who believe in Christ are destined to become like Him. Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” As sons and daughters of God, we are being molded into that same image—the image of Christ, who is the light of the world.

2 Corinthians 4:6 reveals the impact of this transformation: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts…” Through Christ, we receive the light of the knowledge of God’s glory. This light is not only our guide—it is our identity.

In His Light, We Have Life

John 1:4 declares, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” Life and light are inseparable in God’s kingdom. To be alive in Christ means to be filled with His light. The more we walk in His truth, the more we shine with the image of our Creator.

This light, however, remains hidden from those who reject the gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:4 explains, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” Those who remain in darkness cannot recognize the truth. But those who accept Christ are enlightened, and in that light, they walk in the image of God.

Conclusion: Let Your Light Shine

In conclusion, the image of God is not a physical form—it is light. God is spirit. God is light. And those who belong to Him reflect that light through the Spirit of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, is the full expression of that image, and we are called to be conformed to Him.

As believers, we are invited not only to bear His image but to let our light shine before others, so they may see the truth and glorify the Father. In this darkened world, light must not remain hidden. Let it shine with boldness, for that light is the very image of God within you.

Thank you for reading, dear brothers and sisters. I pray this post has helped you understand that the image of God is light. If you have thoughts, reflections, or questions, feel free to ask by filling out the form here.

May God bless you and cause His light to shine upon you always!