By Michaela Gordoni
Tim Tebow shares what it means to be made in the image of God, and it may not be what you thought.
“For most of history, the phrase ‘made in the image of’ was reserved for kings and monarchs,” Tebow captioned a July 9 social media post. “But in Genesis, God gives that title to all of us…The God of the universe looks at you and says: ‘I see you with royal worth.’ Not because of what you’ve done, but because of who you are to Him.”
“I started to try and research and study what does it mean to be made in the image of God? In the 1600s BC an Egyptian king would be referred to as the image of Ra, a god that they believed in,” the philanthropist explained in the video. “In 600 BC an Assyrian king would be referred to as the image of Bel, a God that they believed in.”
When Tebow examined more cultures, he realized it’s been used as a term for monarchs.
“What if our God loves you so much, when he says, ‘You are made in His image,’ he’s saying, ‘I love you so much that I see you as royalty?’” Tebow said.
Bible student John Von Wagoner also makes this connection. He says, “We are made to be sons and daughters, co-heirs with Christ with all the powers, provision, and protection a Father gives His children. Furthermore, our identity is a royal habitation of God. We are made in his image so that He will find a dwelling place within us.”
Theologian Victor Hamilton made the distinction that in Biblical times, to be called ‘the image of God’ would have never been used for common people, such as servants and laborers. The fact that God says we are in His image is significant — we are royal and important in his eyes.
In another post, Tebow said, “I used to think being made in God’s image was just a label we wore. But it’s so much more than that. You are His image, part of His design, part of His story.”
Related: What Does God’s Image Mean to You?
He continued, “That truth changes everything. Your worth isn’t something you wear. It’s who you are.”
One of his followers responded, “I have been a Christian since I was 9 years old or so and now I am 45 and I don’t know why but for some reason this post just blew my mind and resonated with me in a way it hasn’t before. I always thought about the words, he made us in His image, not that we are currently His image and He is within us living through us in the physical form as the image of God. 🤯🤯🤯 Wowwww.”
Recalling that we are made in His image is another way we can be reassured of God’s continuous presence in our lives. He is our father, and we are important to him!
Read Next: What Does It Mean to Be Made in God’s Image? Christian Singer Explains
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