Made in the Image of God

The Star Wars series of blockbuster movies has thrilled audiences since what is now called Episode IV hit theaters in 1977. This film contains the iconic “cantina scene,” which is a favorite among Star Wars aficionados. In this scene, numerous creatures from a distant galaxy are socially interacting, and their bizarre, often repulsive forms strain our imagination. Why don’t we see such anomalies as these creatures in actuality?

Certainly, the universe contains an enormous amount of galaxies. Yet, as far as can be determined by cutting-edge telescopes and mankind’s attempts to explore our own solar system, the vastness of outer space is inhospitable to life. But the earth is a beautiful jewel in space, with just the right amount of atmosphere, water, landmass, and temperate zones to make it habitable for mankind and for animals, insects, and plant life. While there are certainly fantastic creatures in this physical creation, the many variations of life with human-level intelligence popularized by fantasy and science-fiction simply do not exist.

Mankind exists in various colors, shapes, and sizes, but every ethnic and racial type is unmistakably human in its form. The biblical account of creation reveals what that form is based upon: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:26–27).

From One Blood

Our human form is like our Creator’s form, which is to say that we are like God, and not that God is like us. Jesus explained this to His disciples when He said, “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Christ is like the Father in form and character.

The Apostle Paul made it very plain when he explained, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…. Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising” (Acts 17:26–29).

When one understands our origins as human beings and where we are going in the plan our heavenly Father has for mankind, the pervasive fog of confusion clears, revealing the purpose for human life. There is no basis for racial prejudice. Paul stated emphatically that “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Every human being has been created in God’s image.

For One Destiny

This understanding reveals why Star Wars biology does not resemble actual biology: God specifically designed intelligent life—truly intelligent life—to be like Him. The many and diverse races of fantasy and science-fiction can easily make one’s head spin; by contrast, God’s design of the singular human race is so perfect in its simplicity that there is only confusion if we clumsily misinterpret ourselves.

For example, if one acknowledges the Creator, there is no confusion about gender, for “male and female He created them.” The Bible makes it plain that all attempts to confuse this simple fact of biology are displeasing to God. The concept of “gender fluidity” encourages a wrong use of the form made in His image and will not be allowed into His Kingdom (cf. Romans 1:20–24; Revelation 21:8; 22:15).

God, however, intended us to share not only His form but also His substance. Paul made this important point to the Christians in his day: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

To become like God, not only in form but in our spirit and character, is a destiny that so few can really imagine—nevertheless, it is our Creator’s true and glorious purpose for us.

Our free booklet Your Ultimate Destiny gives wonderful details about your future in God’s plan for mankind. You can read it online at TomorrowsWorld.org, or order your free copy from our regional office closest to you.