Understanding the Image and Likeness of God: Biblical and Quranic Perspectives
In the Bible, angels are often depicted as 'flaming wheels and eyeballs,' while in the Quran, God is described as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. But how does God look to those who read the Bible or the Quran?
Glory and the Vision of the Image of God
The concept of God's image and likeness in the Bible and Quran can be understood by examining textual descriptions and the experiences of those who have witnessed divine glory.
According to Acts 7:55-56 (NASB1995), Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God before he died. He exclaimed, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Biblical Depictions of the Image of God
The law given by Jesus on the Mount, as described in the Sermon on the Mount, reflects the mindset and image of God. Jesus stated, “If you are perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect, you will be complete.” (Matthew 5:48, ESV)
Here, the term “image” refers to the mindset of God that Jesus embodied perfectly. However, the term “likeness” refers to the outward form of God, which is Jesus.
Physically speaking, Jesus, as depicted in the Bible, would be a good representation of God. The Bible also states that humans were created in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, looking into a mirror or understanding yourself is a way to see the image of God within.
Quranic Depictions of God
For those who follow the Quran, the depiction of God is through verses that emphasize His creation and uniqueness. The Quran describes God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and the universe is under His command.
Indeed, your Lord is Allah, the God who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established His Throne, and He makes the day and night succeed each other. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars; all subject by His command. Blessings upon Allah, Lord of the worlds! (Quran 7:54, The Clear Quran)
The Quran also mentions the creation of life from water:
Do the disbelievers not realize that the heavens and the earth were once a single mass and We split them apart? And from water We have made every living thing. Will they not then believe? (Quran 21:30, The Clear Quran)
Moreover, the Quran states:
We built the heavens with Our own hands, and We are continuously expanding it. (Quran 51:47, The Clear Quran)
Conclusion and Further Reading
For those seeking an in-depth understanding of the image and likeness of God, reading the Quran and listening to the experiences of those who have embraced the religion can provide greater insight. You can visit the Noble Quran website or watch Dr. Jeffery Lang's speech to gain a deeper perspective.
Join the discussion and share your thoughts on how you interpret the image and likeness of God in your faith traditions.