Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.” —Genesis 1:26
When most Christians tell the salvation story, they start around Genesis 3, the chapter in which Adam and Eve sinned and caused the fall of humanity. That’s not a bad place to begin witnessing; after all, it is true that we are all sinners and in need of a savior. The unfortunate truth is that starting with sin may mean losing listeners. Jefferson Bethke, author of Jesus > Religion and It’s Not What You Think, explained it this way: Approaching non-Christians and telling them right away that they are horrible and have no hope often drives them away. Though that’s not what we mean to say, it’s often how others interpret the message.
In most cases, we would be better off pointing non-Christians to Genesis 1. In Genesis 1, we see the vast complexity and beauty of creation. We see the tenderness and thought that God put into each of His creations, especially man and woman. Of the thousands of creatures on Earth, we are the only ones made in God’s image.
Focus on that for a minute. We are made in God’s image, and because God is wholly good, that means we were made as wholly good creations, too. Sin did damage the nature of man and fracture our perfect relationship with God. Non- Christians and Christians alike need to know this to appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice fully.
However, God never looks at us and sees damaged people. He sees us as beautiful, good, original creations, each one unique and with a purpose in His kingdom. That’s the message we all need to hear, every day.