What does it mean to be made in God’s image, to be created in His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27)? Every person, born and unborn, gives a particular and unique likeness to God. The word for “image” (Hebrew, tselem) has the meaning of something that is carved or cut out. What are the implications of this truth? The image of God matters for identity, value, the sanctity of life, self image, gender, work, purpose in life, and the need for a re-creation of the shattered image.