Level 1: The Original Meaning: Imago Dei — humans reflect God’s nature
Imago Dei means “the image of God.” It describes the identity God placed within humanity at creation. Being made in God’s image means human beings carry qualities that reflect His nature — the ability to think, create, love, choose, and lead. This identity establishes human worth and dignity. It is the foundation of who we are and the starting point for understanding our purpose in relationship to God.
The Book of Genesis 1:26–27
Who we are in God and who God is in us.
26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
-Genesis 1:26-27
Level 2: The Inner Meaning: Divine Spark — the inner spiritual essence
The divine spark refers to the life God breathed into humanity. This breath awakened the human spirit and gave every person an inner capacity to connect with God. Because of this spiritual essence, people sense meaning, respond to truth, and carry an awareness that life is more than physical existence. The divine spark explains the human longing for purpose, relationship, and connection with the Creator.
Level 3: The Living Meaning: Integrated Identity — created from God and carrying the divine within
Integrated identity brings together the truth of the Imago Dei and the reality of the divine spark. Humanity is shaped by God’s design and animated by God’s breath. The outer design reflects God’s nature, and the inner life carries God’s spiritual imprint. Together, these form a complete identity rooted in God’s intention. This integrated identity explains why humans seek meaning, recognize truth, and carry an inner awareness of the divine. It is the fullness of who we are created to be — formed by God, connected to God, and capable of reflecting God in the world.
Destiny, The Open Door 
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