In 2020, professors at Notre Dame University conducted a study to understand the perspectives of everyday Americans on abortion. One of their interviewees, June, made a compelling point: “We stick with labels a lot. They create comfort zones, but they also create barriers.” This observation is particularly pertinent when discussing human dignity.
Defining Human Dignity
Human dignity is a concept that goes beyond political and cultural labels. It is not merely a term to be used in debates or limited to policies and ideologies. Instead, it is a fundamental truth ingrained in our very essence. To truly grasp human dignity, we need to turn to the ultimate source of truth—God’s Word.
From the very beginning, God distinguished human beings from the rest of creation. In Genesis 1:26-27, we read, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.’” This passage highlights the core truth that humans are made in God’s image—the imago Dei. This divine mark bestows upon every individual an inherent worth, independent of their abilities, achievements, or social status.
R.C. Sproul’s Perspective on Dignity
Dignity is a grace. It is not something we deserve. R.C. Sproul beautifully paints the picture of why dignity is not inherently intrinsic, but instead, it is a gift from God.
“As a Christian I do not believe that human beings have intrinsic dignity. I am totally committed to the idea that human beings have dignity, but the question is, is it intrinsic or extrinsic? Dignity, by biblical definition, is tied to the biblical concept of glory. God’s glory, His weightiness, His importance, His significance, is what the Bible uses to describe the fountainhead of all dignity. And only God has eternal value and intrinsic (that is, in and of Himself) significance. I am a creature—I come from the dust. The dust isn’t all that significant, but I become significant when God scoops up that dust and molds it into a human being and breathes into it the breath of life and says, ‘This creature is made in My image.’ God assigns eternal significance to temporal creatures. I don’t have anything in me that would demand that God treat me with eternal significance. I have eternal significance and eternal worth because God gives it to me. And not only does He give it to me, but He gives it to every human being.”
Biblical Foundations of Human Dignity
The theological foundation for human dignity lies in the biblical teaching that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. This concept is exclusive to humans and is what makes acts like taking someone’s life particularly grievous (Gen. 9:5-6), and why cursing another person is condemned (James 3:9-10).
John Kilner, in his book Dignity and Destiny: Humanity in the Image of God, argues that Jesus Christ is ultimately the perfect image of God. Humans are first created and then renewed according to this image. This connection with God is the basis of our dignity, and reflecting God’s image is the beauty of our destiny. Every person shares in this human dignity and is offered this destiny, though not all embrace it.
The Lasting Nature of Human Dignity
Understanding human dignity requires recognizing the value of every individual. This value is not based on an individual’s abilities or contributions but on the divine image they bear. This view contrasts sharply with cultural narratives that tie human worth to productivity or societal contributions. Scripture, however, clearly states that every person has worth simply because they are made in the image of God.
The Bible reinforces this truth throughout its pages. Even after humanity’s fall into sin, the imago Dei remains intact. While sin may taint our reflection of God’s image, it does not erase it. This enduring dignity is evident in numerous scriptural passages where God calls His people to uphold the value of every human life.
In Exodus 22:22-25, God commands His people to protect widows and orphans, emphasizing the importance of caring for the vulnerable. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs people to leave portions of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner, reflecting God’s heart for justice and the inherent dignity of every person.
In Isaiah 58:6-8, God urges His people to free the oppressed, share their food with the hungry, and shelter the homeless.
Jesus embodies this theology of the imago Dei in His ministry, as seen in His interactions with the marginalized, the sick, and the outcast.
In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus explains that caring for the least among us is akin to caring for Him. He says, “For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.” Through these actions, Jesus teaches that recognizing and honoring the dignity of others is essential to following Him.
Conclusion
Human dignity is rooted in the imago Dei. It is a divine gift that assigns worth and significance to every individual, regardless of their circumstances. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor this dignity in ourselves and others, recognizing that it reflects God’s own glory. By doing so, we embody the love and justice that Jesus Himself demonstrated, living out the truth of the gospel in our everyday lives.
Join us as we walk through our Image of God study over the next several weeks.
Access the study for free at standforlife.app!
