Who am I? Why am I here? Does my life have an inherent purpose, or must I create meaning for myself? In Episode 5 of Theology in Plain Words, Dr. Susan Agbenoto and Faith Simplified author Aaron Armstrong explore what the Bible teaches about humanity, identity, and purpose. If God is entirely self-sufficient and does not need us, why did He create us? Drawing from Genesis 1:26–28, they explain what it means for human beings to be created in the image and likeness of God. We reflect Him through capacities such as relationship, creativity, moral responsibility, and the ability to exercise wise stewardship. Both male and female bear God’s image fully and equally. Being made in God’s image also gives every person inherent dignity and worth. Our value is not earned through achievements, status, ability, or the approval of others. It is rooted in who created us. Although sin has damaged the way we reflect God’s character, it has not erased His image within humanity. The episode also examines God’s command to exercise dominion over creation. Biblical dominion is not permission to exploit the earth or other people. It is a responsibility to cultivate, protect, and govern what God has entrusted to us in a way that reflects His character. Before we can fully answer, “Who am I?” we must first ask, “Who made me?” Our deepest identity and purpose are found not by looking only within ourselves, but by knowing the God whose image we bear. Like, subscribe, and share, then join us for next week for Episode 6.Credits and SourcesAaron Armstrong, Faith Simplified (Harvest House, 2025).Wayne Grudem, Christian Beliefs, revised edition (Zondervan Academic, 2022).Wayne Grudem and Erik Thoennes, Systematic Theology Laminated Sheet (Zondervan Academic, 2020).Erik Thoennes, Life’s Biggest Questions (Crossway, 2011).Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, second edition (Zondervan Academic, 2020).
