Striving to understand our relationship to God, we often reason that spiritual man is the image and likeness of God, Spirit. This truth about each of us is introduced in the first chapter of Genesis (verses 26, 27), mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures (for example, Psalms 17:15, I Corinthians 11:7, and Hebrews 1:3), and then expanded upon in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science.

To me, the term likeness implies a similar nature and character, a resemblance and relationship, while image suggests a depiction or display. These concepts work together to give me a fuller understanding of the true nature of each of us as the reflection or expression of God, divine Spirit.

Christ Jesus taught and demonstrated by his healing work that man is created, maintained, and governed by divine Spirit. He proved that man is not a material entity but the perfect, immortal child of God, as exempt from discord as God is. And we can know and bear witness in our lives that this is the only reality.