Who is the 'Us' in Genesis 1:26?

Genesis 1:26

26 And 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 creeps on the earth.

When God said, "Let us make man in our image," He was addressing His Son, Jesus ChristSH 10.3+1. The "us" in this scripture is composed of the Father and the Son, who worked together in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon itSH 10.3+2.

The Counsel of Creation

This divine conversation represents a council held between the Eternal Dignitaries of the Trinity prior to the formation of the human raceEv 616.4+1.

• The Divine Associate: Christ, the Word, was one with the eternal Father in nature, character, and purpose, and was the only being who could enter into all the counsels of God7ABC 437.2.

• The Purpose Planned: This intention to make human beings in the divine image was planned before the fall of SatanSH 10.3.

• A Personal Address: God spoke specifically to His Son, who had been with Him from the beginning John 1:1-23SG 33.2+1.

• Unity in Action: The Father and Son wrought together in the creation, manifesting their shared power and divine attributesSH 10.3+2.

The Dignity of Man's Origin

The decision to create man as the crowning work of the Creator highlights the high honor bestowed upon the human familyDG 21.2.

• The Divine Similitude: Man was created not only with a form resembling God's own but with a mind capable of comprehending divine thingsYI August 10, 1899, par. 1.

• Physical and Moral Image: Adam's features were perfect and beautiful, and his mind reflected the image of God in understanding, memory, and imaginationYI August 10, 1899, par. 1+1.

• Representative of God: Man was appointed as the ruler or monarch of the world, acting under the supervision of the CreatorST August 30, 1899, par. 2+3.

• No Evolution: The record is so plain that there is no ground for the theory that man evolved from lower forms of life; he was created directly by the hand of GodDG 21.2.

Satanic Envy and Conflict

The announcement of the creation of man triggered the first manifestations of rebellion in heavenEW 145.1.

• Satan's Jealousy: When God said to His Son, "Let us make man in our image," Satan became jealous of JesusEW 145.1+1.

• Ambition for Equality: Satan wished to be consulted concerning the formation of man and desired the highest honors in heaven, next to GodEW 145.1+1.

• The Fall of Lucifer: Because he was not included in these divine councils, Satan was filled with envy and hatred, eventually leading a host of angels in revolt against the government of God1SG 17.1+1.

The Trinity in Redemption

While the "us" in the creative act specifically highlights the Father and the Son, the entire Godhead is involved in the restoration of that imageEv 616.4+1.

• The Third Person: The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, is the regenerating agent who works to restore the moral image of God in fallen man1888 1493.2+2.

• A Sinless Transcript: Although sin has almost obliterated the moral image of God, through Christ—who is the express image of the Father—man can win back the power of self-control and the love of God lost by Adam Hebrews 1:31SAT 33.1+1.

• A Joint Effort: The eternal heavenly dignitaries—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—arm the human agent with more than mortal energy to overcome evil and reflect the divine characterEv 616.4.

It is a beautiful and solemn truth that we were designed by the shared counsel of the Father and the Son to reflect their own glorious character 🕊️ Genesis 1:26-27YI August 10, 1899, par. 1.