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Question 10 how did God create man? God created man, male and female, after his own image in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
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Question 10 how did God create man? God created man, male and female, after his own image in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
Podcast: The Westminster Shorter Catechism with Sinclair Ferguson
Episode: Question & Answer 10
Date: August 12, 2026
This episode centers on Question 10 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "How did God create man?" Dr. Sinclair Ferguson explores the biblical foundations and doctrinal meaning behind this question, focusing on the unique way God made humanity—highlighting our creation in God's image, the implications for Christian life, and how this truth forms the basis for spiritual growth and discipleship.
"God created man, male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness, with dominion over the creatures."
Ferguson stresses the intentionality in God's creation of humanity as both male and female.
He outlines that both genders bear God's image equally, countering any cultural minimization of the significance of either.
"There’s a beautiful fullness right here at the beginning: the dignity, worth, and equality of men and women made explicit in God’s act of creation." (00:10)
Dr. Ferguson unpacks what it means to be made "after God’s own image," emphasizing that humans are unique in all creation.
He explains that being made in God's image includes:
"To be in God’s image isn’t just about how we look, it’s about what we know, how we live, and the kind of character that defines us." (00:19)
Ferguson notes that God’s mandate for humans to have dominion is an act of entrusting stewardship—not domination—over creation.
"We are to exercise wise and gracious stewardship over creation, reflecting God’s kingship in the way we care for what He has made." (00:28)
Brief mention of how the fall has damaged human knowledge, righteousness, and holiness—but not destroyed God’s image entirely.
The restoration through Christ is alluded to as essential for regaining the fullness of God’s image.
"It’s only by union with Christ that we begin to experience a true renewal of that image—knowledge, righteousness, and holiness restored." (00:36)
Ferguson encourages pastors, teachers, and parents to help others move from "milk to meat"—from the basics to the depths of solid doctrine—appreciating the implications of our creation in God’s image for everyday life and discipleship.
"If you want to disciple others well, help them see this: every Christian is being remade in the image of Jesus, the true image of God." (00:45)
On human dignity:
"There’s a beautiful fullness right here at the beginning: the dignity, worth, and equality of men and women made explicit in God’s act of creation." (Sinclair Ferguson, 00:10)
On the nature of God's image:
"To be in God’s image isn’t just about how we look, it’s about what we know, how we live, and the kind of character that defines us." (00:19)
On stewardship:
"We are to exercise wise and gracious stewardship over creation, reflecting God’s kingship in the way we care for what He has made." (00:28)
On restoration in Christ:
"It’s only by union with Christ that we begin to experience a true renewal of that image—knowledge, righteousness, and holiness restored." (00:36)
On discipleship:
"If you want to disciple others well, help them see this: every Christian is being remade in the image of Jesus, the true image of God." (00:45)
Dr. Sinclair Ferguson’s approach is pastoral, clear, and deeply theological. He speaks with warmth and invites listeners to consider both the value and practical implications of this doctrine, emphasizing the beauty, dignity, and responsibility that come with being made in God’s image.
This episode provides a concise, rich exploration of what it means to be created in the image of God according to Question 10 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Sinclair Ferguson explains the foundational aspects of human identity in God’s creation, underscores the goodness of both male and female, and points toward the hope of restoration in Christ. The episode encourages Christian leaders and parents to grow in doctrinal maturity and to shepherd others into a deeper appreciation of their identity and calling as image-bearers of God.