JS5777 said:

When God created man in the beginning, did He create man in the image and likeness of the Word?

Christ, as the image of God is God embodied, defined, explained, and expressed. As such, He is the Word become flesh. Don't you think that was God's intention for Adam, to receive God as life so that he could embody, define, explain and express the Living God through his living? 

This is God's intent and desire for the Body of Christ also, and is fulfilled and consummated in the New Jerusalem, in my humble opinion.

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of all creation

Ephesians 1:5 Predestinating us unto sonship through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will

Ephesians 1:9 Making known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself.

It pleases God to reveal Christ in us.

   The image of GOD as pertaining to man could be best stated IMO as:  the perfect response to perfect love given.