THE IMAGE OF GOD IN MAN

I Was Just Thinking About – THE IMAGE OF GOD IN MAN.

Our obvious starting place is Genesis 1:26-30 and the Creation of Man and his becoming a living soul. When he was created, Man had been told by The Creator that anything he would ever need would be bountifully provided. At this point, Man also had full knowledge of God and His will; the reality of complete righteousness; and perfect holiness. Man had experienced unhampered fellowship with God. Until the serpent entered and infiltrated the thinking of both Adam and Eve. Although man’s chief end was to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, man allowed for the beguiling alternative of increased and enhanced knowledge so he could become – literally – equal to The Creator.

The descent of man was rapid. He was driven from the Garden of Eden and bean to experience the consequences of his disobedience. Romans 5:12-20 discloses the consequences all mankind suffers because of the one man’s sin. It also reveals the role that Jesus Christ fulfilled to redeem fallen man from his sin. It will also include the restoration of man back to the image of God through and in Jesus Christ. When one comes to Jesus Christ for redemption, the process of man’s return toward his pre-fallen estate begins. We learn from Colossians 3:10-14 that: “The new self is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” The new-life-changing process includes a renewed spiritual growth: “As the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” Man is transformed as he is: “being renewed in knowledge.”

Additionally, in Paul’s instruction regarding the ramifications of knowing Christ, Ephesians 4:20-24 instructs: “You were taught to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” The new self, “created to be like God, is the return to true righteousness and holiness. This is in keeping with the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” And, I Peter 1:15-16, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.” This is how man was created to be and this is how God wants man, in Jesus Christ, to be today.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

(To Note: There are many lengthy discussions on the subject of The Image of God in Man. A solid resource for sound information on this subject is Monergism.com).

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