Hello To All:
When Adam sinned, his spirit died; and his intimate communion with God was lost; rather then being God centered, he had become self-centered. (Please see previous essays regarding the image of God and the temple of God). Adam's sin also corrupted his soul and his body; and sin and death entered into the world. The image of God, as the perfect man, was lost to him. God was not surprised by Adam's fall. His plan for the redemption of the entire creation, including man, was in place and would be accomplished through His Son: Jesus of Nazareth, The Word who became flesh, the Perfect Man: The image of God.
If we are to worship God "in spirit and in truth;" then it follows that our spirit must be made alive, in order for us to worship God, in all of His fullness. We find written at Ephesians 2:4-5, the following: "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)..." We find a similar text at Colossians 2:11-13: "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses..."
The phrase "hath quickened," from the Ephesians's text; and the phrase "hath he quickened," from the Colossians text, are both translated from the same Greek word in the original text of the New Testament. These are the only two occurrences of this Greek word, that I am aware of. I am not a Greek scholar (I have enough trouble with my native language of English); thus my conclusions, regarding the number of appearances of "quickened," are based on reference works, that have proven themselves to be reliable. Since quickened is unique to the above two texts; then, we must look to those texts for the meaning of the word. The King's Book, is always the best place to look for a right understanding of the Kings's Book.
In Christ Jesus, we have life. But, before our life in Jesus Christ, our status is very different. The Ephesians text speaks of us as: "dead in sins." The Collosians text speaks of us as: "dead in ... sins." But, at the moment of our conversion to Jesus Christ, things change. The Ephesians text speaks of this change as: "quickened us together with Christ." The Colossians text speaks of this change as: "the operation of God, who hath raised him (Christ) from the dead...hath he quickened together with him." As Christ was raised from the dead, so are we raised from the dead. As Christ was made alive, so are we made alive. Thus, on the basis of the King's Book, we must conclude that to be "quickened," means to be made alive.
Since we have already come to recognize that we come into this world with a dead spirit; then we must also conclude that it is our spirit that is "quickened;" that is to say: it is our spirit that is made alive. Can we say thank you Jesus of Nazareth.
With our spirit "quickened," the temple of God is now ready to be occupied. Our quickened spirit becomes the holy place, not made with human hands; and the Lord our God moves in and establishes intimate communion between His Spirit and our spirit. What was lost to Adam, has been restored through Jesus Christ. Thus, we begin to have an understanding of the relationship between the temple of the people of Israel; and the temple of our bodies.
There is much ground to cover, but before we move on to our understanding of the relationship of our soul and body, to the temple of Israel, we must take some time to examine the language, typically used by the western church, to describe this event of being "quickened."
When we next meet, we shall ask the question: "Am I born again?"
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Jesus of Nazareth: The Perfect Man
Hello To All:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us..." With these words from John, chapter one and verses one and fourteen, the apostle John, introduces Jesus of Nazareth, to the world. I am very intentional in identifying Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God; who is the "Word," that "was made flesh and dwelt among us," as: Jesus of Nazareth. I am this way, because the King's Book is this way. Please join me, in a short journey through the written Word of God.
1. (Matthew 21:10-11): "And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."
2. (Mark 1:23-24): "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."
3. (Mark 10:47): "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."
4. (Luke 24:19): "And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people."
5. (Mark 14:67): "And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth."
6. (Mark 16:6): "And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."
In the above examples, various entities are identifying the "Word made flesh," as Jesus of Nazareth. They include: 1: The multitude. 2: The unclean spirit. 3: Blind Bartimaeus (see verse 46). 4: The two disciples on the road to Emmaus (verse 13 and following). 5: One of maids of the high priest (see verse 66). 6: The angle in the empty tomb (see verse 5). There should be no doubt, in our minds, that the "Word made flesh," was identified and known, in His Humanity and His Divinity, as: "Jesus of Nazareth."
Now, the question needs to be asked and answered: Why was and is the "Word made flesh," identified as: Jesus of Nazareth? The answer is a simple one: Nazareth, in accordance with and fulfillment of the scriptures, was His home. Nazareth was the city that was tied to His "flesh" identity. Consider the following texts: 1. (Matthew 2:23): "And he (Joseph, along with Mary and Jesus: see verse 19 and following) came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." 2. (Luke 2:39 and 51-52) "And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth....And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
But, it was not just during the time prior to His crucifixion and resurrection, that He was known as Jesus of Nazareth. After His ascension, that title referencing His home and His humanity, continued to be used. Consider these texts, from the Acts of the Apostle's:
1. (Acts 2:22): "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." Taken from Peter's first sermon on the day of Pentecost.
2. (Acts 4:10): "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." Taken from Peter's testimony regarding the healing of the lame man at the gate Beautiful.
3. (Acts 22:8): "And I answered, Who art thou, Lord: And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." Taken from Paul's testimony regarding his encounter with the risen Lord Jesus Christ, on the road to Damascus.
When the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, was announced to the shepherds, we find reference both to His humanity and His divinity. It is recorded at Luke 2:11: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." His birth announcement as both newborn human and Christ the Lord takes us to the heart of God's plan for the redemption of all of humanity. Can we say thank you Jesus of Nazareth.
God's plan for the redemption of humanity, required an eternally perfect human sacrifice. The first Adam sinned and sin and death entered the world. The image of God (please see two previous essays, titled: "The spirit of Adam - The image of God" and "What is the image of God"), that Adam was, was lost in Adam's sin; that image is now found in the person of Jesus of Nazareth: the perfect man! Consider these texts from the King's Book:
1. (Hebrews 2:9) "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
2. (Hebrews 2:14-18) "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage; For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
3. (Hebrews 4:14-16) "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Let us look closer at the progression of revelation from the above texts: "But we see Jesus - should taste death for every man - that through death he might destroy -the power of death - and deliver them - who...were all their lifetime subject to bondage - he took on him the seed of Abraham - it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren - to make reconciliation for the sins of the people - in that he himself hath suffered being tempted - he is able to succour them that are tempted - we have a great high priest - Jesus the Son of God - we have...an high priest - tempted like as we are - yet without sin."
We have, my beloved: Jesus of Nazareth - Who is the Christ - The Son of the Living God - The Perfect Man - The Image of God!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us..." With these words from John, chapter one and verses one and fourteen, the apostle John, introduces Jesus of Nazareth, to the world. I am very intentional in identifying Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God; who is the "Word," that "was made flesh and dwelt among us," as: Jesus of Nazareth. I am this way, because the King's Book is this way. Please join me, in a short journey through the written Word of God.
1. (Matthew 21:10-11): "And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."
2. (Mark 1:23-24): "And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God."
3. (Mark 10:47): "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me."
4. (Luke 24:19): "And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people."
5. (Mark 14:67): "And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth."
6. (Mark 16:6): "And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."
In the above examples, various entities are identifying the "Word made flesh," as Jesus of Nazareth. They include: 1: The multitude. 2: The unclean spirit. 3: Blind Bartimaeus (see verse 46). 4: The two disciples on the road to Emmaus (verse 13 and following). 5: One of maids of the high priest (see verse 66). 6: The angle in the empty tomb (see verse 5). There should be no doubt, in our minds, that the "Word made flesh," was identified and known, in His Humanity and His Divinity, as: "Jesus of Nazareth."
Now, the question needs to be asked and answered: Why was and is the "Word made flesh," identified as: Jesus of Nazareth? The answer is a simple one: Nazareth, in accordance with and fulfillment of the scriptures, was His home. Nazareth was the city that was tied to His "flesh" identity. Consider the following texts: 1. (Matthew 2:23): "And he (Joseph, along with Mary and Jesus: see verse 19 and following) came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." 2. (Luke 2:39 and 51-52) "And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth....And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
But, it was not just during the time prior to His crucifixion and resurrection, that He was known as Jesus of Nazareth. After His ascension, that title referencing His home and His humanity, continued to be used. Consider these texts, from the Acts of the Apostle's:
1. (Acts 2:22): "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." Taken from Peter's first sermon on the day of Pentecost.
2. (Acts 4:10): "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole." Taken from Peter's testimony regarding the healing of the lame man at the gate Beautiful.
3. (Acts 22:8): "And I answered, Who art thou, Lord: And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." Taken from Paul's testimony regarding his encounter with the risen Lord Jesus Christ, on the road to Damascus.
When the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, was announced to the shepherds, we find reference both to His humanity and His divinity. It is recorded at Luke 2:11: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." His birth announcement as both newborn human and Christ the Lord takes us to the heart of God's plan for the redemption of all of humanity. Can we say thank you Jesus of Nazareth.
God's plan for the redemption of humanity, required an eternally perfect human sacrifice. The first Adam sinned and sin and death entered the world. The image of God (please see two previous essays, titled: "The spirit of Adam - The image of God" and "What is the image of God"), that Adam was, was lost in Adam's sin; that image is now found in the person of Jesus of Nazareth: the perfect man! Consider these texts from the King's Book:
1. (Hebrews 2:9) "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
2. (Hebrews 2:14-18) "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage; For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted."
3. (Hebrews 4:14-16) "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Let us look closer at the progression of revelation from the above texts: "But we see Jesus - should taste death for every man - that through death he might destroy -the power of death - and deliver them - who...were all their lifetime subject to bondage - he took on him the seed of Abraham - it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren - to make reconciliation for the sins of the people - in that he himself hath suffered being tempted - he is able to succour them that are tempted - we have a great high priest - Jesus the Son of God - we have...an high priest - tempted like as we are - yet without sin."
We have, my beloved: Jesus of Nazareth - Who is the Christ - The Son of the Living God - The Perfect Man - The Image of God!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What is the image of God?
Hello To All:
If we are to understand, how it is that we are the temple of the Living God, then the question posed, by the title to this essay, must be answered. Our comprehension and application, of this answer, is an essential foundation to our moving forward in: "Victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ."
Based on what has been previously written, in this blog, we could conclude, that the image of God, rightly understood, was the spirit of Adam, prior to his death. In this conclusion, we would fall short of the fullness of understanding, that is necessary to move forward and be victorious. In order to find the fullness of our answer, we must begin by returning to the Genesis account.
We find written, at Genesis 1:31: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." As the creation events unfolded, and God looked upon what He had done, it is recorded in five places (verse 10, 12, 18, 21 and 25 of chapter one), that: "God saw that it was good." In verse 31, after all things had been created, including man, it is recorded: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, IT WAS VERY GOOD (emphasis added)."
Adam, the first man, had a unique standing, in his position, in the historical time-line, of God's dealings with His creation. Adam, was viewed by God, as being: "very good." This condition and status continued right up to the time of his sin. Prior to his sin, Adam's spirit was in full communion with God. Adam's life, lay before him, reaching out into eternity, free from sin; and free from death. Adam was, prior to his sin: the perfect man. To ensure that we all get this, let it be stated, once more: Adam was, prior to his sin: THE PERFECT MAN.
Thus, the answer to the question, regarding what is the image of God, must be understood, as being: the perfect man. This is the only answer that is in harmony with the text and the context of the creation. But, let us be as the Bereans (see essay of 12/13/09, titled: Discipleship: The Berean Principal); and search the scriptures, to see if the things told us are true.
In our search, let us consider the following passages from the King's Book:
1. (Romans 8:29): "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." In verse 31, the apostle Paul, is inspired to write: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us." Thus, Paul is being used to remind us that those being "conformed to the image of his Son;" that is to say that: those being conformed to the image of Jesus: include Paul and all believers.
2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4): "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." The first Adam was created in the image of God; and, at his death, that image was lost to him. Jesus Christ, now has the standing and position of the one who is: "the image of God."
3. (Colossians 1:12-15): "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Amongst many wonderful realities, this passage reminds us of the eternal truth, that Jesus Christ, the Son of the invisible God, is the image of God.
Let us take a closer look at some of the revelations of these texts: "to be conformed to the image of His Son" - " Christ - who is the image of God" - "the kingdom of His dear Son" - "who is the image of the invisible God." Let us summarize these revelations by saying: We, that is believers, are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, who is the image of God. Can we say thank you Jesus!
The Genesis texts caused us to conclude that the image of God is: the perfect man. The New Testament texts clearly state that: Jesus Christ is the image of God. Are these conclusions in harmony with one another? When, next we gather, we shall seek to find that harmony, within the King's Book.
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
If we are to understand, how it is that we are the temple of the Living God, then the question posed, by the title to this essay, must be answered. Our comprehension and application, of this answer, is an essential foundation to our moving forward in: "Victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ."
Based on what has been previously written, in this blog, we could conclude, that the image of God, rightly understood, was the spirit of Adam, prior to his death. In this conclusion, we would fall short of the fullness of understanding, that is necessary to move forward and be victorious. In order to find the fullness of our answer, we must begin by returning to the Genesis account.
We find written, at Genesis 1:31: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." As the creation events unfolded, and God looked upon what He had done, it is recorded in five places (verse 10, 12, 18, 21 and 25 of chapter one), that: "God saw that it was good." In verse 31, after all things had been created, including man, it is recorded: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, IT WAS VERY GOOD (emphasis added)."
Adam, the first man, had a unique standing, in his position, in the historical time-line, of God's dealings with His creation. Adam, was viewed by God, as being: "very good." This condition and status continued right up to the time of his sin. Prior to his sin, Adam's spirit was in full communion with God. Adam's life, lay before him, reaching out into eternity, free from sin; and free from death. Adam was, prior to his sin: the perfect man. To ensure that we all get this, let it be stated, once more: Adam was, prior to his sin: THE PERFECT MAN.
Thus, the answer to the question, regarding what is the image of God, must be understood, as being: the perfect man. This is the only answer that is in harmony with the text and the context of the creation. But, let us be as the Bereans (see essay of 12/13/09, titled: Discipleship: The Berean Principal); and search the scriptures, to see if the things told us are true.
In our search, let us consider the following passages from the King's Book:
1. (Romans 8:29): "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." In verse 31, the apostle Paul, is inspired to write: "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us." Thus, Paul is being used to remind us that those being "conformed to the image of his Son;" that is to say that: those being conformed to the image of Jesus: include Paul and all believers.
2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4): "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." The first Adam was created in the image of God; and, at his death, that image was lost to him. Jesus Christ, now has the standing and position of the one who is: "the image of God."
3. (Colossians 1:12-15): "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Amongst many wonderful realities, this passage reminds us of the eternal truth, that Jesus Christ, the Son of the invisible God, is the image of God.
Let us take a closer look at some of the revelations of these texts: "to be conformed to the image of His Son" - " Christ - who is the image of God" - "the kingdom of His dear Son" - "who is the image of the invisible God." Let us summarize these revelations by saying: We, that is believers, are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, who is the image of God. Can we say thank you Jesus!
The Genesis texts caused us to conclude that the image of God is: the perfect man. The New Testament texts clearly state that: Jesus Christ is the image of God. Are these conclusions in harmony with one another? When, next we gather, we shall seek to find that harmony, within the King's Book.
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, April 2, 2012
The spirit of Adam - The image of God:
Hello To All:
"Thus, we are compelled to conclude that in the day of their death: it was their spirit that died."
With the above words, from our previous essay (The temple of God: our spirit - part three:) a bold statement was made concerning how it was that Adam and Eve died in the day that they ate of the forbidden fruit. The question, now before us, is: Will this conclusion stand up to the further scrutiny of the King's Book?
Let us begin that scrutiny, by returning to the Genesis text and comparing three verses:
1. (Genesis 1:27): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
2. (Genesis 5:1 and 3): "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him..." - "And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth..."
Please note the shift in emphasis from Genesis 1:27 to Genesis 5:3. In Genesis 1:27, man is referenced as being: "in the image of God." In Genesis 5:3, we find written: "And Adam...begat a son in his own likeness, after his image..." God created Adam "in the image of God." Adam bore a son "after his image;" and not "in the image of God." Are we getting this? I am not aware of any reference, in the remainder of the Old Testament of the King's Book, that speaks about man as being "in the image of God," in the present tense.
There is a reference in Genesis 9:6, that should help us in our understanding of these things. As part of His covenant with Noah (after the flood), God made this statement: "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." Please note that the reference to man being made "in the image of God," is in the past tense. It is in reference to the past event regarding the creation of Adam, who was created "in the image of God," that God establishes part of His covenant with Noah. In this convenant, God is reminding all of us that the past event of having been created in the image of God, gives value to all of humanity for all of time: a value that we are supposed to honor and uphold. But, it is a past historical event; not the present day reality, regarding all of humanity, that many are falsely teaching.
Thus, on the basis of these texts, we can rightly conclude, that at the time of Adam's sin, "the image of God," was no longer an identifying characteristic of what it is, in the present tense, to be a man, male or female; and created by God. All of humanity, since the fall of Adam, are now born, into this world, in the "likeness" and "the image" of Adam. We can conclude then: that when Adam and Eve died, the image of God was lost to them. This is why, at the time of their sin, that their eyes "were opened, and they knew that they were naked." When the image of God was lost to them, their intimate connection with God was lost; and they immediately became self-centered: they had died; and were not even aware of their death. They were only aware of themselves.
We find further evidence of this terrible condition of being dead, recorded at First Corinthians 15:45-49. There is a context here that needs to be understood. Paul is speaking with regards to the future resurrection of believers. Verses 45-49 are part of that discussion; but, there are some inspired observations, recorded here, that have a direct bearing on our current discussion.
45. "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
46. "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual."
47. "The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven."
48. "As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly."
49. "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
A comparison is being made between the "first man Adam" and "the last Adam": "The Lord from heaven": Jesus Christ. We who are earthy, bear the image of the earthy: and that image is the image of Adam. We shall, at the time of our resurrection: "bear the image of the heavenly": Jesus Christ. In verse 45, "the last Adam," that is to say, Jesus Christ is referenced as a "quickening (life giving) spirit." In the image of Adam we have death. In the image of Jesus Christ we have life. This life is evidenced by our restored spirit. Adam's spirit died. Our spirit has been made alive.
But, this is not just a reference to a future restoration, at the time of our resurrection: it also references the "newness of life," that is the reality of every disciple of Jesus Christ. Please consider these two texts, from the King's Book:
1. (Romans 6:4): "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Some of the benefits of our future resurrection are provided for us, in the here and now, as we are given: "newness of life."
2. (Romans 7:6): "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." The "newness of life," from Romans 6:4, is here referenced as "newness of spirit."
In another place (2 Corinthians 5:17), this newness is described in this way: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This "newness," is wonderfully described at Romans 6:11: "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." When Adam died, he became dead to God and alive to self. In Jesus Christ, we die to self and become "alive unto God." Adam's spirit died. Our spirit, referenced as the "new creature," has been made alive. Can we say thank you Jesus!
There is much more that needs to be said, regarding "The spirit of Adam - The image of God." But, that will have to wait until our next meeting. Between now and then, I leave you with the only present tense reference, that I am aware of, regarding the image of God. It is recorded at First Corinthians 11:7: "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man." As you ponder this text, please note, that Paul is writing to believers; to those who have "newness of life;" to those who have "newness of spirit." He is not writing to the general population of all of humanity. When next we gather, we shall seek to answer the question: What is the image of God?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
"Thus, we are compelled to conclude that in the day of their death: it was their spirit that died."
With the above words, from our previous essay (The temple of God: our spirit - part three:) a bold statement was made concerning how it was that Adam and Eve died in the day that they ate of the forbidden fruit. The question, now before us, is: Will this conclusion stand up to the further scrutiny of the King's Book?
Let us begin that scrutiny, by returning to the Genesis text and comparing three verses:
1. (Genesis 1:27): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
2. (Genesis 5:1 and 3): "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him..." - "And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth..."
Please note the shift in emphasis from Genesis 1:27 to Genesis 5:3. In Genesis 1:27, man is referenced as being: "in the image of God." In Genesis 5:3, we find written: "And Adam...begat a son in his own likeness, after his image..." God created Adam "in the image of God." Adam bore a son "after his image;" and not "in the image of God." Are we getting this? I am not aware of any reference, in the remainder of the Old Testament of the King's Book, that speaks about man as being "in the image of God," in the present tense.
There is a reference in Genesis 9:6, that should help us in our understanding of these things. As part of His covenant with Noah (after the flood), God made this statement: "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." Please note that the reference to man being made "in the image of God," is in the past tense. It is in reference to the past event regarding the creation of Adam, who was created "in the image of God," that God establishes part of His covenant with Noah. In this convenant, God is reminding all of us that the past event of having been created in the image of God, gives value to all of humanity for all of time: a value that we are supposed to honor and uphold. But, it is a past historical event; not the present day reality, regarding all of humanity, that many are falsely teaching.
Thus, on the basis of these texts, we can rightly conclude, that at the time of Adam's sin, "the image of God," was no longer an identifying characteristic of what it is, in the present tense, to be a man, male or female; and created by God. All of humanity, since the fall of Adam, are now born, into this world, in the "likeness" and "the image" of Adam. We can conclude then: that when Adam and Eve died, the image of God was lost to them. This is why, at the time of their sin, that their eyes "were opened, and they knew that they were naked." When the image of God was lost to them, their intimate connection with God was lost; and they immediately became self-centered: they had died; and were not even aware of their death. They were only aware of themselves.
We find further evidence of this terrible condition of being dead, recorded at First Corinthians 15:45-49. There is a context here that needs to be understood. Paul is speaking with regards to the future resurrection of believers. Verses 45-49 are part of that discussion; but, there are some inspired observations, recorded here, that have a direct bearing on our current discussion.
45. "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit."
46. "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual."
47. "The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven."
48. "As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly."
49. "And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
A comparison is being made between the "first man Adam" and "the last Adam": "The Lord from heaven": Jesus Christ. We who are earthy, bear the image of the earthy: and that image is the image of Adam. We shall, at the time of our resurrection: "bear the image of the heavenly": Jesus Christ. In verse 45, "the last Adam," that is to say, Jesus Christ is referenced as a "quickening (life giving) spirit." In the image of Adam we have death. In the image of Jesus Christ we have life. This life is evidenced by our restored spirit. Adam's spirit died. Our spirit has been made alive.
But, this is not just a reference to a future restoration, at the time of our resurrection: it also references the "newness of life," that is the reality of every disciple of Jesus Christ. Please consider these two texts, from the King's Book:
1. (Romans 6:4): "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Some of the benefits of our future resurrection are provided for us, in the here and now, as we are given: "newness of life."
2. (Romans 7:6): "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." The "newness of life," from Romans 6:4, is here referenced as "newness of spirit."
In another place (2 Corinthians 5:17), this newness is described in this way: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." This "newness," is wonderfully described at Romans 6:11: "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." When Adam died, he became dead to God and alive to self. In Jesus Christ, we die to self and become "alive unto God." Adam's spirit died. Our spirit, referenced as the "new creature," has been made alive. Can we say thank you Jesus!
There is much more that needs to be said, regarding "The spirit of Adam - The image of God." But, that will have to wait until our next meeting. Between now and then, I leave you with the only present tense reference, that I am aware of, regarding the image of God. It is recorded at First Corinthians 11:7: "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man." As you ponder this text, please note, that Paul is writing to believers; to those who have "newness of life;" to those who have "newness of spirit." He is not writing to the general population of all of humanity. When next we gather, we shall seek to answer the question: What is the image of God?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
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