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