From The Creation Answer Book by Hank Hanegraaff
Genesis 1:26 asserts that humankind is made in the imago Dei (quite literally “the image of God”). While we do not share the incommunicable attributes of God—his omnipotence, omniscience, or omnipresence—we d o s hare i n a f inite a nd imperfect way such communicable attributes as spirituality (John 4:24), rationality (Colossians 3:10), and morality (Ephesians 4:24). As such, we, the crowning jewels of God’s creation, are reflections rather than reproductions of God.
First, we should note that, despite the fall, humanity continues to reflect the image of God. This reflection of his divine image in us has been blemished yet not obliterated. James, the half-brother of Jesus, affirmed this truth when he wrote that men are “made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9).
Furthermore, through sanctification, God is renewing an image that as yet is blemished and broken. We have taken off the “old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9–10).
Finally, it is liberating for believers to recognize that God will completely restore the imago Dei in fallen humanity. Paul wrote, “Just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:49). We have the certain promise that one day the imago Dei now reflected in the crowning jewels of God’s creation will be completely restored in Christ, who “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).
Though we will never be like God who has “life in himself” (John 5:26), we will through Christ “participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4).
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
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Add Faith & Fun to Your Family!
Parents look in a lot of different places for guidance in how to influence their kids for Christ – church, school, or close relatives. These can all be helpful, but there's a better place to begin…you. Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord and Building Family Ties with Faith, Love, & Laughter share practical tips from Dave's experience as a father of three and pastor to add faith and fun to the heart of your family.
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