Image Bearers
It is common for people to invoke the idea that mankind is made in the image of God, especially when defending human worth. However, it is far more rare for anyone to explore what it means for us to be his likeness. Most realize that this isn’t a matter of physical appearance and that it is what gives mankind value beyond other creatures.
Is it possible for that which was created in God’s image to lose that likeness? If it is lost, can it be regained? This is a topic which I’ve never really heard explored in my lifetime within the church, but is actually one of the central topics found in the New Testament.
That Which Is Lost
In 1 Corinthians 15, we find a discussion about the resurrection of the dead. Paul points to Adam as a man who was dust and became a living being and compares him to Christ who is the life giver and became man.
The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:47-49
Here we see this concept of “image” being considered again. While all men are born of Adam and have the image of the “man of dust” those who are in Christ will also bear the image of the “man of heaven”, who is Christ.
New Self
Mankind, originally made in the image of God, is no longer a perfect representation. While marred, Christ made a way of restoration by which that original image can be renewed. In Protestantism, this process of restoration is often called sanctification. The word itself refers to the way in which believers become made holy or “set apart” as they become more mature. In a letter to Colossians, we are told the relationship between that process and the image of God.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Colossians 3:5-10
The point that this renewal process has to do with knowledge calls to mind another verse as well.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
While this one doesn’t speak explicitly of gaining a new image, it does speak of how this renewal of mind leads to a loss of conformity (similarity of image) to this world.
Made Perfect
This process is lifelong and none of us are a perfect representation of the nature of God. However, we can be certain that those who are in Christ are being conformed into that same image and are simply at different stages along the way. This is the work of the Spirit
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Our hope is not in vain either, as we have the promise of God that this work will be completed ultimately for all of us at his return.
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
1 John 3:2-3
Mankind, made as a perfect representation of God as stated in Genesis 1, was corrupted in the fall of chapter 3. Thankfully, God did not leave us in this pitiful state but the Son took on our nature and suffered the indignities of human life and a most undignified death on our behalf so that he could restore what was lost.
The purpose of mankind is to bear the image of our creator and we can realize that purpose only through Christ, who not only reveals God to us but also made a way for us to be restored to his likeness.
