How does Ephesians 5:1 connect with Genesis 1:27 about God's image? A Call to Imitate God “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). Created in His Image “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). How the Two Passages Interlock • Genesis 1:27 establishes identity: humanity bears God’s image by divine design. • Ephesians 5:1 issues the corresponding activity: because we already carry His likeness, we must now mirror His character. • The verse in Ephesians turns the fact of creation into a daily mandate—an image bearer is to be an imitator. Imitation Flows from Identity 1. Image: The permanent stamp of God’s likeness on every person (Genesis 1:27). 2. Children: Through faith in Christ we are adopted into God’s family (John 1:12), giving relational closeness. 3. Imitation: Love, holiness, and righteousness become the natural overflow of being His children (Ephesians 4:24). Scripture that Bridges Creation and Imitation • Colossians 3:10—“the new self… being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” • Romans 8:29—“predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” • 2 Corinthians 3:18—“being transformed into His image with intensifying glory.” • 1 Peter 1:15–16—“Be holy, because I am holy.” • John 13:34–35—love as the defining trait of divine likeness. Christ: The Perfect Image and Pattern • Colossians 1:15 calls Jesus “the image of the invisible God.” • By observing and obeying Christ, we see exactly how to imitate the Father (John 14:9). Practical Ways to Reflect God’s Image Today – Walk in love just as Christ loved us (Ephesians 5:2). – Pursue purity and holiness in thought and conduct (Ephesians 5:3–4). – Live wisely, making the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15–17). – Give thanks rather than grumble, showing a heart aligned with the Creator (Ephesians 5:20). – Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). From the First Creation to the New Creation Genesis 1:27 gives the origin of God’s image; Ephesians 5:1 urges its outward expression; redemption in Christ restores what sin distorts, empowering believers to display the likeness they were always meant to carry. |
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