Topical Bible: Man: Christ: Made in the Image of

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The concept of being made in the image of God is foundational to understanding the nature and purpose of humanity as presented in the Bible. This idea finds its ultimate expression in the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the perfect image of God. The New Testament provides profound insights into how Christ embodies this image and what it means for humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of being made in the image of God originates in Genesis 1:26-27, where it is written: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness... So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.'" This passage establishes the inherent dignity and worth of human beings, as they reflect aspects of God's character and authority.

Christ as the Image of God

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is explicitly identified as the image of God. Colossians 1:15 states, "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." This verse highlights Christ's preeminence and His role as the perfect representation of God. Unlike Adam, who was made in God's image but fell into sin, Christ perfectly reflects God's nature, being without sin.

Hebrews 1:3 further elaborates on this by declaring, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." Here, Christ is portrayed as the exact imprint of God's being, emphasizing His divine nature and His role in sustaining creation.

Implications for Humanity

The fact that Christ is the image of God has profound implications for humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provides the means for humans to be restored to their intended purpose and relationship with God. Romans 8:29 reveals God's ultimate plan for believers: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers."

This transformation into the image of Christ is a central theme in the Christian life. 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes this process: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Believers are called to grow in Christlikeness, reflecting His character and love in their lives.

Christ's Humanity and Divinity

The dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man is essential to understanding His role as the image of God. Philippians 2:6-7 speaks of Christ's humility and incarnation: "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." In His humanity, Christ identifies with human struggles and weaknesses, yet without sin, providing a perfect model for living in accordance with God's will.

Restoration Through Christ

Through Christ, the broken image of God in humanity is restored. Ephesians 4:22-24 encourages believers to "put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This renewal is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in a manner that reflects Christ's image.

In summary, Jesus Christ as the image of God reveals the fullness of God's character and provides the means for humanity to be restored to their original purpose. Through faith in Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to reflect His image, growing in righteousness and holiness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:7
But made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Image of God in Man.
... to be renewed after the image of Christ, it refers ... the greatest act of creation,
viz., the creation of man. ... says: "Without Him was not anything made that was ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ix the image of god.htm

Man the Image of the Creator, and Christ the Head of the Man ...
... captive," meaning death or slavery of man; "He gave ... operations in His time, in His
Christ, and among ... both predicted things to come, and have made manifest [5574 ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter viii man the image of.htm

The Higher Powers are Men; and Christ is their Light Also.
... The Higher Powers are Men; And Christ is Their Light Also. ... to the text, "Let us make
man according to ... 4718] " and maintains that whatever is made according to ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/17 the higher powers are.htm

Central Position of Christ in the History of the World.
... for Christianity began properly with the very creation of man, who was made in the ...
With Abraham, about nineteen hundred years before Christ, the religious ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 8 central position of.htm

The Christian Man
... Man made in the image of God; give a statement of this case ... What can be said of God's
measure of a man? What can be said of Jesus Christ as the perfect physical ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study iii the christian man.htm

Christ Assumed Actual Flesh, Conceived and Born of the virgin.
... does He confess Himself the Son of man, and blesses ... he says, "Concerning His Son,
who was made of the ... by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxii christ assumed actual flesh.htm

God Will Bestow Salvation Upon the Whole Nature of Man, Consisting ...
... of the Spirit, and this is he who was made in the ... Shall I then take the members of
Christ, and make them ... not in reference to some other spiritual man; for a ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter vi god will bestow salvation.htm

When Christ visited us in his Grace, He did not Come to what did ...
... of God, and the Eucharist of the blood and the body of Christ is made, [4462] from ...
He does not speak these words of some spiritual and invisible man, for a ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ii when christ visited us.htm

Of the State Wherein Man was Created, and How the Image of God is ...
... Man by seeking to be wise, became a fool, that was an ... lodge within us, and we shall
be made wise. Come to the Father's wisdom,"unto Jesus Christ, who is that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxiii of the state.htm

Whose Image and Superscription?
... by an incarnate Saviour depend upon the reality of the fact that man is made in
the image of God. Thus there comes to us that divine Christ, who lays 'His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/whose image and superscription.htm