The image of God
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God made man and breathed into Adam the breath of LIVES<---plural
Hebrew has
Singular=1
Dual=pairs or twos
Plural=three or more
The word life is plural in Hebrew which equals LIVES as in..
Physical LIFE<--BODY
Intellectual LIFE<--MIND
Spiritual LIFE<--Spirit
One man (ADAM) manifested three ways just like ONE GOD manifested three ways as in....
The Father=Intellect
The SON=Body
The H.S.=Spirit, Breath
Hebrew has
Singular=1
Dual=pairs or twos
Plural=three or more
The word life is plural in Hebrew which equals LIVES as in..
Physical LIFE<--BODY
Intellectual LIFE<--MIND
Spiritual LIFE<--Spirit
One man (ADAM) manifested three ways just like ONE GOD manifested three ways as in....
The Father=Intellect
The SON=Body
The H.S.=Spirit, Breath
God is invisible, so the image is inward not outward by appearance. Just as Jesus is the express (inward) image of God the Father.
Colossians 1:15
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 1:15
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Good verses InSpiritInTruth
Philip was knowing Christ after the flesh (outward) verses Spirit (inward) when he asked Jesus to show him the Father
John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Who is the image of the invisible God
John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Whereas again...
Jesus is the express image of his person
Therefore,
John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Even as we are not to know him this way
2Cr 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
Philip was knowing Christ after the flesh (outward) verses Spirit (inward) when he asked Jesus to show him the Father
John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Who is the image of the invisible God
John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Whereas again...
Jesus is the express image of his person
Therefore,
John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Even as we are not to know him this way
2Cr 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
K
Unlike animals and plants, humans have souls. Human beings are going to exist forever more (it's only a matter of where they will exist). "God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." Genesis 2:9 "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4 This is because God spoke life into existence- we literally live because of His words, and will continue to do so long after we have no bread for our stomachs because we will no longer have a physical body. (Ecclesiastes: "Food for the stomach, and the stomach for food, but God will destroy them both." For those who will exist in torment it will be like they died a second death because they will be separated from God and His life supporting words. It is only by Gods words saying that they will go to torment that they will still exist at all.
Might I add that He made us in His image AND likeness, I think that's a very important part we can overlook at times, His likeness, what we have fallen from, what He has brought us back too.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
2 Corinthians deals a bit more with this topic. I think it has always been God's goal to transform us into his image. We were created in it, then fell, and now we have been redeemed from the curse!
"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 Cor. 3:18
I guess my idea of the "image of God" is to be conformed to the image of Jesus.
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29
"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 Cor. 3:18
I guess my idea of the "image of God" is to be conformed to the image of Jesus.
"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29
I agreee with Angela as well
They beheld the glory as of the only begotten, who is the brightness of His glory.
Of the same glory he has also given them to behold him as in a glass being changed from one degree of glory unto another. And be like him who is the image of the invisible God. This is speaking of the inward image (not outward)
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Which is by the same Spirit
2Cr 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Contrarywise...
James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
They beheld the glory as of the only begotten, who is the brightness of His glory.
Of the same glory he has also given them to behold him as in a glass being changed from one degree of glory unto another. And be like him who is the image of the invisible God. This is speaking of the inward image (not outward)
John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Which is by the same Spirit
2Cr 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Contrarywise...
James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
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P
We were created in His image-then we blew it. Jesus came to restore that which we lost. One of the ways in which we are created in His image was the ability to choose unfortunatley most make the wrong choice. God has emotions-that's why we do. He has a sense of humor, He loves music and beauty, He's friendly and likes conversation, He listens, He desires mercy. I know His heart breaks when He looks at His beautiful creationgroaning for His return.
However, He is holy. He is pure. He is righteous and hates what sin does to us. Only thru Jesus can we truly know Him so we will not on this side of life ever truly know what we should be but we can know He is faithful-something we are not.
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear , we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is .
However, He is holy. He is pure. He is righteous and hates what sin does to us. Only thru Jesus can we truly know Him so we will not on this side of life ever truly know what we should be but we can know He is faithful-something we are not.
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear , we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is .
)The "word" in Hebrew shows the Lord our God is one
'echad
1) One (number.)
1a) One (number.)
1b) Each, every.
1c) A certain.
1d) An (indefinite article.)
1e) Only, once, once for all.
1f) One...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one.
1g) First.
1h) Eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal.)'
A "numeral" having the power of an adjective
Denoting a unified plurality
Such as being two here become one (so it shows two in that one unity)
( Gen. 2:24 "they (two) shall become one flesh").
Since the Father dwelleth in Christ, He said likewise,
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they (being many more then two) may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
He that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit
'echad
1) One (number.)
1a) One (number.)
1b) Each, every.
1c) A certain.
1d) An (indefinite article.)
1e) Only, once, once for all.
1f) One...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one.
1g) First.
1h) Eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal.)'
A "numeral" having the power of an adjective
Denoting a unified plurality
Such as being two here become one (so it shows two in that one unity)
( Gen. 2:24 "they (two) shall become one flesh").
Since the Father dwelleth in Christ, He said likewise,
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they (being many more then two) may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
He that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit
Here's an old post I had made on the topic of God's image.
In the very beginning man was created in Gods own image, as it is also written. But understanding what that image means, and how man lost that image is all important.
It is written that no man has ever seen the face of God, as it is also written God is invisible. But Jesus is the express inward image of God. Colossians 1:15; “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” So what image was man first created in?
So was God's invisible image a visible outward image of God, or was it the invisible inward image of God? Hopefully you will come to see it is the invisible inward image of God man was first created in, but also lost because of sin.
And so when sin entered into man he took on the image of the earthly, and put off the image of the heavenly.
Jesus said be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. And as the scriptures show man was first created perfect (in Gods own image) in the day God created man. Ezekiel 28:15; “Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
In this we see man was created in the Gods own inward image (in His ways); that was until sin entered into man. And so at that point in time man began to take on the image of the man of sin, who is like a natural brute beast, and of his father the devil. (serpent)
So if we are all created in that perfect inward image of God as many might say today, then this world would be a perfectly good and peaceful place right? But we know that’s not true. And if we were all first created in that perfect inward image of God, then there would be no need to be born again right? I mean why would you want to change perfection?
But clearly mankind is far from perfect, but Gods image is perfect. Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
So if we have fallen from the image of the heavenly, and taken on the image of the earthly, how can we then return to that Godly image? It is only possible by being born again of Gods Holy Spirit, and be renewed and transformed from our old man image back into the image of God’s blessed Son. (who is the express inward image of God) as is in Hebrews 1:3.
Colossians 3:10; “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Ephesians 4:23-24 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
So when we are made a new man in Christ, does our outward visible image change, or is our invisible inward image renewed back into the image of our God through Jesus Christ? I believe you know the answer to that.
In the very beginning man was created in Gods own image, as it is also written. But understanding what that image means, and how man lost that image is all important.
It is written that no man has ever seen the face of God, as it is also written God is invisible. But Jesus is the express inward image of God. Colossians 1:15; “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” So what image was man first created in?
So was God's invisible image a visible outward image of God, or was it the invisible inward image of God? Hopefully you will come to see it is the invisible inward image of God man was first created in, but also lost because of sin.
And so when sin entered into man he took on the image of the earthly, and put off the image of the heavenly.
Jesus said be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. And as the scriptures show man was first created perfect (in Gods own image) in the day God created man. Ezekiel 28:15; “Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou was created, till iniquity was found in thee.”
In this we see man was created in the Gods own inward image (in His ways); that was until sin entered into man. And so at that point in time man began to take on the image of the man of sin, who is like a natural brute beast, and of his father the devil. (serpent)
So if we are all created in that perfect inward image of God as many might say today, then this world would be a perfectly good and peaceful place right? But we know that’s not true. And if we were all first created in that perfect inward image of God, then there would be no need to be born again right? I mean why would you want to change perfection?
But clearly mankind is far from perfect, but Gods image is perfect. Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
So if we have fallen from the image of the heavenly, and taken on the image of the earthly, how can we then return to that Godly image? It is only possible by being born again of Gods Holy Spirit, and be renewed and transformed from our old man image back into the image of God’s blessed Son. (who is the express inward image of God) as is in Hebrews 1:3.
Colossians 3:10; “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Ephesians 4:23-24 “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
So when we are made a new man in Christ, does our outward visible image change, or is our invisible inward image renewed back into the image of our God through Jesus Christ? I believe you know the answer to that.
M
I believe this ...
Similarity: denotes non-essential qualities of man, but that can be grown or lost
Image: as a designation of man's natural gifts
"My flesh and my heart faileth: {but} God {is} the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
Psalms 73:26
"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man."
Genesis 9:6
"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God."
James 3:9
Just found this text also interesting:
The comments of the Bible Study Geneva, which involves the image of God is not specified in Gen. 1.26-27,
but the context helps us to define it. this context is in Genesis 1.1-25, and the core is the presentation of God as a
personal being, rational (endowed with intelligence and will), creative, ruling the world he created, and be
morally admirable (because everything created is good). Thus the image of God will reflect these qualities.
Verses 28-30 show God bless humans who had just create, giving them the power to govern the creation as their representatives and delegates, giving you condition to communicate and relate to God and to other beings. This
mode, the image of God appears in the creative act of God, consisting:
(a) the existence of man as a "soul" or "spirit" that is, as a personal being
and self-conscious, with a capacity similar to that of God to know, think and act;
(b) the man to be a morally upright creature - quality is lost in
fall, but now gradually restored in Christ (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10);
(c) in the field of the environment;
(d) in the human body be the means through which we experience reality in
express and exercise area and,
(e) the ability that God has given us to enjoy eternal life.
As to the state after sin, not only in Adam and Eve, but also in all their descendants, God's image was distorted.
We keep this picture in the to remain human beings, but not functionally, by now being slaves to sin, unable to use
our powers to mirror God's holiness. The process of restoration of the moral image of God begins with regeneration.
When we entirely sanctified and glorified, perfect mode will reflect the image of God in our thoughts and actions -
we were created to do and as the Son of God incarnate reflected in his humanity (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8.29,46).
Another element of the image of God is even immortality. The Bible says that only God has immortality (I Tim 6:16),
and this would seem to exclude the idea of human immortality. But it is more than evident from the Scripture, that man
is also immortal, some sense of word;
The Scriptures say that "God is spirit" (John 4:24) and, hence He exists without a body. However, Adam's body mirrored the life of God, so has been created in perfect health and not be subject to death.
Similarity: denotes non-essential qualities of man, but that can be grown or lost
Image: as a designation of man's natural gifts
"My flesh and my heart faileth: {but} God {is} the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."
Psalms 73:26
"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man."
Genesis 9:6
"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God."
James 3:9
Just found this text also interesting:
The comments of the Bible Study Geneva, which involves the image of God is not specified in Gen. 1.26-27,
but the context helps us to define it. this context is in Genesis 1.1-25, and the core is the presentation of God as a
personal being, rational (endowed with intelligence and will), creative, ruling the world he created, and be
morally admirable (because everything created is good). Thus the image of God will reflect these qualities.
Verses 28-30 show God bless humans who had just create, giving them the power to govern the creation as their representatives and delegates, giving you condition to communicate and relate to God and to other beings. This
mode, the image of God appears in the creative act of God, consisting:
(a) the existence of man as a "soul" or "spirit" that is, as a personal being
and self-conscious, with a capacity similar to that of God to know, think and act;
(b) the man to be a morally upright creature - quality is lost in
fall, but now gradually restored in Christ (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10);
(c) in the field of the environment;
(d) in the human body be the means through which we experience reality in
express and exercise area and,
(e) the ability that God has given us to enjoy eternal life.
As to the state after sin, not only in Adam and Eve, but also in all their descendants, God's image was distorted.
We keep this picture in the to remain human beings, but not functionally, by now being slaves to sin, unable to use
our powers to mirror God's holiness. The process of restoration of the moral image of God begins with regeneration.
When we entirely sanctified and glorified, perfect mode will reflect the image of God in our thoughts and actions -
we were created to do and as the Son of God incarnate reflected in his humanity (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8.29,46).
Another element of the image of God is even immortality. The Bible says that only God has immortality (I Tim 6:16),
and this would seem to exclude the idea of human immortality. But it is more than evident from the Scripture, that man
is also immortal, some sense of word;
The Scriptures say that "God is spirit" (John 4:24) and, hence He exists without a body. However, Adam's body mirrored the life of God, so has been created in perfect health and not be subject to death.