The Image of God, What Is It?

[nephilimiyr]

I am glad that you did post this question. Even when "debates" occur, it helps me to get beyond the place I am at, which, I think is what God wants.

This type of conversation/debate certainly helps me although I do feel like my input is simple compared to others. (apologies!)

I know I am "stuck" with the image I have of God and a lot is based on emotional baggage as well as ignorance.

You're input maybe simple but it's not less valuable.

Thanks for posting!

 

[ViaCrucis]

One of the reasons why I didn't want to post my thoughts right away was because I was afraid there'd be a debate right away and I wanted to see what others had to say. There were some great answers here, answers I wouldn't disagree with, but your post here is right in-line with what I believe.

You say "purpose" while I say function. The image of God is more of a function than anything else, it's a verb. While God rules heaven as King, when He created man He gave Adam the job of ruling the earth in the capacity of the King. We are to have dominion with the purpose of reflecting God's heavenly kingdom here on earth.

Function is a word I'd have used as well.

The Imagio Dei is what we are intended to be and to do here, in the context of creation. Our humanity is intended to be a beautiful mirror of the Divine Glory and Beauty. Sin, of course, warps this image. Which is why the Incarnation is so essential, the restoration of the Divine Image through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ who will, in the end, bring about the restoration and renewal of all things.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[nephilimiyr]

Function is a word I'd have used as well.

The Imagio Dei is what we are intended to be and to do here, in the context of creation. Our humanity is intended to be a beautiful mirror of the Divine Glory and Beauty. Sin, of course, warps this image. Which is why the Incarnation is so essential, the restoration of the Divine Image through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ who will, in the end, bring about the restoration and renewal of all things.

-CryptoLutheran

, And since the image came before Adam sinned, it only effected the image, not disolved it. And yes, after the work of our Lord and Saviour, He restored the image to it's full potential!