2. “In God’s Image”

3. “In God’s Image” Applies to all humans
Noah and his descendants (Gen. 9:6)
People of the first century (James 3:9)
Does not apply to animals or plants
Adam was God’s son by direct creation (Luke 3:38)
We are all God’s offspring (Acts 17:29)
The terms “likeness” and “image” are synonyms

4. “In God’s Image” Does not mean that we are gods or deity
Men wrongly claimed to be (Ezek. 28:2; Acts 12:21-23)
Paul and Barnabas corrected Gentiles (Acts 14:11-18)
Jesus is the image of God (Col. 1:15)
Seen Jesus = seen the Father (John 14:9)
Jesus is a perfect representation (Heb. 1:3)
Man is “made in the image of God” (Gen. 1:26)
Jesus “is the image of God” (II Cor. 4:3-4)

5. “In God’s Image” Does not mean that God is a physical being
God is spirit (John 4:24)
We don’t share physical traits
(Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:22-23)
Seth resembled Adam (Gen. 5:1, 3)
It is never defined as a specific attribute
Similarities between man and God, not plants/animals
Reason, morality, creativity, will, immortal soul, etc

6. “In God’s Image” Requires mutual respect Creates an obligation
Sanctity of life (Gen. 9:6)
Proper speech (James 3:8-9)
Creates an obligation
A lesson about taxes and more (Mark 12:14-17)
As a coin bearing a ruler’s image, so we bear God’s
God has the right to expect something from us
Full devotion of heart (Mark 12:30)
Body for service and holiness (Rom. 12:1; I Cor. 6:19-20)

7. “In God’s Image” Bearing God’s image in a higher sense
Created anew in baptism (Eph. 4:22-24)
Renewal through continued obedience (Col. 3:9-10)
Choosing to be more like God
Children receive physical traits from parents
We received mental, emotional, spiritual traits
Children can choose to take on other traits
God commands us to take on holiness (I Peter 1:14-16)