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Which of the following biblica references speak of all persons retaining God's image? Which testify of the unconverted being without the image of God? | |
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Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made are the similitude of God. - James 1:9 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. - Colossians 3:10 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. - I Corinthians 11:7 |
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. - Ephesians 4:24 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man. - Genesis 9:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. - Psalm 82:6 |
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How would you explain the apparent contradiction of some verses which refer to men missing God's image and others which speak of all men retaining it? |
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Man's Soul And Body
God created man with two distinct parts - soul and body. Man is created in a special manner - his body is physical, enabling him to relate with the physical creation; and his soul is spiritual, enabling him to relate with the spiritual realm. Man is uniquely created to interact in both the physical and spiritual spheres of life.
Both the highest and lowest of elements are found in man's creation. Nothing could grant higher nobility than to be created by the personal "breath" from the "mouth" of the Almighty God. Nothing could have a lower origin than to be made from the "dust" of the ground. Both of these factors teach us important lessons. The one testifies of the great importance of our being human, of our noble origin, and of our great calling. The other speaks of our necessary humbleness. Lest we become proud of our special creation and calling, God formed us from the dust of the ground. We are only "dust" - totally dependent upon our Creator for all things. To reflect this truth, the name "Adam," meaning "red earth," was given to the first man.
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How do these biblical references establish the need to speak of the image of God in two different senses? |
Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
- Luke 3:38
For we are also His offspring.
- Acts 17:28b
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
- Genesis 2:7
