Topical Encyclopedia The concept of Christ as the Image of God is a profound theological truth that underscores His divine nature and His role in the redemption of humanity. This doctrine is rooted in the New Testament and is pivotal to understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Colossians, articulates this truth with clarity: "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). This passage affirms that Christ is the visible representation of the invisible God, embodying the fullness of deity in human form. The term "image" (Greek: eikōn) conveys the idea of a perfect likeness, indicating that Christ is not merely a reflection but the exact representation of God's nature. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul further emphasizes this by stating, "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" . Here, the glory of Christ is intrinsically linked to His identity as the Image of God, highlighting His divine majesty and the revelation of God's character through Him. Theological Significance The doctrine of Christ as the Image of God holds significant theological implications. It affirms the deity of Christ, asserting that He possesses all the attributes of God. As the Image of God, Christ reveals God's nature, will, and purposes to humanity. In Him, the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), making Him the ultimate revelation of God to mankind. Moreover, this truth underscores the uniqueness of Christ's mediatorial role. As the perfect Image of God, He bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Christ accomplishes the work of redemption, restoring the broken relationship between God and man. Christ's Glory and Excellency The glory of Christ as the Image of God is not only a matter of His divine essence but also His redemptive work. In Hebrews 1:3, it is written, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word" . This passage highlights the excellency of Christ, who not only reflects God's glory but also sustains the universe by His authority. The Gospel of John further illuminates this glory: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God's glory, revealing His grace and truth to the world. Implications for Believers For believers, the recognition of Christ as the Image of God calls for worship, adoration, and imitation. As followers of Christ, believers are called to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29), reflecting His character and virtues in their lives. This transformation is made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In summary, the excellency and glory of Christ as the Image of God is a central tenet of Christian faith, revealing the divine nature of Christ and His redemptive mission. Through Him, the invisible God is made known, and through His work, humanity is offered reconciliation and eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 1:3 Library Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the ... The Second Epistle to the Corinthians the Creator the Father of ... Of the Creation 0F Man The Epistle to the Philippians the Variances Amongst the Preachers ... The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ... How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace. Christ the Only Preservative against a Reprobate Spirit Resources What is the Letter to Diognetus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create the world / earth? | GotQuestions.org Excellency: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Exaltation The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Sinless Perfection The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Transfiguration The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Triumph The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Words The Excellency and Glory of Christ in his Works The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Calling of the Gentiles The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Fulness of his Grace and Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ in the Restoration of the Jews The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Incomparable The Excellency and Glory of Christ is Unchangeable The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Creator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Head of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Incarnate The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Judge The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As King The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Lord of Lords The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Mediator The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As One With the Father The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Priest The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Prophet The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As Shepherd The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Blessed of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Begotten The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the First-Born The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Foundation of the Church The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Image of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Life The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Son of God The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the True Light The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Truth The Excellency and Glory of Christ: As the Way The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Celebrated by the Redeemed The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Resurrection The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Followed his Sufferings The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Imparted to Saints The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Revealed in the Gospel The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Behold, in Heaven The Excellency and Glory of Christ: Saints Shall Rejoice at the Revelation of The Excellency and Glory of the Church are Abundant The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Augmented by Increase of Its Members The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being Established The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Body of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Bride of Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Seat of God's Worship The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Being the Temple of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Eminent Position The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Graces of Character The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Members Being Righteous The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Perfection of Beauty The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Sanctification The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Consist in Its: Strength and Defence The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from Christ The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Derived from God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: God Delights In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Result from the Favour of God The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Saints Delight In The Excellency and Glory of the Church: Sin Obscures Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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