Image
Summary
A representation or likeness, applied both to prohibited idolatrous images and to humanity as created in God's image.
☩The Image of God in Man
The foundational biblical teaching on image concerns humanity's creation in the image and likeness of God. This distinguishes humans from all other creatures and forms the basis of human dignity and responsibility. The image includes moral capacity, rational thought, personality, and the ability to relate to God. Though marred by the fall, the image remains, as seen in the New Testament's appeal to it as the basis for not cursing fellow humans.
☩Prohibited Images
The second commandment prohibits making images of anything in heaven, earth, or sea for purposes of worship. This applied not only to images of false gods but to any attempt to represent Yahweh visibly. The golden calf was not intended as a rival deity but as a visible representation of Yahweh, yet it was severely condemned. This prohibition distinguished Israel's worship from all surrounding nations.
☩Christ as God's Image
Christ is described as the image of the invisible God, the exact representation of His being. What was impossible for idols—revealing God—Christ accomplishes perfectly. In Christ the fullness of deity dwells bodily, and whoever has seen Him has seen the Father. This teaching elevates the concept of image from prohibition to revelation: God has made Himself known not through carved images but through His incarnate Son.
☩Believers Transformed into Christ's Image
Believers are being progressively transformed into the image of Christ, the goal of God's predestining purpose. This transformation occurs through beholding Christ's glory and being changed by the Spirit. The renewal of the image lost in Adam is accomplished through union with Christ, the last Adam. The full restoration awaits the resurrection when believers will bear the image of the heavenly man.
Related Verses150 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Image," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).