Genesis 1:27; 1 Cor 15:47-49

Jesus is described as the "image of the invisible God" [Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:3], that is, God, manifesting Himself in a visible, tangible form, a human form in whom dwells all the fullness of Deity [Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16], equal with God before Creation [John 1:1-5; John 1:14], but choosing to be emptied of His glory for the purpose of incarnating as a flesh and blood human being on Earth; [Philippians 2:6-8].

The Hebrew word for image is ‘tzelem,’ within which is another Hebrew word, ‘tzel,’ meaning shadow...kind of an image within an image. It seems that God's idea was for humans to be a shadow or a reflection of Himself from the beginning. [Genesis 1:26]

However, the first Adam allowed sin and death to enter this world, thus fracturing mankind's relationship with God.

Now, through the second Adam, Jesus [1 Cor. 15:21-28], this relationship can be restored. He came to address the problem of death and repair the relationship broken by sin, which had distanced humanity from its Creator. Now, through the second Adam, we have the opportunity to bear the "image of the heavenly" [1 Cor 15:45-49], which was God's original intention.

Brothers & Sisters, what does this look like, the restoration of the image of God in spiritually regenerated human beings now, since God's intention from the beginning was for mankind to reflect His holy image and to be an expression of His nature? Now, we are presented with the "- when we do so, we are fulfilling His original intention for us -- to truly opportunity of a lifetime" to touch a world in need! The world needs to see the reflection of His love, joy, and peace radiating in our lives - image Him! BECOME A RESTORED IMAGE OF HIM! Guide Makombo's Devotions