All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being (John 1:3 CSB).
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit determined from the beginning to create humans in Their likeness (Genesis 1:26). Because they bear the image of God, humans are unique from the rest of creation. Athanasius wrote, “[God] granted them a further gift, creating human beings not simply like all the irrational animals upon the earth but making them according to his own image (Genesis 1:27), giving them a share of the power of his own Word, so that having as it were shadows of the Word and being made rational, they might be able to abide in blessedness, living the true life which is really that of the holy ones in paradise.”
That image also gifted mankind with a remarkable identity. We’ve been deliberately created by God for God, to bear His image in the world. We are to reflect His image—that of love, holiness, righteousness, justice, and mercy. Of course, He is always infinitely all of them (and more) at the same time.
God also added to the gifts of image and identity the gifts of purpose and authority. We were created for relationship and to act as His co-regents in ruling His creation. Humans were to bring multiplication, order, and goodness to the earth. Doesn’t that then make us accountable to Him?
But in willful rebellion for autonomy we sinned, thereby corrupting that image given.
But God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—provided a remedy. God presented Jesus as the atonement for sin, Who offered His life as a sacrifice. People “are justified by His grace as a gift” because of the shedding of His blood (Romans 3:23-25). We receive this gift through faith. Baptized in His name, we are credited with His righteousness and receive the blessed gift of the Holy Spirit.
Oh, but the gifts don’t stop there! “We are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The Spirit is making us more and more like Jesus every day. Paul writes that, “we are being transformed into the same image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). That’s a gift worth celebrating all year long!
Our God and Creator, You have made us in Your image and placed eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Help me to grasp how very sacred that is. And to highly value it in others. I pray I will take the purpose for which I’ve been created more seriously. That I will be true to my identity. And will not hinder the Spirit’s work in making me more like Jesus.
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