WHAT IS THE GOD IMAGE?

WHAT IS THE GOD IMAGE?

   “….let us make man in our IMAGE, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (HIS Spirit or His IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV).

“….let us make man in our IMAGE, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

“…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

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         What is an image? An image is a mental or visual representation, you have, of yourself or someone else. A representation of that image is something that or someone who reveals or demonstrates what that “image” is like.

A representative also reveals or demonstrates the exact likeness of a particular image such as a picture, sculpture, painting, drawing, or carbon copy.

What is an “likeness” of an image?” An likeness of an image, is NOT “the” image, but it will resemble that image, in some way. The resemblance of an image provides a visual or mental depiction, or idea, or description of something or someone.

The God Image is not a mental or visual representation of God as we understand it, but it is an spiritual representation of God and provides an understanding of his LIKENESS. By faith, we understand, that the whole world was created by God. “… BY FAITH (trusting in and depending upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). By faith, we understand, what God is LIKE. “… BY FAITH (by trusting in and depending upon God) we understand ....that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

The first man, Adam, was created “in” HIS IMAGE “after” his LIKENESS! “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness (to resemble us) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN IMAGE (A representation)…..male and female created he them …” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (SPIRIT (God's image)); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

In order to understand what that likeness IS; you must first understand GOD’S IMAGE. “…GOD IS SPIRIT (the BREATH of LIFE)…” (John 4:24 KJV).

God’s image was breathed into Adam, which made Adam a representative of his image. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…God is not human (he is not a body, he is not a self, or the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you (and dwelt in Adam and Eve)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). Adam and Eve were originally, created representatives of HIS IMAGE (SPIRIT).

Remember, God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God’s IMAGE is SPIRIT. “…God is not human …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

"… that which is born (starts to exist) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). When Adam and Eve came into existence, they came into existence with HIS IMAGE, which is SPIRIT.

“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT).

They resembled God, the Holy Spirit, because they were able, through his “breath of life” or indwelling Holy Spirit to represent HIS IMAGE. “…And ...man became a living soul (a soul connected or united with the God IMAGE or SPIRIT)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

His likeness is clearly WITNESSED by the things God creates. “… since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB). God MADE mankind.

Adam and Eve were MADE by God and initially represented HIS IMAGE (which is SPIRIT). HIS IMAGE, however, was not and could not be a BODY IMAGE or a self-IMAGE, because God is SPIRIT. “…God is not human (not body; not self) …” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

"… that which is born (is created) of the Spirit is spirit…” (John 3:6 KJV). “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“… since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

“… since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made (through the “making” of adam and eve)…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

“… BY FAITH we understand that ...[Adam and Eve]... WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). His command was: “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).

“…in his OWN image (Spirit IMAGE)…..male and female created (MADE) he them …” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or IMAGE); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The God IMAGE is the SPIRITUAL likeness someone HAS (such as his INDWELLING Holy Spirit) that makes them RESEMBLE, REVEAL, or DEMONSTRATE what God is LIKE. “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“….LET US MAKE man (woman) … after our likeness (to resemble God, to demonstrate God, to reveal God etc.) …” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image (his OWN likeness)…..male and female created (MADE) he them …” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

“The Son is ...the exact representation of his being (of the God IMAGE)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER (has seen His IMAGE, his LIKENESS)…” (John 14:9 KJV).  “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus resembled, revealed, demonstrated God’s IMAGE or LIKENESS)…” (John 10:30 KJV). They are just alike, son like father.

What the bible is saying is that Adam was originally made or created with a GOD IMAGE and it had NOTHING to do with his BODY IMAGE, SELF-IMAGE, or any other image. “… since the creation of the world (including the creation of Adam and Eve) His (God, the Holy Spirit’s) invisible attributes, [which are]...His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood (make aware of) through what has been made (through the “making” or creating of adam and eve)…” (Romans 1:20 NASB).

God’s creation of Adam and Eve was meant to make the earth AWARE of God, the Holy Spirit, through their representation of HIS IMAGE.

Adam and Eve were not God, but they were created to RESEMBLE God’s IMAGE, which is SPIRIT, invisible, a divine nature, and eternal power.

Jesus was also created to make the world AWARE of God, the Holy Spirit, through his representation of HIS IMAGE. “…the Word (Jesus) was made (created) FLESH, dwelt among us, and we saw His glory (God’s IMAGE (his presence, his goodness, and his power), glory (God’s IMAGE) as of the only begotten (specially created (made)) from the Father, full of grace and truth....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).

God’s HOLY GLORY is basically manifested in the MANY expressions of his invisible PRESENCE witnessed “through” the things he has “made” or “created.”

“…God anointed  (made him resemble his image) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost (His IMAGE or character) and WITH POWER (His LIKENESS or conduct). [And he]...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (who is SPIRIT) WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“The Son (jesus) is ...the exact representation of his being (the exact representation of the God IMAGE)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). God’s HOLY GLORY (IMAGE) was manifested(revealed) through Jesus. We SAW his  PRESENCE witnessed “through” Jesus, who he “made” or “created” to be an exact representation of his IMAGE.

How exactly do we witness his PRESENCE in Jesus. “…Jesus of Nazareth...went about DOING good, and HEALING "ALL" that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD (who is SPIRIT) WAS WITH HIM. And WE ARE WITNESSES of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

Jesus manifested God’s PRESENCE by what he DID, because the indwelling IMAGE was within him. “…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me (empowered me) to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

Jesus revealed God’s PRESENCE by TELLING, those watching, who was DOING the powerful works they were witnessing. “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Let’s talk about two other images for a moment. Body IMAGE is a mental representation one has of his or her body. Self-IMAGE is a mental representation one has of his or herself or character. Body IMAGE and self IMAGE keeps people occupied with how they SEE themselves physically or their own self-concepts.

Self-IMAGE and Body IMAGE heavily affect a person’s self-esteem (worthiness) and confidence (self-abilities) because of the mental representation they have of themselves.

The majority of people, upon earth, are inundated with how they look, their outward image, the impressions they make, what others think, the negative things they think of themselves, whether they’re liked or disliked, or their reputations.

For instance, body IMAGE affects the way a person SEES themselves, physically, especially when they look in the mirror. According to statistics 90+% of people, upon earth, also struggle with a NEGATIVE self IMAGE.

A negative self IMAGE can affect how a person behaves and their social interactions. It can also produce feelings of insecurity and unhappiness with one’s body and/or physical self.

In addition, self-IMAGE also affects the way a person SEES their OWN personal characteristics. According to statistics the MAJORITY of people, upon earth, also struggle with a NEGATIVE IMAGE of their character.

Thus, both a negative body/self IMAGE can affect how a person behaves, their thoughts, their beliefs about their self-abilities, their performances, their perception of worthiness or respect, and how they love or allow themselves to be loved.

Body image and self-image are earthly concepts, which are developed from early childhood, and have nothing to do with God image. My sister-in-the- Lord, Crystal, told me there is NO body image in the SPIRIT. I would add, that most likely, there is NO self-image either.

Body image is concerned with the physical self and self-image is concerned with the mental perception of self according to the flesh. However, God IMAGE is concerned with the soul and the spiritual perception of the self according to God's word.

Adam had the “breathe of life.” “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his (Adam’s) nostrils the breath of life (His Spirit or image)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The characteristics that Adam had that was LIKE God’s, the Holy Spirit, and were produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…The fruit (characteristics) of the Spirit (his divine nature) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

These characteristics have NOTHING to do with a person’s BODY IMAGE or SELF-IMAGE. These characteristics are PRODUCED by the indwelling Holy Spirit or GOD IMAGE. Apart from the GOD IMAGE no man or woman can produce “these” spiritual characteristics! "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot produce spiritual fruit or characteristics LIKE God, the Holy Spirit]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Even if you have a healthy and positive body image or self-image they WILL NOT produce the God IMAGE. “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot produce spiritual fruit or characteristics LIKE God, the Holy Spirit]…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings (even those that encourage healthy and positive body and self-images)...These rules may seem wise (having healthy and positive body and self-images seem wise)...But they provide no help in conquering (overcoming) a person’s evil desires (regarding body image or self-image)...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT).

 “….human desire (regarding body or self-image) is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). Therefore, “… [YOU]… are NEVER SATISFIED (with your body image or self-image)...” (HABAKKUK 2:5 NLT). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] … will supply all [your need for a healthy and positive IMAGE]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, ALONE will]… satisfy …and refresh everyone …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB). “…Apart from [the indwelling Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing (can’t find satisfaction of body or self-image)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God GIVES each of his children the IMAGE he desires them to conform to and it is “…his OWN image…..male and female created he (God, the Holy Spirit) them (as NEW CREATIONS)…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV).

“…. if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…God …predestined [his children] to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Romans 8:29 NIV). “…until Christ be formed in ...[them]…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV).

Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, which imparts the God IMAGE, mankind and God, the Holy Spirit, are NOTHING alike.  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

 “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [body image and self-image]. …I don’t really understand myself, for I want to [like God] …but I don’t [allow myself to trust in or depend upon God’s indwelling Spirit to develop a new IMAGE]... Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is [my body image and self-image]… living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to [be like God) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [body image and self-image]?...” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “….Apart from [jesus, the indwelling spirit], [his children]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

God and mankind SHARE no similar attributes or characteristics, without HIS indwelling Holy Spirit. “…there is none like unto thee (no body image or self-image like God)…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You (God, the Holy Spirit) are very GREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER and MAJESTY, Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

For example, mankind has a soul that needs to be RESTORED to the indwelling Holy Spirit or God IMAGE. “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV).

HOW is the SOUL of man restored? “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE (restores the soul through the indwelling Holy Spirit or God image)…” (John 6:63 NASB). “The Son (jesus) is ...the exact representation of his being (the God IMAGE)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

 “……God made you ALIVE with Christ (the God IMAGE). He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). “…he(she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus, the God image) is ONE Spirit… [with God again]...” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things (body image, self-image) are passed away; behold, all things (God IMAGE) are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Body image or self-image are NOT necessary or reliable resources for becoming a NEW CREATION . “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

“... and man(woman) ...[will become]... a living soul (AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“...For in him (in the God image) we (his children) live, and move, and have ...[their]... being (identity, IMAGE); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (children)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

The indwelling Holy Spirit begins to PRODUCE the likeness of God, in and through NEW CREATIONS and they will DISPLAY who God “IS” and what God is “LIKE.”  “... and man ...[becomes]... a living soul (AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

“…Now God (the indwelling Holy Spirit/ the God IMAGE) GIVES US many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of them all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … It is the … Holy Spirit who gives all these gifts and POWERS… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

NEW CREATIONS resemble God, not because of body image or self-image, but because of the “breathe of life, “ “the indwelling Holy Spirit,” or “the God IMAGE” that’s WITHIN THEM! “…It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh IN YOU (his children) both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

 ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep …work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (the God IMAGE), to whom be glory (the witness of his PRESENCE, his goodness, and his eternal power) for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

If God is NOT limited by body image or self-image, neither are his NEW CREATIONS!! “...For in him (the God image) we (his children) live, and move, and have ...[their]...being (identity); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (children)...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

Body image and self-image, even if they are healthy and positive, are limitations when compared to God’s image.  “...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings (even those that encourage healthy and positive body and self-images)...These rules may seem wise (having healthy and positive body and self-images seem wise)...But they provide no help in conquering (overcoming) a person’s evil desires (related, connected, and impacted by body image or self-image)...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT).

God IMAGE produces spiritual fruit, opens up revelation knowledge, and anoints with POWER.

FRUIT: “…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: … peace….” (Galatians 5 NLT).

REVELATION KNOWLEDGE: “…What we have received(THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT) is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from … [GOD] … so that we may understand (become aware of) what God has freely given us. ….The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God …and cannot understand (become aware of) them because they are discerned only through the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit/God IMAGE). …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

POWER: Jesus says: “… All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB). “… I appeared … as God Almighty…” (Exodus 6:3 NASB). “…power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).  “...One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them (his children) power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases...” (Luke 9:1 NLT).

Having the God IMAGE means you have been restored back to God through Christ. You have been GIVEN all that is needed to produce spiritual fruit, reveal his presence to others, to represent the goodness of his divine character, and to demonstrate his eternal power!

The God IMAGE was witnessed through Jesus Christ! “...The Son (jesus) is ...the exact representation of his being (the God IMAGE, his spiritual being or divine nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

The God IMAGE allowed Jesus to experience who God “is” and “was” when he was WITHIN him. “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

“…The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

The God IMAGE allowed Jesus to recognize God, the Holy Spirit’s presence, his divine nature through his goodness toward mankind, and his eternal power. “…I do nothing of myself…” (John 8:28 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

The God IMAGE allowed Jesus to participate in God’s holiness (freedom from sin, anointing, being set apart, etc.) and righteousness (obedience)! “…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER ....for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). “...that by these (the Holy Word, Jesus, the God image) ye might be partakers (participants) of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. …” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV). Jesus, the indwelling God image is “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

“...  God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through ...Jesus Christ ...God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God (being restored, reunited with the Holy Spirit again) ...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

“… my righteous servant (Jesus, the God IMAGE) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (the god image)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[Jesus]...the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

Every man or woman born into the world is born WITHOUT the God image. They will forever be reduced and limited by body image and self-image unless they repent and are restored back to the God IMAGE.

Those restored back to the God IMAGE must trust in and depend upon God to free them from the limitations of body and self-image!

The purpose of  being restored back to the God image is not simply to know who you are “in” Christ, but to also know and experience who Christ is, when God’s IMAGE is BACK “within” YOU!

“... It is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit, the God IMAGE) which worketh in you...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Lord (the God image) is that Spirit...[within me]…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (the God IMAGE) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

“…The [Holy] Spirit of God (the God IMAGE) dwell[s] in you …” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

The God IMAGE is not simply about WHO you are “in” Christ, but WHO is Christ when he is “IN” you?  “… We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

 

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