Understanding the Image of God in Humanity

In a recent teaching, the author explores the theological concept of the image of God, drawing on the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the 'new Adam.' By fulfilling the role of the perfect human, Jesus serves as the ultimate reflection of the Creator, demonstrating that to see Him is to behold the glory of the Father. The author emphasizes that Christ restores the intended purpose of humanity, mirroring the divine likeness in its fullest manifestation.

Addressing the state of humanity after the Fall, the author distinguishes between the image of God in a 'wider' and 'narrow' sense. In the wider sense, humans retain their essential humanity, including the capacity for thought, choice, and physical existence, despite the corruption caused by sin. However, the author explains that the 'narrow' sense—defined as *conformitas* or the reflection of God’s holiness—has been lost. While humans remain human, their disobedience has obscured the mirror intended to reflect God’s character, resulting in behavior that no longer conforms to the divine nature.