“Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven†(1 Corinthians 15:49). The goal of a redeemed image of God in humans is complete and final restoration into the image of Christ. In Jesus as the “second Adam†we see human likeness to God as it was intended to be (1 Corinthians 15:45). Those “in Christ†therefore, are chosen by God to be “conformed to the image of his son†(Romans 8:29) so that, “when he appears we shall be like him†(1 John 3:2). This is not only awesome theology but an earth-transforming goal of redeemed work and effort.
There are many Christians who believe that we will live in a “new earth†during what is called Christ’s Millennial reign (cf. Revelation 20). We will have a thousand years of Satan’s corrosive work chained, of seeing the Good News of the gospel flourish and “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea†(Isaiah 11:9). Whether this promise is symbolic or not, it gives great hope for the Christian bearing the image of God. Our labor is not only not in vain, but will redound to the glory of God. [Read more…] about Devotions: Bearing the Image of God (4)