…after our likeness… (Genesis 1:26)
So
(since Jesus has left us with this work of reconciling His people to Himself),
we are to put on Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)
What does it mean to be made in God’s image…
after His likeness? How in the world can you “put on Christ” as Paul suggests?
Is this figurative – surely it could not be a literal instruction. The Hebrew
words used describe both masculine and feminine, and they speak of a
representative model that resembles an original. Possibly to say, “to be God’s
representative presence in the world,” is a good way to blend these two
passages.
Paul says here, “He has placed in/on us the
word of restoration to favor.” In his letter to the Romans (13:14), he uses the
imagery of “clothing yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” This work of
representation is extensive, from both perspectives. Not only does God call on
you to bear His image in every act he calls you to do, and every word you say,
but there is more. You are also called to remind the men and women of His world
that it belongs to Him – both to help them know their true value, and to remind
them constantly of His love and desire for relationship with them.
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