In Christian circles today it is not that uncommon to hear people speaking about the image of the beast.

This is quite an important topic, I believe, and many people from different faith groups have interesting ideas about this topic. Well leave that study for another day. Maybe less common, but also quite popular, is the image of Daniel chapter 2. As a young Christian, I heard a lot about these two images found in the Bible. Maybe your personal experience will differ. However, there is another image found in the pages of the Bible that I didnt hear that much about. This image might just maybe be even more important than the image of the beast or the image of Daniel chapter 2. I would like to present to you an image worth studying: The image of God. The purpose of this article is to look at the following aspects of The image of God as presented in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy: (1) Man created in Gods image, (2) the image disfigured, and (3) the image restored. In this article I do not want to present my own opinions or ideas, and therefore the bulk of this article will consist of Bible and Spirit of Prophecy quotations about the topic. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. The Spirit of Prophecy says that God created man in His own image. Here is no mystery (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 44). I am sure that most of the Christian world is familiar with this idea. However, when you ask someone what the image of God actually is, it might not be that easy to get a straight-forward answer to your questions. Let us look at how the Bible and Spirit

of Prophecy define the image of God. What does it really mean to be made in the image of God? In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character, but in form and feature (The Great Controversy, p. 644). Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character (Patriarchs and Prophets, p.45). We can see that the Spirit of Prophecy teaches that there must be at least two elements that make up the image of God. These two elements are: (1) outward resemblance, and (2) character. Speaking about the first element, outward resemblance, the Spirit of Prophecy says the following, And now God says to his Son, "Let us make man in our image." As Adam came forth from the hand of his Creator, he was of noble height, and of beautiful symmetry. He was more than twice as tall as men now living upon the earth, and was well proportioned. His features were perfect and beautiful (Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3, p. 33). When God created man, his outward features were perfect. Man was to bear Gods image in outward resemblance. This is a magnificent thought. However, when reading the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, one will find that the second element in the image of God, the character, is the element that is stressed and emphasized. Although God is not totally careless of our outward appearance, it would seem that He is more interested in our characters, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. Therefore, I would like to give more attention to this second element. The Spirit of Prophecy tells us the following, Man may stand with the moral image of God in his character (RH, June 10, 1890 par. 6). Where the physical image of God could have been seen in Adams outward appearance, the moral image of God was to be

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seen in Adams character. The relationship between our characters and the image of God is further explained in the following piece, It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said he would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; (RH, April 28, 1891 par. 2). We can see that the image of God is seen in the character. Satan saw the image of God in the character and person of Jesus Christ (RH, October 29, 1895 par. 5). Commenting on 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Spirit of Prophecy has the following to say, "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory [from character to character], even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 480). We are thus changed into the image of God from one character to another character. Thus far we have seen that the Bible is clear that man was made in the image of God. We have also seen that the image of God refers to two elements: Our outward appearance, and our moral characters. Does this mean that I was made in the image of God? Does this mean that I look like God, and that my character is like God? Let us look at what the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy have to say. It is your work to impress upon your children in their early years the thought that they are formed in the image of God (Child Guidance, p. 80). Therefore, not just Adam, but also our children today were formed in the image of God. This point can also be proven from Genesis 9:6 and 1 Corinthians 11:7. However, there are some extra details that we cannot afford to leave out. These extra details are found in Genesis 5:1, 3, This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth: The Bible is clear that Seth, Adams son, was in the likeness of Adam, and after the image of Adam. This however does not mean that Seth wasnt formed in the image of God. He had the likeness of Adam who was formed after the likeness of God, and by default receives the image and likeness of God through inheritance. I am therefore born after the likeness and

image of my father, but all our genealogies will eventually lead us back to Adam and back to God. This can be seen in Luke 3:38 that says, the son of Adam, which was the son of God. This is why the Spirit of Prophecy teaches us that we are all formed in the image of God. But what effect did sin have on the image of God that we were formed in? Through sin the divine likeness was marred, and well-nigh obliterated (Education, p. 16). The divine image and character of God could not fully be seen anymore. Man was created in the image of God, but in him this image has been sadly disfigured (Manuscript Releases, Volume 10, p. 114). Unfortunately, we did not only inherit the image of God from Adam, but also the sinful nature. The Spirit of Prophecy explains this point by using a beautiful illustration from one of the parables of Jesus. The coin, though lying among dust and rubbish, is a piece of silver still. Its owner seeks it because it is of value. So every soul, however degraded by sin, is in God's sight accounted precious. As the coin bears the image and superscription of the reigning power, so man at his creation bore the image and superscription of God; and though now marred and dim through the influence of sin, the traces of this inscription remain upon every soul (Christs Object Lessons, p. 194). Although mankind does not fully reflect the image of God anymore, the traces of this inscription remain upon every person. We are reflecting a broken image of God, which has been caused by sin. The Spirit of Prophecy thus clearly teaches that man was created in the image of God, But sin alienated him from his Maker. He no longer reflected the divine image (The Great Controversy, p. 467). Both of the elements, the outward appearance and the character, which make up the image of God, have been marred due to sin. The Spirit of Prophecy describes the resurrection of the just and has the following to say, All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty height and majestic form, in stature but little below the Son of God. He presents a marked contrast to the people of later generations; in this one respect is shown

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the great degeneracy of the race. But all arise with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth. In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character, but in form and feature. Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image (The Great Controversy, p. 644). The great degeneracy of mankinds outward appearance can be seen. We do not fully reflect God in form and function anymore as did Adam. The Spirit of Prophecy also speaks about the resurrection of the unjust and says the following, The contrast between the first wicked men who lived upon the earth, and those of the last generation, was very great. The first were of lofty height and well-proportioned--the last came up as they went down, a dwarfed, feeble, deformed race (Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3, p. 83). Our outward appearance is feeble and deformed compared to the original image in which God created man. Speaking about the character element of the image of God, the Spirit of Prophecy says the following, the moral image of God was almost obliterated by the sin of Adam (RH, June 10, 1890 par. 6). The Spirit of Prophecy continues to say that, sin has almost obliterated the moral image of God in human beings (Signs of the Times, December 22, 1887 par. 2). Sin causes our characters to be almost the exact opposite of what God created it to be. How sad it is to know that we as humans have chosen to not represent God in outward appearance and in character, but to fall into sin and therefore only bear an image of God that is almost totally obliterated. This is the sad news found in the Bible. But is there hope for us today? The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy have the answer. God created us in His image, But by disobedience this was forfeited. Through sin the divine likeness was marred, and well-nigh obliterated. Man's physical powers were weakened, his mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual vision dimmed. He had become subject to death. Yet the race was not left without hope. By infinite love and mercy the plan of salvation had been devised, and a life of probation was granted. To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back

to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized--this was to be the work of redemption (Education, p.16). We deserve to die, but God did not leave us without hope. God created an escape route for humanity. God made a plan to restore in man the image of his Maker. This is the plan of salvation. This is why Jesus came to earth. Jesus came to our world to rectify mistakes and to restore the moral image of God in man (Adventist Home, p. 341). Jesus came to save his people from their sins (Christian Education, p. 57). Why was the plan of salvation created? Sin has marred and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created, is the great object of life,--the object that underlies every other (Christian Education, p. 63). The plan of salvation was created in order to restore the image of God in man. The great object of life is to bring us back to the perfection in which God first created us. The Spirit of Prophecy tells us that the central theme of the Bible is about the restoration of the image of God in the human soul. The central theme of the Bible, the theme about which every other in the whole book clusters, is the redemption plan, the restoration in the human soul of the image of God. From the first intimation of hope in the sentence pronounced in Eden to that last glorious promise of the Revelation, "They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads" (Revelation 22:4), the burden of every book and every passage of the Bible is the unfolding of this wondrous theme,--man's uplifting,--the power of God, "which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 (Education, p. 125). If the restoration of the image of God in humanity is the central theme of the Bible, then we ought to spend a little more time studying this topic. How important is it really to have the image of God restored in my life, and it is really necessary? Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in them, they are perfect and holy,

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and prepared for translation. A great work is required of the Christian. We are exhorted to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (RH, May 6, 1862 par. 27). We will only be ready to be translated to heaven when His image is perfectly reflected in us. I dont know about you friend, but I want to be translated when Jesus comes. I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary, through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully (Early Writings, p.71). Jesus came to restore the image of God in man, and if we do not reflect His image fully, then we will never enter the kingdom. But how does the restoration process exactly work, and how can I have the image of God restored in my own personal life? The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy have the answer. First we need to look at the outward element of the image of God. When will God restore our outward appearance to again reflect the image of God? The Spirit of Prophecy speaks about the resurrection and says that, He will change our vile bodies, and fashion them like unto his glorious body. The mortal, corruptible form, devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and immortal. All blemishes and deformities are left in the grave. Restored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed will grow up [Malachi 4:2.] to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory (The Great Controversy, p. 644). At the resurrection we will receive perfect, beautiful and immortal bodies, and once we enter the kingdom and eat from the tree of life, we will grow up to the full stature of Gods original plan. Our outward appearance will thus only be changed at the resurrection and second coming of Christ. But what then about our characters? Will that also only be changed to reflect the moral image of God at the resurrection and second coming of Christ? We read about Enoch that He reflected Christ's character, exhibiting the same qualities of goodness, mercy, tender compassion, sympathy, forbearance, meekness, humility, and love. His association

with Christ day by day transformed him into the image of Him with whom he was so intimately connected (RH, January 2, 1913 par. 4). He serves as proof that we can again reflect the moral image of God on this earth. Our characters need to change now to yet again reflect the moral image of God. Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully (Early Writings, p.71). The image of Jesus must therefore be reflected before Jesus comes, and before the resurrection. How can we reflect the image of Jesus fully? By beholding, we become changed. The more you contemplate the character of Christ, the more you will become conformed to his image. Come to Jesus just as you are, and he will receive you, and put a new song in your mouth, even praise to God (Gospel Workers, p.451). Just like Enoch, the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we will become like Him. When we spend time beholding the evils of the world, then our characters will be shaped after these evils, But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image (The Ministry of Healing, p.492). When we behold Christ and By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ (RH, March 2, 1897 par. 1). This is the wonderful news of the gospel! We can have the perfect character of Jesus in us. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17. Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinful habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satan have become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepest mysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Acts of the Apostles, p. 476). We become new creatures

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and are transformed into the image of God from glory to glory, and from character to character by beholding His image as we read in 2 Corinthians 3:18. The holy pair yielded to temptation, and Gods image was obliterated. Christ put His hand a second time to the work. He would recreate human beings. When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son (Manuscript Release, Volume 5, p. 359). Colossians 1:13-15 tells us that Jesus came to earth in the image of God. Jesus came to recreate you, and to recreate me. Do you accept Jesus invitation today? Will you allow God to recreate you in order that you can reflect His image fully and be ready for translation? Through the Jewish nation it was God's purpose to impart rich blessings to all peoples. Through Israel the way was to be prepared for the diffusion of His light to the whole world. The nations of the world, through following corrupt practices, had lost the knowledge of God. Yet in His mercy God did not blot them out of existence. He purposed to give them opportunity for becoming acquainted with Him through His church. He designed that the principles revealed through His people should be the means of restoring the moral image of God in man (Christs Object Lessons, p. 286). God has given His church principles today, and when these principles are revealed through His people, it will be the means of restoring the moral image of God in man. Where the Jewish nation failed, through the power of God we can succeed. We are also told that the Sabbath has a very important part to play in restoring the moral image of God in man. Its (the Sabbaths) observance is bound up with the work of restoring the moral image of God in man. This is the ministry which God's people are to carry forward at this time. This ministry, rightly performed, will bring rich blessings to the church (Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 265, 266). The Spirit of Prophecy also describes a vision of other worlds and their inhabitants. The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living green, and the birds there warbled a sweet

song. The inhabitants of the place were of all sizes; they were noble, majestic, and lovely. They bore the express image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy joy, expressive of the freedom and happiness of the place. I asked one of them why they were so much more lovely than those on the earth. The reply was, "We have lived in strict obedience to the commandments of God, and have not fallen by disobedience, like those on the earth" (Adventist Home, p. 543). The other inhabitants in the other worlds are untouched by sin, and they still bear the express image of God. God invites you today to bear the image of God, so that you can be where He is It was a wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind. He created him that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind. The glory of God is to be revealed in the creating of man in God's image, and in his redemption. One soul is of more value than a world. The Lord Jesus is the author of our being, and he is also the author of our redemption; and every one who will enter the kingdom of God must develop a character that is the counterpart of the character of God. None can dwell with God in a holy heaven but those who bear his likeness. Those who are redeemed will be overcomers; they will be elevated, pure, one with Christ. --S. T., May 31, 1896. God wants to come back and fetch us just as badly as we want to go home. Christ died for you, and gives the power to reflect His image fully. Your soul is worth more than a world. Today, the choice is yours. You can either behold Christ daily, and be transformed into His image, or you can behold the world daily, and be transformed into its image. The choice, my dear friend, is yours.

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