How Does Jesus Restore Gods Image In Us?

Introduction: The Image of God and Its Restoration

The Bible teaches that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27 ASV). However, this image was marred through sin. One of the central themes of Scripture is how Jesus Christ restores the image of God in humanity. This study explores the biblical basis for this restoration, its process, and its implications for our lives.

The Original Image: Created in God's Likeness

The foundational truth of our identity is found in the opening chapters of Genesis:

And God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. - Genesis 1:27 ASV

Being made in God's image means we were created to reflect His character, steward His creation, and live in fellowship with Him. This image includes moral, spiritual, and rational aspects—our ability to relate to God and others, to choose, to love, and to create.

The Image Marred: The Fall and Its Consequences

The entrance of sin into the world through Adam and Eve had devastating effects:

Wherefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned. - Romans 5:12 ASV

Sin did not erase the image of God, but it distorted it. Humanity became alienated from God, enslaved to sin, and subject to death (Ephesians 2:1). The restoration of God's image now requires divine intervention.

Jesus: The Perfect Image of God

Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God's image:

who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. - Colossians 1:15 ASV

And he is the radiance of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power... - Hebrews 1:3 ASV

In His life, Jesus perfectly reflected God's character, love, holiness, and truth. Only through Him can the damaged image in us be restored.

Restoration Begins: Salvation Through Faith in Christ

The process of restoration begins at conversion. When we trust in Jesus for salvation, we are made new:

Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ASV

This new creation is the beginning of the restoration of God's image, as we are spiritually reborn and reconciled to God.

The Ongoing Process: Sanctification and Transformation

Restoration is both immediate (justification) and ongoing (sanctification). Through the Holy Spirit, believers are continually transformed to become more like Christ:

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18 ASV

and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him. - Colossians 3:10 ASV

This transformation involves putting off sinful behaviors and putting on Christlike virtues through the Spirit's power (Galatians 5:22).

The Future Hope: Full Restoration at Christ’s Return

The restoration of God's image in believers will be complete at the return of Christ:

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. - 1 John 3:2 ASV

At that time, we will be perfectly conformed to the image of Christ, free from sin and fully reflecting God's glory.

Practical Implications: Living Out the Restored Image

As those being restored, we are called to live in a way that reflects Christ to the world. This includes loving others, pursuing holiness, and participating in God’s mission. Our restored image gives us dignity, purpose, and hope, pointing others to the One who restores.

Conclusion

Through Jesus Christ, the marred image of God in humanity is being restored. This restoration is by grace through faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and will be completed when we see Christ face to face. Let us, therefore, pursue Christlikeness, knowing we are being remade into His image for God’s glory.

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