In the Image of God
Pastor Tan Thai · Aug 27, 2023
The sermon presents the doctrine that humans are created in the image of God, a profound truth for understanding human value and nature. Sin has corrupted this image within humanity, but Christ is the true image of God and the restoration of that divine likeness. The Church is called to reflect God's image through mutual love and unity in Christ.
The first section establishes the foundation of the doctrine of God's image in humanity. Scripture affirms in Genesis 1:26-28 that God created mankind in His image and likeness, granting them dominion over creation. However, the modern secular world, particularly thinkers like Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Joseph Wood Krutch, has rejected the inherent dignity of humans, treating them as mere animals or meaningless specks. G.K. Chesterton points out this contradiction: secular people advocate for human value in politics while denying it in philosophy.
The second section develops how sin has corrupted God's image within humanity. Mutual submission in relationships once reflected God's sacrificial love, but sin has turned it into domination; love and sacrifice have become selfish desire and power struggles. Beatrice Webb admits that human nature is filled with evil impulses—greed for wealth and power—which cannot be changed by science or social engineering. How can you achieve a better society if you cannot restrain these base impulses? Scripture warns in James 2:1-9 that partiality and disrespect toward others is sin, and in Matthew 5:22, insulting a brother violates the image of God.
The third section applies this doctrine to the practical life of the Church through "one another" commands. You are called to love one another as Christ loved you (John 13:35), serve one another, receive one another, forgive one another, honor one another, bear one another's burdens, and encourage one another (references from John, Galatians, Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, Thessalonians, and James). This unity is not merely Christ's command but also evidence to the world that the Father sent the Son (John 17:20-21).
The fourth section reveals Christ as the image of God for restoration. Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3 confirm that Christ is the faithful image of the invisible God. When Philip asked to see the Father, Christ answered that whoever has seen Him has seen the Father (John 14:8-9). You, as a Christian, are being transformed from glory to glory to become conformed to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18), restoring the image of God that sin has marred.