Last Sunday was the last of our church’s five sermons on doctrines. We have covered
- doctrine of the Word of God,
- doctrine of God,
- doctrine of Christ and
- doctrine of Humanity.
The broken image of God comes under the doctrine of Humanity.
Only human beings are created in God’s image and likeness; not plants, animals nor
angels. There are two levels of creation: “spiritual” and “physical.” At the “spiritual” level, God created angels who have no material body. At the “physical” level, God created the universe, i.e. the galaxies, stars, planets, water, land, minerals, vegetation and animals. Only human beings are created to “straddle” both levels. You and I exists on both levels at the same time – indeed human beings are the pinnacle of God’s creation.
Created in the image and likeness of God means that we have particulars qualities of God in us, for e.g. intellectual ability, moral purity, spiritual discernment, creativity, ability to make ethical choices. We also have a relationship with God, and among human beings, and also as God’s representative in his created world.
Human beings are the apex of God’s creation. Although as a result of the fall, our image in God is now distorted, marred, and disfigured, nevertheless we are still treasures in jars of clay. In other words, the image and likeness of God in us is not lost. It is thus important for us to learn how to avoid sin and evil on a day to day basis to preserve God’s image in us.
In Christ, that image and likeness of God has been restored in us. Christ is the image of God on earth. Because Jesus identified with us completely, our salvation in him is also complete. Being in the image and likeness of God means that we are to believe in and follow Christ as our example. When unsure, it is always good to ask “WWJD?” – What Would Jesus Do? and then do likewise. Following Christ and being a new creation in Christ means that we are to here to bless the world, to be a blessing to the world, to reshape and alter the world for good, and to stand in community with others as all of us are created in the image and likeness of God. Hallelujah and God bless.
Pastor Boo Teong Khoo
