The Image of God: Anthropology & Identity in Christ

## Core Position

Every human being is made in the image of God — spirit, mind, and body reflecting the triune nature of the Creator. This is the foundation of all human dignity, worth, and identity. At new birth the image of God that was marred by the fall begins to be restored — the new nature is created after the likeness of God. Identity in Christ is not earned or discovered by introspection — it is declared by God, received by faith, and walked out by the Spirit. You are not what you were. You are what He says you are.

Made in the Image of God

Genesis 1:26-27 — "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness'... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

The image of God (imago Dei) is given at creation — not earned; universal — every human being bears it regardless of race, status, or spiritual condition; trinitarian in reflection — spirit, mind, and body reflecting the triune Creator; the foundation of human dignity — why every person made in God's image deserves to be treated with dignity.

"We are made in the image of God. A spirit, mind, and a body. We are a trinity. But you came from somewhere. Jesus actually remembered."

The Fall Marred the Image

The fall did not destroy the image of God in humanity — it marred it. Humans retain the image but it is distorted by sin:

- The spirit became dead to God (Ephesians 2:1)
- The mind became darkened (Romans 1:21)
- The body became subject to death (Romans 8:10)

The image is present but broken. This is why fallen humanity still creates beauty, seeks justice, loves their children, and reaches for transcendence — the image remains. But it cannot function as designed without restoration.

The New Birth Restores the Image

Colossians 3:10 — "The new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." Active, ongoing renewal in the image of God.

Ephesians 4:24 — "Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

2 Corinthians 3:18 — "We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." Progressive, Spirit-led restoration.

Romans 8:29 — "Those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." The destination of sanctification.

1 John 3:2 — "When he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." The ultimate completion at Christ's return.

Identity in Christ — Declaration Not Discovery

Identity in Christ is not something the believer earns through performance or discovers through introspection. It is declared by God, received by faith, and walked out by the Spirit.

"You've been lied to. That's what's happened. You're a child of the most high God. You're an heir to the throne of God. You're a joint heir with Christ to the kingdom of heaven. You've been bought with a price. You've been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ and you're a new creature. That old thing is dead. I've been set free. I'm a new creature — praise in Christ Jesus."

Key identity declarations from Scripture:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 — new creature; old things passed away
- Romans 8:17 — joint heir with Christ
- 1 Peter 2:9 — royal priesthood, holy nation
- Ephesians 2:10 — God's workmanship, created for good works
- John 1:12 — children of God
- Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Psalm 139:13-14 — "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Biological formation is God's intentional, personal act. Every person — every life from conception — is knitted together by God. This has direct application to the sanctity of human life at every stage.

The Human Being as Trinity

Humans are made in the image of the triune God — three in one:

- Spirit — the part that communes with God; dead at the fall, reborn at new birth
- Mind/Soul — the seat of will, emotion, thought; must be renewed (Romans 12:2)
- Body — the physical vessel; will be resurrected and glorified

This is why deliverance operates on two levels — spiritual and mental. The spirit is born again instantly. The mind must be transformed over time. The body awaits final glorification.

What This Rejects

The image of God was destroyed at the fall — Genesis 9:6 (murder is wrong because humans are made in God's image, post-fall); James 3:9.
Identity is found through self-discovery or performance — Colossians 3:10 — renewed in the image of the Creator; identity is received, not achieved.
The body is irrelevant to spiritual life — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15.
Human worth is based on ability or productivity — Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14.