How can God create something not in the image of himself? To clarify before answering the above question: What is the image of God? Is his image exclusive of all of God?
(Debate) If God made everything in his image then duality is confirmed.
Board index ‹ God
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: How can God create something not in his image?
by jimwalton » Fri Jun 30, 2017 8:33 am
God can't make something that doesn't emanate from his nature, and therefore everything He makes will in some way be a reflection of himself, but only humanity is made in His image.
As far as the first point, we read in the Bible that the heavens display the glory of God, and that heaven and earth are filled with his glory. We know that the properties of nature and the cosmos (regularity, purpose, order, etc.) all reflect the attributes of their Maker.
On to the second point, and to answer your question, Genesis 1 pretty much tells us what it means by the image of God. We are in God's image in that we rule over the earth and subdue it (Gn. 1.26). We are God's image in that we have dominion—rulership—over God's creation as his under-shepherds, so to speak, his vice-regents (Ps. 8.5-8).
In the ancient world, kings would leave a statue of themselves (or a stelae carved with a relief of the king) in areas they had conquered. The presence of the likeness would symbolize the sovereignty of that king over that territory. God placed his breath (nephesh, the divine or royal essence) in man, and man is given secondary sovereignty over the sacred space (the earth). We are to care for sacred space as God Himself would—reflecting His attributes and acting on His behalf by ruling with righteousness and subduing with responsibility and wisdom.
(Debate) God didn't make everything in His image—only humanity.
As far as the first point, we read in the Bible that the heavens display the glory of God, and that heaven and earth are filled with his glory. We know that the properties of nature and the cosmos (regularity, purpose, order, etc.) all reflect the attributes of their Maker.
On to the second point, and to answer your question, Genesis 1 pretty much tells us what it means by the image of God. We are in God's image in that we rule over the earth and subdue it (Gn. 1.26). We are God's image in that we have dominion—rulership—over God's creation as his under-shepherds, so to speak, his vice-regents (Ps. 8.5-8).
In the ancient world, kings would leave a statue of themselves (or a stelae carved with a relief of the king) in areas they had conquered. The presence of the likeness would symbolize the sovereignty of that king over that territory. God placed his breath (nephesh, the divine or royal essence) in man, and man is given secondary sovereignty over the sacred space (the earth). We are to care for sacred space as God Himself would—reflecting His attributes and acting on His behalf by ruling with righteousness and subduing with responsibility and wisdom.
(Debate) God didn't make everything in His image—only humanity.
Last bumped by Anonymous on Fri Jun 30, 2017 8:33 am.
- jimwalton
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9102
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2012 2:28 pm
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests