Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 3, 2023

The Image and the Incarnation

Genesis 1:26-31; John 1:14

Grasping the truth that humans are made in the image of God enables you to gain a biblical understanding of human nature and to marvel at the miracle of the incarnation.

1. Reflect the Person of God

• image/likeness emphasis
• “let us make…”
• the issue of image
• personality, morality, spirituality

2. Understand Your Assignment

• fill
• receive
• rule

3. Reject Sub-Biblical Standards

• devaluation of image
• deification of image
• disregard of image

4. Recognize the Connection between Image and Incarnation

• important distinction: “in His image” and “He is the image…” (Col. 1:15, Heb. 1:3, Rom. 8:29)
• two key applications: dignity and destiny
• “Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the incarnation.” (Packer)
• “Man’s Maker was made man, that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that the Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” (Augustine)