Book review: Image of God.

The image of God happens to be one of the most basic and yet it is a truly foundational reality concerning all men and women that have or ever will be on this earth. It is this very core truth which determine the fact that every person, no matter what stage of life, hold a very important place in God sight; and therefore, they all must hold a special place of honour in our lives too. Now someone may ask: "what about a mass-murder or someone who violate another life?"  It should be noted that while such crime are a grievous and wicked act; and most certainly punishable even to death. We must recognise that even those of us who are doing evil still hold that basic reality in common with us all. Sin we are told only perverts and distorts it; but never eradicates it." Let that be in our minds.

In this work, Anthony A. Hoekema, set out to show us this most important reality concerning mankind. And he does so by considering it in 12 chapters; and ten key areas: (a) doctrine of man. (b) man as a created person. (c) image of God: biblical teaching; historical survey; a theological summary. (d) self image. (e) origin of sin; (f) spread of sin. (g) nature of sin. (h) restraint of sin. (i) the whole person. (j) freedom. Now if anything can be said about this book it is the fact that illuminates to us just how we should think about the image of God. In the 5th chapter, Anthony gives the two big takeaways on this truth: first, it means that we mirror God.  Second, it means that we represent God. Much more could be said on these points; but for the sake of space I leave it at that. 

He spends 3 chapters establishing this doctrine in a way that it can be understood in regards to its essential character in man. And there are four chapters shows the impact of sin upon this core reality. Take note of the words in the ninth chapter:


That is to say,  our stance on this truth must reflect the scriptural teaching: the image is still apart of our existence; it is just that it has been radically altered due to sin. I highly recommend this book.


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