Mankind (in Hebrew: Adam) was created in the image and likeness of God. But, when mankind disobeyed God, it lost that image and likeness.
To explain:
Adam was given the title ‘Son of God’ (Luke 3:38) because he bore the image and likeness of God.
But, after sin, adams descendents were given the title ‘Son of Adam’ because they bore the image and likeness of Adam (Gen 5:3).
Mankind lost its image (worth), its likeness (significance) and became naked (security)(Gen 3:10,11).
Fast Forward to now:
”I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
– Isa 61:10
”For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
– Rom 8:29
Gods covenant with man through Jesus brings back everything we lost and much more!
1. We have been CLOTHED with GARMENTS of SALVATION.
Hold on.. Isn’t this something that clothes my nakedness? I, now have been given security in my Lord Jesus Christ.
2. We have been COVERED with ROBE of RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Wow.. I have been covered again with his likeness! Again!! I, now have been given significance in my Lord Jesus Christ.
3. We have been conformed to the image of God.
Is this actually real? I have been conformed(have same form, fashioned alike) to Jesus’ Image!! I, now have my worth, in My Lord Jesus Christ!
Wait. Hold on. So.. What’s me? What’s Lord Jesus?
”For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
– Col 3:3
”I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
– Gal 2:20
Its makes sense. I’m no more but Christ in me.It makes sense.
Although, living it is hard.
I have been given the one and only Spirit of God (Acts 1:8) to help, guide and encourage me.
I have been given power (Acts 1:8 and Rom 8:11) to live a life worthy of my calling.
I have rewards in heaven for the race ran and life led (from the Bible searched via google):
1. The runners crown (1 Cor 9:24-25)
2. The soul winners crown (1 Thess 2:19)
3. The watchers crown (2 Tim 4:8)
4. The martyrs and endures crown (James 1:12 & Rev 2:10)
5. The shepherds crown (1 Pet 5:1-4)
By Allan D’Souza