Imago Dei Series (Take 2)

For the next few days, I will be writing about the doctrine of Imago Dei (we were made in God's image and likeness - Gen. 1.26). Mostly, I'll be focusing on how this doctrine works out practically as a way of life, how it gives us a framework for understanding the reason behind Christian views of sexuality, marriage roles, ethics, and prayer. Here's an initial thought to get you started, and then we'll dive in tomorrow: the Imago Dei is what God made us for; it's our purpose for existing, it's what we've fallen from as a race of people, it's what we return to once Jesus has saved us, and it's why God chooses to do much of His work through us. It is sort of all-encompassing. Hopefully by the end of this series you'll be able to explain why Christians do all of the things we do, and you'll see ethical commands in the Bible as something more than a list of "do's" and "don'ts." In the meantime, check out my (unfinished) series on the Imago Dei. Also, take a look at the full text of Ephesians 4.23-5.2 - pay special attention to the therefore's!

Full Text of Ephesians 4.22-5.

Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.