The Theology of Image of His Son: How Jesus Reflects God’s Glory

The Image of God in the Old Testament

The concept of humanity being made in the 'image of God' in Genesis 1:26-27 establishes a foundational theological framework for understanding human dignity and purpose.

In Genesis 1:26-27, the creation of humans as bearers of God’s image signifies their role as His representatives on earth, tasked with stewarding creation and reflecting His character. This idea became central to covenantal theology, as Israel was called to embody God’s holiness and justice within their community. However, the text also hints at a tension between human frailty and divine perfection, a theme that deepens in later biblical narratives.

Old Testament developments, such as divine kingship (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:28) and temple symbolism (e.g., 1 Kings 6:19-20), recontextualized the image of God as a collective and institutional reality. These themes foreshadowed the New Testament’s revelation of Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of God’s image, resolving the OT’s unresolved tensions between human imperfection and divine glory.

Jesus as the Perfect Image of the Father

Colossians 1:15 redefines the divine image by declaring Jesus as the exact imprint of God’s nature, surpassing all created order and cosmic authorities.

The verse positions Jesus as the preexistent ‘firstborn over all creation,’ who not only reflects God’s will but embodies His essence - unlike the fragmented, symbolic images of God in Old Testament temples or human rulers. His ‘image’ is not a role or representation but ontological identity, revealed through his incarnation (John 1:14) and cosmic authority (Colossians 1:16-17). This contrasts sharply with fallen humanity’s corrupted reflection of divine attributes, which Colossians reframes as being renewed in Christ (Colossians 3:10). By anchoring the image in Jesus’ person, Paul resolves the OT tension between human frailty and divine perfection.

This reshapes Christology by affirming Jesus as the sole mediator of God’s invisible nature (1 Timothy 2:5), bridging heaven and earth without compromise. His imagehood transcends mere symbolism, establishing a new covenantal reality where God’s character is tangibly accessible.

Fallen human attempts to mimic the divine image - whether through idolatry or moral failure - stand in stark contrast to Jesus’ unblemished embodiment. For believers, this calls for a reorientation toward Christ as the paradigm for reflecting God’s character, as Colossians later emphasizes (Colossians 2:19). This sets the stage for exploring how union with Christ restores humanity’s vocation as image-bearers.

The Image of His Son in Christian Living

Believers are called to embody Christ’s image through a lifelong process of spiritual transformation, rooted in the renewing work of the Holy Spirit and the transformative power of knowing God.

This calling is vividly illustrated in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul writes, 'But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.' Here, the believer’s sanctification is depicted as a progressive alignment with Christ’s character, driven by the Spirit’s work in conforming us to His likeness. This transformation is relational as well as moral; as we gaze upon Jesus - His word, ministry, and resurrection - we are reshaped by His glory. The 'image' thus becomes a living reality, not a static ideal, as God’s grace renews our minds and reorders our affections to mirror His holiness.

Yet this calling is not without challenges. The tension between human frailty and divine perfection persists, as believers wrestle with indwelling sin and cultural pressures that distort Christ’s image. The New Testament acknowledges this struggle (Romans 7:15-20), yet also affirms that the Spirit’s presence ensures our ultimate conformity to Christ (Romans 8:29). This tension invites humility, as believers recognize their dependence on Christ’s finished work rather than self-effort.

The practical relevance of this calling permeates daily life, shaping both personal identity and communal mission. Bearing Christ’s image means embracing a vocation to reflect His justice, mercy, and truth in relationships and service. This is illustrated in Matthew 23:23 and John 13:34‑35. It also reorients believers’ self-understanding, grounding their worth not in cultural accolades but in their union with Him. This collective identity as image‑bearers strongly influences how the church engages the world as Christ’s embodied presence.

Exploring Further

For those seeking deeper insight into the theological development of Christ as the image of God, several key biblical passages and historical resources provide a foundation for further study.

Key texts include Colossians 1:15, which declares Jesus as the 'image of the invisible God,' alongside 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Philippians 2:6-7, which explore His divine nature and incarnation. Scholars such as Augustine in *On the Trinity* and Thomas Aquinas in the *Summa Theologica* offer historical perspectives on how this Christological imagery shaped early Christian doctrine and continues to inform theological reflection today.