Christ: The True Image and Restoration of Humanity

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth of Christ as the image of God and what that means for our understanding of humanity. In a world that struggles with identity and fulfillment, we find our answers in Christ, who perfectly embodies what it means to be human. The early theologians, like Irenaeus and Athanasius, understood that the story of reality is the story of the image of God. Christ, as the radiance of God's glory, reveals to us the true nature of humanity, which was marred by Adam's fall but restored in Christ.

Adam, created in the image of God, was meant to be a reflection of Christ, the last Adam. However, through sin, Adam failed to fulfill this role, becoming a prodigal son. Yet, even in his failure, Adam served as a mirror image of the Son of God, highlighting the contrast between his disobedience and Christ's perfect obedience. Through Adam's marriage, we see a foreshadowing of Christ's union with the church, His bride, formed from His side as He slept the sleep of death on the cross.

The resurrection of Christ marked the dawn of a new creation, a new Eden, where death is defeated, and humanity is restored. In Christ, we find the true image of God, and through Him, we are re-humanized, renewed in the likeness of our Creator. This transformation is not achieved through our efforts but by fixing our gaze on Christ, who transforms us by His glory.

The life of Charles Spurgeon exemplifies this transformation. His vibrant humanity, joy, and earnestness were a result of his relentless focus on Christ. Spurgeon understood that to be in Christ is to be fully alive, to embody the joy and vitality of true humanity. His life and ministry were a testament to the power of beholding Christ, the image of God.

As we look to Christ, we are transformed into His likeness, becoming more truly human. This transformation is not a self-help project but a divine work accomplished by the Spirit as we behold the glory of the Lord. In Christ, we find the ultimate answer to our identity issues and brokenness. He is the cure for humanity, the image of God who restores us to our intended glory.

Key Takeaways:

- Christ as the image of God reveals the true nature of humanity, which was marred by Adam's fall but restored in Christ. In Him, we find our identity and fulfillment, as He embodies what it means to be truly human. [01:05]

- Adam's failure to reflect God's image highlights the contrast between his disobedience and Christ's perfect obedience. Through Christ's union with the church, we see the fulfillment of God's intention for humanity. [05:45]

- The resurrection of Christ marks the dawn of a new creation, where death is defeated, and humanity is restored. In Christ, we are re-humanized, renewed in the likeness of our Creator. [09:52]

- The life of Charles Spurgeon exemplifies the transformation that comes from focusing on Christ. His vibrant humanity and joy were a result of his relentless gaze on Christ, the image of God. [20:56]

- Transformation into Christ's likeness is not a self-help project but a divine work accomplished by the Spirit as we behold the glory of the Lord. In Christ, we find the ultimate answer to our identity issues and brokenness. [33:18]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Quest for Fulfillment
[01:05] - Christ: The Image of God
[02:17] - Adam and the Image of God
[03:37] - Adam's Role and Failure
[04:44] - The Last Adam: Christ
[06:23] - The First Wedding and Christ's Union
[08:15] - The Story of Two Men
[09:24] - Resurrection: A New Creation
[11:03] - Christ's Ascension and Reign
[12:54] - Athanasius and the Restored Image
[15:17] - Identity Issues and Christ's Solution
[17:06] - The Beauty of Sinlessness
[20:56] - Charles Spurgeon's Example
[26:06] - Spurgeon's Secret: Fixing Eyes on Christ
[31:22] - Transformation Through Beholding Christ
[36:13] - The Cure for Humanity in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 1:3 - "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
2. Colossians 1:15 - "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."
3. Genesis 1:27 - "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

---

Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the role of Christ as the image of God in understanding humanity? [01:05]
2. What contrast does the sermon draw between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience? [05:45]
3. How is the resurrection of Christ depicted as a new creation in the sermon? [09:52]
4. What aspects of Charles Spurgeon's life are highlighted as examples of transformation through focusing on Christ? [20:56]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's image reveals the true nature of humanity? How does this understanding impact one's view of identity and fulfillment? [01:05]
2. How does the sermon interpret Adam's role and failure in relation to Christ's perfect obedience? What implications does this have for understanding God's intention for humanity? [05:45]
3. What does the sermon imply about the significance of Christ's resurrection in terms of re-humanizing and renewing humanity? [09:52]
4. How does the sermon use Charles Spurgeon's life to illustrate the transformation that comes from focusing on Christ? What does this suggest about the nature of true humanity? [20:56]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of identity and fulfillment. How does the concept of Christ as the image of God challenge or affirm your current perspective? [01:05]
2. Consider the contrast between Adam's disobedience and Christ's obedience. How can this understanding influence your daily decisions and actions? [05:45]
3. The sermon describes the resurrection of Christ as the dawn of a new creation. How can this perspective shape your approach to challenges and setbacks in life? [09:52]
4. Charles Spurgeon's life exemplified transformation through focusing on Christ. What practical steps can you take to fix your gaze on Christ in your daily life? [20:56]
5. The sermon emphasizes that transformation into Christ's likeness is a divine work. How can you cultivate a posture of openness to the Spirit's work in your life? [33:18]
6. Reflect on a specific area of brokenness or identity issue in your life. How can looking to Christ provide healing and restoration in that area? [35:22]
7. Identify a distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Christ. What specific action can you take this week to minimize that distraction? [33:18]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Reveals True Humanity
In a world where identity and fulfillment are often elusive, Christ stands as the ultimate revelation of what it means to be truly human. The early theologians recognized that the story of reality is deeply intertwined with the image of God, which Christ perfectly embodies. Humanity's nature, marred by Adam's fall, finds restoration in Christ. He is the radiance of God's glory, showing us the true nature of humanity. In Him, we find our identity and fulfillment, as He embodies what it means to be truly human. By fixing our gaze on Christ, we are transformed and renewed in the likeness of our Creator. [01:05]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what ways do you seek identity and fulfillment outside of Christ? How can you intentionally focus on Christ today to understand your true humanity?


Day 2: Adam's Failure and Christ's Obedience
Adam, created in the image of God, was meant to reflect Christ, the last Adam. However, through sin, Adam failed to fulfill this role, becoming a prodigal son. This failure highlights the contrast between Adam's disobedience and Christ's perfect obedience. Through Christ's union with the church, we see the fulfillment of God's intention for humanity. Christ's obedience and sacrifice restore what was lost in Adam, offering us a path to redemption and a deeper understanding of God's purpose for humanity. [05:45]

Romans 5:18-19 (ESV): "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with obedience. How can Christ's example of perfect obedience inspire you to seek God's will in that area today?


Day 3: Resurrection and New Creation
The resurrection of Christ marks the dawn of a new creation, a new Eden where death is defeated, and humanity is restored. In Christ, we are re-humanized, renewed in the likeness of our Creator. This transformation is not achieved through our efforts but by fixing our gaze on Christ, who transforms us by His glory. The resurrection is a powerful reminder of the hope and renewal available to us in Christ, inviting us to live in the reality of this new creation. [09:52]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: How does the reality of being a new creation in Christ change the way you view your past and present struggles? What steps can you take today to live more fully in this new reality?


Day 4: Spurgeon's Transformation Through Christ
The life of Charles Spurgeon exemplifies the transformation that comes from focusing on Christ. His vibrant humanity, joy, and earnestness were a result of his relentless gaze on Christ, the image of God. Spurgeon understood that to be in Christ is to be fully alive, embodying the joy and vitality of true humanity. His life and ministry were a testament to the power of beholding Christ, encouraging us to fix our eyes on Him for transformation and renewal. [20:56]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: Consider how often you focus on Christ in your daily life. What practical changes can you make to ensure that your gaze remains fixed on Him, like Spurgeon, to experience transformation and joy?


Day 5: Divine Transformation Through Beholding Christ
Transformation into Christ's likeness is not a self-help project but a divine work accomplished by the Spirit as we behold the glory of the Lord. In Christ, we find the ultimate answer to our identity issues and brokenness. He is the cure for humanity, the image of God who restores us to our intended glory. This transformation invites us to surrender our efforts and allow the Spirit to work in us, leading us to a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ. [33:18]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And 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. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What areas of your life are you trying to change through your own efforts? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas, allowing divine transformation to take place?

Quotes

In Christ, we find the true image of God, and through Him, we are re-humanized, renewed in the likeness of our Creator. This transformation is not achieved through our efforts but by fixing our gaze on Christ, who transforms us by His glory. [00:14:24]

Adam was created son of God specifically to be like the uncreated Son of God, reveling in the love and care the eternal Son had always enjoyed. Adam was made to know the love of the Father. Now, Adam undid all that he was made to be by sinning. [00:04:53]

Adam was serving as an illustration of the One to whom every knee will bow, to whom every creature will submit, the last Adam, who would be crowned the everlasting king of all. But Adam is also strikingly called "the son of God" in Luke 3 verse 37. [00:04:21]

And the account of it in Genesis 2 certainly makes you sit up and wonder, because there in Genesis 2, remember, it's a world before all death and agony, and Adam is wounded. "The LORD caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept the LORD took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh." [00:06:23]

At a tree, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam committed the mother of all sins, and he fell into death. At a tree, the cross, Christ obeyed His Father to the uttermost and conquered death. Adam brought sin and death; Christ brought righteousness and life. [00:09:04]

Yes, that first Easter morning was indeed a wondrous new beginning like a new Eden, reestablishing all that God had once declared good. A man, yes God, walked in the garden, ruler over all things, in perfect harmony with God. Only now there'd be no threat of death, no danger of a serpent to wreck it all. [00:09:52]

He said, "Adam was like a beautiful portrait painting. On him, the image of God was drawn. And what happened at the fall was that the portrait was utterly wrecked. Adam was no longer anything like God. He'd become vicious, selfish, horribly unholy. And so the image, the painting was ruined." [00:13:06]

Our only hope of wholeness is in Christ, the image of God. Humanity can be mended nowhere else. To be out of Christ, whatever we do, whatever we try, is to remain dehumanized by the fall. But to know Christ, to be in Him is to be humanized, to be renewed in the likeness of God because in Christ, we see perfect humanity. [00:15:58]

This true humanity that we see in Christ, think, is so full of life. Just think what Jesus was like as a man as you read the Gospels. He was anything but boring and anemic. Here was a man with towering charisma, running over with life, health and healing, loaves and fishes. Everything abounded in His presence. [00:16:21]

In other words, he was a man who embodied the truth that to be in Christ means to be made ever more roundly human, more fully alive. Now, if you've ever read a sermon of his, and if you haven't, you must. If you've ever read a sermon of his, you'll know he was an unmistakably earnest man. [00:23:26]

Spurgeon held that to be alive in Christ means to fight not only the habits and acts of sin but also sin's temperamental sullenness, ingratitude, bitterness, despair. And so, to enter into Christ's life entails entering into the joy of being fully human, of being at peace with the blessed or happy God of glory. [00:25:13]

We become what we were made to be by looking to Christ, who is the image of God. Beholding Him, we become most truly human. And all our faculties, our minds, our hearts, our lives get aligned right, and we are transformed into His image. Friends, it matters what you fix your gaze on every day. [00:32:43]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 21, 2020. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?