02J Jesus is the Image of God

Last updated 04/09/2015 and is ten pages long.

Introduction
What does it mean that Jesus is the image of God?
Does it mean that he is God or does it mean that he is not God?
Are we made in the image of God in the same way that Jesus is made in the image of God?
This study will show that "image" means something different in the bible to our current day understanding.
It will show that an image is very different to the original, and that there is no biblical support that any image is the
original. Therefore when Jesus is called the image of God it is confirming that Jesus is not God.
There is also a small chart in this study showing parralel passages confirming that Jesus is the image of God, in the
same way as we are the image of God.
Index
Part 0 Definitions
Part 1 Images of false Gods or Idols
Part 2 People are made in the image of God or transformed back into the image of God
Part 3 People are conformed into the image of Jesus Christ
Part 4 People are made in the image of Adam
Part 5 Jesus is the image of God
Part 6 Quotes
Supporting truths with scriptures

Part 0 Definitions
The word image/ is in the ESV OT 102 times and in the NT 21 times.
The following definitions are from Strong's concordance with their relevant numbers for the OT and NT. They are
of human opinion and here for reference only.
Hebrew:
H6459 Pehsel: Word count 31: Image 16, idol 6, idols 5, carved 2, images 1
H6755 Selem:Word count 17: Image 16, expression 1
H6754 Selem: Word count 18: Images 10, image 5, after, phantoms, shadow
a) images (of tumours, mice, heathen gods)
b) image, likeness (of resemblance)
c) mere, empty, image, semblance
H6754 Selem: To shade, a phantom, illusion, resemblance, hence a representative figure, an idol, an image
H4541 Massaka: Word count 28: Image 9, metal 6, images 5, alliance 2, make 2
1) a pouring, libation, molten metal, cast image, drink offering a) libation (with covenant sacrifice) b)
molten metal, molten image, molten gods 2) web, covering, veil, woven stuff
H4656 Word count: Image 4
H8655 Word count: Image 2
H8403 Word count: Image 1
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H1823 Demuwth: Word count 25: Likeness 18, likeness, figure, form, like, model
Resemblance, like manner, like fashion, similtude
Greek:
G1504 Eikon: ESV word count 18. Image 13, likeness 5
Likeness, statue, profile, representation, resemblance, image
G1504 Eikon: An image, figure, likeness
a) an image of the things (the heavenly things)
1) used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God
2) the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to
the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
b) the image of one
1) one in whom the likeness of any one is seen
2) applied to man on account of his power of command
3) to Christ on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence
Louw Nida:
6.96: Image: an object which has been formed to resemble a person, god or animal.
58.35: Likeness: That which has the same form as something else, similarity in class of kind
58.61: Representation: That which represents something else in terms of basic form and features
Overall Definition:
(See attached Excel spreadsheet that examines all examples of "image/s" together)
This is the definition that will be used in this document, based firstly on the OT then the NT.
1/A representation of the form of another thing or being. A likeness, resemblance, a similar copy,
1a/ An inanimate object which has been formed or produced, usually carved or of metal, to resemble and
have the appearance of a person, god or animal. A figure or an efigy
1b/ A being who has been fathered and created by God in his likeness
1c/ A being, a son, who has been fathered and created my his immediate father
The definition in the NT is the same as the OT except with these additions
2a/ A person who is becoming the image of Christ in Romans 8:29 and 1 Cor 15:49.
3a/ Figurative: Ten times in Revelation in regards to the beast.
Of the 102 times image/images is in the OT, 97 refer to carved, metal, or man made representations.
Four OT references were to Adam as the image of God
One OT reference was Seth an image of his father Adam.
Seth is not his father, but Seth is a human being.
A biblical image is not a photograph, a reflection, a mirror image, a carbon copy, equivalent, equal, or double.
On every OT and NT occassion an image always comes after the original, a point the image does not exist.
It is a representation or the original, not actually the original and has many major differences.
It is impossible to mistake the original for the image
When using the biblical definitions only, the definition of "image" that applies to Jesus as the son of God are
exactly as shown in 1b and 1c.
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In order for "Jesus the image" to be shown as God, a new definition has to be invented for him. But first these
current definitions have to be disproved when applying to Jesus, and secondly a new inique definition provided and
proven using biblical support.
Please see the additional excel spread sheet with all instances of "image" analyzed.

Part 1 Images of false gods or idols

What is an image of a false god? Of the 102 times image is in the ESV OT, 97 refer to carved, metal, or man
made images of false gods.
Exodus 20:4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven
above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
The people are commanded not to make an image of even the LORD God.
Leviticus 26:1 'Do not make idols or set up an image (H6459) or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not
place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the LORD your God.
Here we are commanded not to set up an image
Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed is the man who carves an image (H4541) or casts an idola thing detestable
to the LORD, the work of the craftsman's handsand sets it up in secret." Then all the people shall say,
"Amen!"
Cursed is the man who carves an image
Deuteronomy 4:16 so that you do not become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image (H6459)
of any shape, whether formed like a man or a woman
People were told not to make images like men or women which is an idol
An image or an imitation of the real thing, not the real thing itself but a likeness or a copy
Making images of idols causes corruption
Psalm 97:7 All who worship images (H6459) are put to shame, those who boast in idols worship him,
all you gods!
If we worship the image of an idol or a god we are put to shame
Acts 17:29 Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or
silver or stonean image made by man's design and skill.
God is not a man made image
Summary:
Ex 20:4
The people are commanded not to make an image of even the LORD God.
Lev 26
We are commanded not to set up an image.
Deut 27
It is a sin to make an image of another so called god, one who does this is cursed.
Deut 4
It is wrong for people to make idol images of people,
Psalm 97
All who worship images are put to shame
Acts 17
God is not a man made image
We are commanded not to worship man made images of anything even God.
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Part 2 People are made in the image of God or transformed back into the image of God
What does it mean that people are made in the image of God?
Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image (selem/H6754), in our likeness
(Demuwth/H1823), and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over
all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
27 God created man in his own image (selem/H6754), in the image (selem/H6754) of God he created him;
male and female
People are made in Gods image.
People are made in Gods likeness
(When God made this statement, our was including and also referring to Jesus who was already made in Gods
image before creation, see section Part 5 and 2 Cor 4:4.)
Some say (Origen, Irenaeus inc) that image/selem is something given at creation and likeness/demuwth at a later
time, I find no support for this. Genesis 5:1 says God created man in his likeness (Demuwth/H1823), this opposes
their idea.
ESV Genesis 9:5-6 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and
from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.
6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image
(Selem/H6754)
(NIV for in the image of God has God made man.)
Man, all people, are made in the image of God
NIV 1 Corinthians 11:7 A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and
glory of God;
but the woman is the glory of man
G5225 G1504 G2532 G1391 G2316
hyparcho eikon kai
doxa theos
Man is the image and glory of God
Colossians 3:9-10 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have
put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image (Eikon/G1504) of its Creator.
We have stopped our old sinful practices and are being renewed in the image of our creator. Our creator is God.
Summary:
Gen 1:26
Gen 1:27
Gen 9:6
I Cor 11:7
Col 3:10

Made in our image (God and Jesus)

Made in the image of God
God made man in his own image
man is the image and glory of God
renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator

What it means to be made in Gods image is open to speculation, however the very fact that we are the image of
God clearly indicates that we are not actually God but that we are made in a way that resembles God, in one or
several ways. Perhaps spiritually or in character perhaps that we know right from wrong.
We are born in Gods image and then sin and stray from that image, then as disciples we are being transformed back
to it as per Col 3:10.
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Part 3 People are conformed into the image of Jesus Christ

What does it mean that people are conformed into the image of Christ?
Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image
(Eikon/G1504) of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers
Conform: Comply with rules, standards, or conventions or be similar in form or type.
Disciples are conformed into the image of Jesus, we all have to change and be like Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:49 Just as we have borne the image (Eikon/G1504) of the man of dust, we shall also bear
the image (Eikon/G1504) of the man of heaven.
We are in the image of Adam we are in the image of Christ. Perhaps in a physical way regarding Adam and perhaps
in a spiritual way regarding Jesus. Whatever it means, we shall also bear the image of Christ.
Summary:
Rom 8
we are conformed to the image of Gods son
1 Cor 15
we shall bear the image of Christ
We are conforming to the image of Christ the son, our brother. Both passages seem to say that it is a process we
havent yet completed. Therefore this is not referring to our image at birth which is the image of God, but into the
image of Christ into whose example we are conforming.
For those that say Jesus as the image of God is God, then it must stand then when we are the image of God and/or
Christ then we are at that time God or Christ. We know the second part is not true therefore none of it can be true.

Part 4 People are made in the image of Adam

What does it mean that people are in the image of Adam?
Genesis 5:3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness (H1823), in his own image
(H6754); and he named him Seth
Adam's son was born in Adam's image. Does it mean that only Seth was born in his earthly fathers image? No
Does it mean that every son is made in his earthly fathers image? Yes
We are all images of earthly images.
ESV I Corinthians 15:45-49 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being; the last
Adam became a life-giving spirit.
Just as we have borne the image (Eikon/G1504) of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image
(Eikon/G1504) of the man of heaven.
Vs45 The last Adam is Jesus, this is hardly a name God would give to himself!
Vs49 We are made in the image of Adam who is the man of dust.
Along with my study on what it means to be a Father that identifies all of our male ancestors to be our fathers
which includes Adam, I surmise that every offspring is the image of their immediate human father and additionally
all male ancestors all the way to Adam.
Summary:
Gen 5
1 Cor 15

Seth was in the image of Adam

All men are made in the image of Adam
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We are made in the image of Adam who was made in the image of God as per Part 1, whatever that may mean.
I am also unsure of the answer to the following questions. What does it mean that we are made in Adams image?
Does it mean we have a physical body? Adam was born pure does that mean we are born pure? Adam was a sinner,
does that mean we are made in the image of a sinner?
We are made in the image of God and of Adam, we are transformed into the image of Christ.

Part 5 Jesus is the image of God

What does it mean that Jesus is the image of God?
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god (G2316 theos) of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they
cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who
is the image of
God .
G5547 G3739 G2076 G1504 G3588 G2316
Christos hos
eimi
eikon ho
theos
Christ is the image of God, not Christ is the image and God, and not Christ is God.
If Christ were God he would not be the image of himself, he would be himself not the image.
An image is not the actual thing it is an image of, Jesus is not both the image and God.
The god of this age refers to the devil. It is interesting to ask why some dont say that because Satan is referred to
as "theos" that he isnt said to be God. If Christ were called the god of this age that passage would be a primary
scripture for those who say Jesus is God and for Trinitarian supporters.
Colossians 1:15 He
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
G3739 G2076 G1504 G3588 G517 G2316
Hos
eimi eikon
ho
aoratos theos
Jesus the image of God, like us he is/was made in the image of God
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance (G541/apaugasma) of God's glory and the exact representation
(G5481/charakter) of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided
purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven
G541 apaugasma: G5481 charakter: Both are written only once each in the NT in this verse, for that reason I have
not shown the Strong's definitions as they are misleading.
Dictionary says be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for,
If Jesus is a representative then he is not God. If Jesus sits with God then he is not God
Imagine an antique that is very old and a reproduction of it that is not very old, despite how accurate the
reproduction is it is never, nor can it ever be the original antique.
Imagine a representative of a government, or of a king etc. The representative however accurate is still the
representative.
Summary:
As this chart shows there no difference in meaning between 1 Cor 11:7 that refers to man and the other two verses
that refer to Jesus, all of who are the image of God.

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Man, of God

1 Corinthians 11:7

he is the image and

glory of God;
G5225 G1504 G2532 G1391 G2316
hyparcho eikon kai
doxa theos

Jesus, of God

2 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus, of God

Colossians 1:15

Christ, who
is the image of
God .
G5547 G3739 G2076 G1504 G3588 G2316
Christos hos
eimi
eikon ho
theos
He
is the image of the invisible God
G3739 G2076 G1504 G3588 G517 G2316
Hos
eimi eikon
ho
aoratos theos

Based on every biblical instance the image was created which indicates a time before it happened. This is the
definition we have for both the OT and the NT and therefore applies to Jesus as the image. Christ is the image of
God, the image is not the thing it is an image of. Just as we as human beings are the image of God, which means we
are not actually God, the same applies to Jesus who is the image of God and not actually God. There is no biblical
support and it doesnt make any sense to say that Paul used the term image nine times in the NT and it meant
something very different when it refers to Jesus in relation to God.
In order for Jesus to be an image without the stated definition, firstly this current definition has to be disproved
when applying to Jesus and secondly a new inique definition provided and proven using biblical support.

Part 6 Quote from Wikipedia

There are three common ways of understanding the manner in which humans exist in Imago Dei
(Image of God in Latin): Substantive, Relational and Functional.
Substantive
The substantive view holds to the idea that there is some substantial characteristic of the human race that is
like God. Some may argue that we are a mirror image of God's essential nature. Other substantive views
suggest a spiritual commonality with God, God being a spirit and not having a physical body. Throughout
the ages there have been different interpretations of substantive likeness to God. Irenaeus put forward a
distinctive difference between image and likeness. Humankind before the fall (the moral and spiritual
failure of its original progenitors) was in the image of God through the ability to exercise free will and
reason. And we were in the likeness of God through an original spiritual endowment. Medieval scholars
suggested that this was the holiness (or "wholeness") of humankind which was lost after the fall, though
free will and reason remained. Calvin and Luther agreed that something of the Imago Dei was lost at the fall
but that fragments of it remained in some form or another.
Relational
The relational view argues that one must be in a relationship with God in order to possess the image of
God. Those who hold to the relational image agree that humankind possess the ability to reason as a
substantive trait, but they argue that it is in a relationship with God that the true image is made evident.
Later theologians like Karl Barth and Emil Brunner argue that it is our ability to establish and maintain
complex and intricate relationships that make us like God. For example, in humans the created order of
male and female is intended to culminate in spiritual as well as physical unions Genesis 5:1-2, reflecting the
nature and image of God. Since other creatures do not form such explicitly referential spiritual
relationships, these theologians see this ability as uniquely representing the imago dei in humans.
Functional
This third view differs from the previous two in that it argues that the image of God imprinted on us
resides in function rather than in form or relationship, this function being primarily our task of ruling over
earth. Genesis 1:26 speaks of humankind being made in the image of God and given the function of
naming and ruling over the fish of the sea and the animals on land, reflecting Gods rule over all the
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universe, ourselves included. This view sees this ruling function of dominion as best expressing the imago
dei, or our likeness to God.
Summary:
Substantive:
If Jesus is the image of God in a substantive way, then it means Jesus is like God, to be like God means he is not
God. We are like God yet we are not God, in the same way Jesus is like God but not God.
Relational:
If Jesus is in the image of God in a relational way and that without the relationship with God he is not the image of
God, then it stands that when he was separated from God on the cross then at that time he wasnt the image of God.
If there is a time he was not God then he cannot ever be God because God is always God.
Functional:
If Jesus is the image of God in a functional way, then he was given tasks which means he didnt have them before
and therefore cannot be God

Summaries and Final Conclusion:

P0:

1/A representation of the form of another thing or being. A likeness, resemblance, a similar copy,
1a/ An inanimate object which has been formed or produced, usually carved or of metal, to resemble and
have the appearance of a person, god or animal. A figure or an efigy
1b/ A being who has been fathered and created by God in his likeness
1c/ A being, a son, who has been fathered and created my his immediate father
The definition from the OT is the same as the NT except in the NT the additional understanding is
2a/ A person who is becoming the image of Christ in Romans 8:29 and 1 Cor 15:49.
2b/ Figurative: Ten times in Revelation in regards to the beast.
An image is not a photograph, a reflection, a mirror image, a carbon copy, equivalent, equal, or double.
On every OT and NT occassion an image always comes after the original, a point the image does not exist.
It is a representation or the original, not actually the original and has many major differences.
It is impossible to mistake the original for the image
When using the biblical definitions of image only, the definitions that apply to Jesus as the son of God are
exactly as shown in 1b and 1c.
In order for "Jesus the image" to be shown as God, a new definition has to be invented for him. But first
these current definitions have to be disproved when applying to Jesus, and secondly a new inique
definition provided and proven using biblical support.

P1:

We are commanded not to worship man made images. There is a difference between a man made image and
Jesus as the image of God. God told the angels to worship Jesus, see Section 37F Who do we worship.

P2:

What it means to be made in Gods image is open to speculation, however the very fact that we are the
image of God clearly indicates that we are not actually God but that we are made in a way that resembles
God, in one or several ways. Perhaps spiritually or in character perhaps that we know right from wrong.
We are born in Gods image and then sin and stray from that image, then as disciples we are being
transformed back to it as per Col 3:10.
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P3:

We are conforming to the image of Christ the son, our brother. Both passages seem to say that it is a process
we havent yet completed. Therefore this is not referring to our image at birth which is the image of God,
but into the image of Christ into whose example we are conforming.
For those that say Jesus as the image of God is God, then it must stand then when we are the image of God
and/or Christ then we are at that time God or Christ. We know the second part is not true therefore none of
it can be true.

P4:

We are made in the image of Adam who was made in the image of God as per Part 1, whatever that may
mean. We are made in the image of God and of Adam, we are transformed into the image of Christ.

P5:

Based on the OT the image was created which indicates a time before it happened. This is the definition
we have for both the OT and the NT and therefore applies to Jesus as the image. Christ is the image of God,
the image is not the thing it is an image of. Just as we as human beings are the image of God, which means
we are not actually God, the same applies to Jesus who is the image of God and not actually God.
In order for Jesus to be an image without the stated definition, firstly this current definition has to be
disproved when applying to Jesus and secondly a new inique definition provided and proven using biblical
support. If you think Jesus is God, you have to be able to do this.

P6:

Substantive, relational, functional: Whichever applies to Jesus they all show he is not God

Final Conclusion:
An image of a mountain is very different from the actual mountain, an image of the universe is very different from
the actual universe. While the image tells us a lot about the mountain or the universe in that it can tell us shape,
size, exact layout etc the image is smaller, less detailed, lacks substance and has many limitations because after all it
is only the image and not the actual mountain or universe. The definition of image when applied to Christ as the
image of God, is similar to the mountain or universe definitions stated and that Jesus is not God because he is the
image of God.
Image or likeness or resemblance or representation are all words that apply to one thing being similar to another
thing, not to one thing being the other thing! Jesus being the image or likeness or resemblance or representative of
God says that he is not God
If we say being made in the image of Adam means he is human and we are human, and that Christ is the image of
God and he is God, then does it also stand that we are God because we are made in Gods image? Or that we are
Christ because we are made in Christs image or conforming to Christs image? Or does it mean that because we are
the image of God then we are not God? Which ever way we look at it for us, then we have to look at it the same
way for Jesus.
To be made in the image is to be made in the likeness, we are made on the likeness of God. Jesus was also made in
the likeness of God.
There are some who say that the image of God that Jesus is, is very different to the image of God that we are. This
is not what scripture says. There are only a limited amount of relevant image scriptures (see Excel list), the NT
passages are compared in the chart in P5 and show there is no difference. As stated earlier, in order for Jesus to be
an image without the stated definition, firstly this current definition has to be disproved when applying to Jesus and
secondly a new inique definition provided and proven using biblical support.
"Image of God" does not confirm Jesus is God, it confirms he is NOT God.

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Scripture List:
P2
Genesis 1:26-27 Let us make man in our image
P4
Genesis 5:3 Seth was made in the image of Adam
P1
Genesis 9:6 for in the image of God, God has made man
P1
Leviticus 26:1 We are commanded not to bow down to false images
P1
Deuteronomy 4:16 Dont make images of Gods
P1
Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed is the man who carves an image
P1
Psalm 97:7 All who worship images are put to shame
P1
Acts 17:29 God is not an image made by man
P3
Romans 8:29 We are conformed to the likeness of his son
P2
1 Corinthians 11:7 Man is the image and glory of God
P3/4 1 Corinthians 15:49 We will bear the likeness of the man of dust (Adam) and the man from heaven (Jesus)
P3
2 Corinthians 3:18 We are being transformed into Jesuss likeness
P5
2 Corinthians 4:4 Jesus is made in the image of God
P5
Colossians 1:15 Jesus is the image of the invisible God
P2
Colossians 3:9 We are being renewed in the image of our creator
P5
Hebrews 1:3 The son is the exact representation of his being

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