The Image of Christ

Christ is the Visible Image of the Invisible God

The apostle Paul declares that Christ is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). This single statement captures the mystery and wonders of who Jesus is. God, who no human eye has seen, reveals Himself perfectly in His Son. When we look at Christ, we see the very nature and character of God. The writer of Hebrews adds that Jesus is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). He is not simply a reflection, but the living manifestation of God's essence. In Christ, the invisible becomes visible, the untouchable becomes tangible, and the unknowable becomes knowable.

Christ is the True Human Image

From the beginning, humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That image was intended to reflect God's holiness, wisdom, and love. Yet sin fractured and distorted that image. Instead of reflecting God, humanity reflected selfishness and rebellion. Into this brokenness came Christ, the second Adam, who is the perfect fulfillment of what it means to be human. Paul writes that those who belong to Christ are "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). Christ shows us not only what God looks like, but also what we are meant to look like.

Transformation Into His Likeness

The work of salvation is more than forgiveness; it is transformation. Paul tells the Corinthians, "We all… are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Day by day, the Spirit of God works in believers, shaping them to look more like Christ. This transformation is not merely outward, but inward, a renewal of the heart and mind that produces compassion, humility, holiness, and love. As Ephesians 4:24 teaches, believers are called to "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

The Image of Christ in Glory

While believers are being transformed now, the fullness of Christ's image will be revealed in the life to come. Paul comforts the Philippians by saying that Christ will "transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). John echoes this promise: "When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). In eternity, the believer will bear Christ's image completely, body and soul, reflecting His glory without stain or corruption.

Living in the Image of Christ

The image of Christ is not simply a theological idea; it is the blueprint for Christian living. To bear His image is to walk in love, to extend forgiveness, to serve with humility, and to live in righteousness. The image of Christ is both a gift and a calling; it is bestowed by grace and cultivated by obedience. Every act of mercy, every choice of integrity, and every moment of surrender to God's will polishes the reflection of Christ within us.

Reflection: To contemplate the image of Christ is to behold both the revelation of God and the destiny of humanity. In Him we see who God is, who we were created to be, and who we shall one day become. The journey of faith is nothing less than being remade into the likeness of Christ, until His image shines in us with undimmed glory.