Image of God Part 3: The Garden Was Not Perfect

00:00
00:00

In this episode, Tim and Jon wrap up their discussion on the image of God. Scripture tells us that humans are made in the image of God, but what does that actually mean for our lives? Do we exist simply to glorify God, or does bearing the image of God mean we have a greater responsibility? As Christians, we tend to think we have to divide secular and sacred, but as the guys will unpack, this doesn’t have to be the case and we can choose to reflect God and his image in all that we do.
In the first part of the episode (01:15-04:48), Tim and Jon talk about why the garden shouldn’t be considered perfection. The garden was good, but it is only the beginning of the story! God’s story will be complete when humans are fully united to God and his creation is redeemed.
In the next part of the episode (05:15-16:58), the guys talk about the parent/child relationship between God and humans. It’s crucial to understand that God wants to share his creation with us! Just like in the garden, humans will one day reign with God.
The Westminster Confession of Faith is a well-known confession of the church of England. You may be familiar with it: “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” In the next part of the episode (17:19-35:16), the guys unpack this a little bit and point out the problems with taking this bystander approach to humanity’s purpose on earth. Glorifying and enjoying God is only a small part of bearing the image of God.
So what does it mean for humans to bear the image of God? In the last part of this episode (35:45-1:07:14), the guys will talk about the implications of the image of God for followers of Jesus. We’re not simply a representation of God, we get to work with him to bring about his purpose on earth! But we have to realize that we are image bearers who don’t always represent God well. What does it look like for us to renew our hearts and minds to better represent God to the world?
Video:
This episode is designed to accompany our video on the image of God. You can view it on our youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbipxLDtY8c
Book References:
The Westminster Confession of Faith by the Westminster Assembly
Why Business Matters to God: (And What Still Needs to Be Fixed) by Jeff Van Duzer
Scripture References:
Genesis 1-2
Psalm 86
Psalm 8
Show Music:
Defender Instrumental by Rosasharn Music
Blue Skies by Unwritten Stories
Flooded Meadows by Unwritten Stories

Released on 12 Mar 2016

Share this page...

Vote for Your Favourite Carol!

Tell us why your favourite holds a special place in your heart.

Help us crown the Premier Favourite Carol of 2024 by voting for your top three songs that best encapsulate the warmth of Christmas for you. Vote Now.

VOTE NOW

Premier Christmas Radio

We are SO excited to announce the return of Premier Christmas radio for a second year running! It's finally time to get festive with our pop-up Christmas radio station. Allow us to fill your days with HopePeaceJoy and Love this winter with our carefully crafted Christmas radio. Listen Now

Listen Now

Raise Your Praise

This winter autumn your favourite worship station will be advertising a message of hope and joy across the nation.  Share your blessing with us and help us raise a true spirit of praise on Premier Praise throughout the month of November. Either send us a message at [email protected] saying how God has blessed you through one of these tracks, or better still send us a voice note on our WhatsApp number 0303 040 4000

FIND OUT MORE