In the likeness of God

This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. – Genesis 5v1

The concept of the ‘likeness’ or ‘image’ of God is a fascinating one. It does no disservice to the word to say that God made man ‘god-like.’

Saying that almost causes discomfort, doesn’t it? I for one certainly don’t see myself as god-like. When I consider my thoughts, my actions, my attitude, and my behaviour I don’t see much of God.

But there it is – ‘He made him in the likeness of God.’

So how are we god-like? A little explanation is needed here before we look at us.

God created man in His likeness. At creation man and God could walk side by side in the garden. They could have sweet, uninterrupted fellowship. There was no barrier; there was nothing to separate God and His god-like creation.

But then Adam and Eve blew it – one fatal sin, one stupid choice, one selfish act – and the god-likeness was gone. Moral decay and human destruction came on our mortal race. The likeness of God was replaced with the likeness of sin.

Ever since then man has found himself the captive of sin. Death came with sin and death was passed on to all men. The fellowship that came with god-likeness was broken. A chasm appeared where once there was fellowship and unity.

Then, while we were still without the strength to be like God, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Whereas one man’s sin brought death, separation, and ungodliness, another Man’s life brought life, union with God, and godliness.

Godliness, or god-likeness if you will, means righteousness, holiness, and justification with God. All that was lost at one tree. Praise God Jesus made it possible to be restored at another tree.

‘In the likeness of God’ – gone through Adam - but restorable through Christ.

There is a challenge for those of us who have had that image restored on the Cross. When people see us do they seen godly men and women who reflect the likeness of God in this world, or do they see just more of the filth of the world?

May others see the ‘likeness of God’ in our Christ filled lives today.