信仰の手引き（英語・English）
We Are Created in God’s Own Image
Author
goodnews2
Date
2024-07-12 08:22
Views
745
The God Who Created Heaven and Earth
In Genesis chapter 1 in the Bible, there is a story about God creating the world. In the beginning, the world was without form (disorderly and messy), void (completely empty), and darkness (without light) was upon the face of the deep. At that time, God said, “Let there be light,” and He called the light day and the darkness night. On the next day, He created heaven (sky), earth (land), and sea. On the third day, He created grass, the herb yielding seed, and fruit trees. On the fourth day, He created the sun, moon, and stars, and on the fifth day, He created birds and fish. Finally, on the sixth day, He created beasts of the earth (land animals) and, lastly, human beings.
The Image of God
When God created people, it was different from creating anything else. In Genesis chapter 1 verse 26 in the Bible, it says, “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.’” When God created people, He made them in His own image and likeness. The image of God is holy, righteous, and perfect. In other words, God made us holy, righteous, and perfect. Why did God create us in His own image? It is because God loves people and wants to be with them so He created them in His exact image. He planned to make everyone holy, just like Himself. This plan was fulfilled through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
God Made Us Righteous Just Like Himself
Originally, humans committed sin and were wicked. For people to become holy, their sins needed to be washed away. That’s why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth. And Jesus, by being crucified on the cross, washed away all the sins of the world. Because Jesus bore the punishment we were supposed to receive, we became righteous without any cost. This is how He bestowed upon us the image of God.
Children of the Holy God
As I read Genesis 1:26, I felt so grateful, thinking, “Wow, I am created in the image of God.” I wondered, “God, why did You create such a dirty and wicked person in Your image? Truly, thank You so much. However, I often find myself getting angry, irritated, and showing unholy behaviors.” But when I look at the words of the Bible, God says, “Nevertheless, you are holy. You are righteous. All your sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus.” Every time I see such words, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly thankful and tearful.
God has made us holy like Himself and accepted us as His children. That is why we call Him, “Our Father in heaven.” God is our Father. Whenever we call Him “Father God,” He responds, “Yes, my beloved sons and daughters!”
Rule the World
We are the small gods of this age. We and God are one. After God created us in His image, He told us to rule the world. Whether tall or short, American or Korean, we are all people created in the image of God, established for the purpose of fulfilling God’s will. God made it so that all living things cannot tell the difference between Him and us, so they can listen and obey us.
In the past, there was no church proclaiming this gospel. Many people believed in God yet still considered themselves sinners. However, now through us, the gospel is rapidly spreading worldwide, and many people have come to believe in the fact that they are righteous and give glory to God. God has enabled us to rule the world through the gospel.
In the Name of God
It is now the year 2024 and God will surely work through each of you this year. When sharing the gospel with friends, believe that God will work through you, and don’t think, “I am not good at this” or “I can’t do it.” Do not hesitate to work in the name of God. Despite our many shortcomings and weaknesses, God is with us, helping us in everything as we share the gospel and do His work. May you believe in God’s promises and move forward with strength.
