Restoring God’s Image and Likeness in Man

The fundamental belief of Christians is that Jesus, the Christ, has come to save man from eternal condemnation! There should be no doubt, that Jesus is the only way back to God. It is also true, that man has lost that relationship by doing what is wrong, and man continues to persist in making bad choices. What, then, made Jesus different from Adam? What did Jesus have that Adam did not have? What is it that a Christian can have, which an unbeliever does not have? The truth is, that Adam had what Jesus had, but Adam, in his will, failed to do what Jesus did. Unfortunately, so does every human being who retains his or her sanity. All human beings are endowed with the “image” or the “likeness” of God; otherwise, they would not be rational human beings, capable of making decisions that are either beneficial or harmful. And what is by far more beneficial than saving a soul? But if the soul or the human life has obliterated or even marred the “image” and “likeness of God” in the person, how will that person recognize the need to be saved? For that reason, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

Restoring God’s Image and Likeness in Man

The fundamental belief of Christians is that Jesus, the Christ, has come to save man from eternal condemnation! There should be no doubt, that Jesus is the only way back to God. It is also true, that man has lost that relationship by doing what is wrong, and man continues to persist in making bad choices. What, then, made Jesus different from Adam? What did Jesus have that Adam did not have? What is it that a Christian can have, which an unbeliever does not have? The truth is, that Adam had what Jesus had, but Adam, in his will, failed to do what Jesus did. Unfortunately, so does every human being who retains his or her sanity. All human beings are endowed with the “image” or the “likeness” of God; otherwise, they would not be rational human beings, capable of making decisions that are either beneficial or harmful. And what is by far more beneficial than saving a soul? But if the soul or the human life has obliterated or even marred the “image” and “likeness of God” in the person, how will that person recognize the need to be saved? For that reason, Jesus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

Restoring God’s Image and Likeness in Man

Living in grace is being grateful and thankful to the people whose guests we are in the world. Christianity is a faith-based religion that transcends creeds, nationalities, races, and even other faiths. It is a kingdom within kingdoms that represents a format of life, approved by the Creators (ELOHIM and not EL) of the universe. The King is Jesus the Christ the Son of God. Jesus' throne is in heaven! Now, King Jesus dispenses grace, love, peace, and truth through his converts and students called "disciples."

Restoring God’s Image and Likeness in Man

Living in grace is building character that solidifies faith in oneself, in God, and in Christ. Character defines the kind of a person man is. And character also determines what kind of a life man will shape for him or herself. Character is gaining self-confidence in trusting in a way of life, which earns access and rewards in the hereafter. The God-fearing Christian lives in this world to prepare himself/herself for an eternal future with the Creator. And without acquiring a godly character, such a life is not possible. Just to survive in this world alone calls for reinforcing Christ’s lifestyle. Jesus feared that his followers would lose rather than grow in faith.

How God Stays in Touch with Man: #22

The crucifiction of the Lamb of God was an explosive event, forced on Pilate to satisfy the Jewish leaders and their supporters and the Roman Emperor, who was difficult to please. But, by making the “Lamb of God” a contender to the throne of David, to Herod’s throne, and to Caesar’s throne, Pilate had no option left for leniency, but only death. To get Jesus to Golgotha, and to deter from any public interruption, a battalion of Roman soldiers (1000 men) were put in charge. The eye witness, John Mark, had two friends Alexander and Rufus. And their father Simon had to carry the cross for the Lamb of God because the Lamb of God, no longer, was able to carry the cross by Himself. Long after this horrifying shameful act of human degradation, Mark filled this report:

How God Stays in Touch with Man: #18

Jesus, during His last week in Jerusalem, did not hide from the authorities, as some may believe. In fact, Jesus offered Himself to the authorities. Jesus openly taught and healed in public. Jesus spent time in the temple. But, the high priest’s and the leaders were afraid of the public during the day. The public began to grow in favor of Jesus and their numbers increased. It actually was Jesus who chose the Passover night for Judas to hand Him over to the Jewish leaders in Gethsemane, so that the Lamb of God could be sacrificed on the “Day of Atonement.” Suppose Jesus had not sent Judas to get the high priest’s soldiers to arrest Him, what would have become of man’s redemption? In that sense, Judas was not as bad as he was made out to be. Caiaphas, the high priest, and his father-in-law, Annas, did what "The atonement for sin" required and so did Pilate, unwillingly.