The Immutable Imago Dei
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV
Created with eternity set into our hearts, the human spirit is imbued to the deepest core with hope. This gift is given to every person in the history of humanity. Regardless of our station in life, what physical characteristics that we were born with, the circumstances we grew up in or who we become, the truth of our creation recognizes the image of God in all of us. This imago Dei, Latin for “the image of God,” means that we are created in the image of the Triune God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is no wonder that we have hope! Imago Dei is immutable; unchanging in an ever-changing world. (Gen 1:26)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
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Believers in Christ know well the future hope that we have in Him. This hope and His immutability or “unchangingness,” is what helps make life here on earth bearable. Acknowledging Jesus as Savior opens up our hearts for the Holy Spirit to do His work in us. We become more and more like Christ as we experience the ups and downs of life; being renewed more closely to the image of our Creator, the immutable God. From age to age the same. Our perfect hope.
Upon this mortal soil we experience such tragedies as to rend our hearts in two yet also continue to be surprised and delighted in ways that defy explanation. Tragedy, loss, betrayal, addiction, illness, abuse or sorrow can beset us on this earth and still our future is secure. Our hope comes from the eternity that He has placed in our hearts. Christ died for us while we were still sinners. He was buried and He rose again on the third day. He conquered death and hell.
The war is won.
The battles that we face here on this earth are not the end of the story.
Presently, we live in a cursed world-that-is, but the world-to-be beckons us to move toward it with an unshakable hope. “So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.” Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT As image-bearers with eternity in our hearts, let us join hands, lock arms and move with brave hope into this world-that-is.
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Sarah Flowers lives in idyllic Chadds Ford, where she is steeped in beauty and connection to the land and its history. She loves coffee and flowers and getting to know Jesus.
A lifelong learner, she seeks to follow God’s plan to bring justice to the under-resourced. Sarah is a self-declared serial optimist and melodiphile; there’s always a path to the sunny side and a soundtrack for the journey!
She is a mom and wife and a grateful alumna of Northwood University. Her former iterations include automotive professional and shoe diva. Sarah serves on the Deacon Team at Willowdale Chapel.
At IF:Gathering this year, we are going to remind you that God tears down walls, brings Truth to our lies, and helps us climb the mountains in our lives. Our faith will grow when we come together. Don’t miss this on March 4th and 5th!
Last day to register for in-person IF:Gathering is midnight on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28.
Note the updated schedule for the in-person sessions.
Friday, March 4 - 6:45 - 10:30 pm
Saturday, March 5 - 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Last day to register for online IF:Gathering is midnight on March 3.
For more information and to register, click HERE. We hope you can join us!