“The image of God in people provides them the capacity not only to serve as God’s vice-regents (his representatives containing his essence), but also the capacity to be and act like him. While a baby may be affirmed to be in the image of its father, few can recognize that image… the image grows more recognizable as the child matures. This does not essentially take place in a physical way, but rather in the way the child mirrors the attitudes, expressions, and character traits of his or her father… we are all in the image of God, we likewise have the capacity to become more and more in the image of God; that is, we were created with the potential to mirror divine attributes. Being made in the image of God confers on us dignity, entrusts us with responsibility, and implants in us a certain potential, namely the capacity to mirror our Creator.”

- NIV Application Commentary

The dangers of capacity:

1. We can suppress this truth and choose wickedness and rebellion. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

2. We can turn this capacity into striving to be righteous on our own. We really can do so much good in the world. But we can’t make ourselves good by doing good. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20)

What does the NT teach about life in Christ?

1. We are filled with the Holy Spirit who empowers, helps, guides, and teaches.

2. We are capable of cooperating with the Holy Spirit who grows His fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-25)

3. We are called into maturity out of infancy. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 13:11, 14:20; Ephesians 4:13-15; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2-3)