What Is Sin?Sample

“So God created man in His own image,
in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

Sin distorts God’s image in us.

Man has been created “in God’s image”. This distinguishes humans from any other creature. As God’s image-bearers, we are a visible and understandable representation of what God is really like. We live in relationship with Him.

But sin has disfigured this image. It has become a broken mirror, so to speak. We are not holy as God is holy. Our intellect has been affected by sin, as have our abilities to live in relationship with others. We have grown away from God’s desire for us. And yet, we are still His image-bearers. Therefore, every human being must be treated with dignity and respect.

The only man who perfectly reflected God’s image, was Jesus. He was sinless. By reconciling us with God, He opened up the way for us to return to the image of God. If we accept the new life He offers us, we become more and more like Him. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 phrases it: when the Spirit of the Lord dwells in us, we “are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”.

How do you see God’s image in people around you?