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Every one of these passages contribute their quota to the general impression and
teaching of the Scriptures regarding the `image', but those references which must occupy
our attention before all others are those that occur in the epistles of Paul. These
references are distributed as follows:
1.
One occurrence in the epistle to the Hebrews.
2.
Seven occurrences in the pre-Mystery epistles.
3.
Two occurrences in the Mystery epistles.
We have already suggested, that, just as Adam was only a `shadow' of the intended
`image', so all the sacrifices like typical law were `shadows' and not the `very image'.
Both Adam and the types find their realization in Christ.
"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the
things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year, continually make
the comers thereunto perfect" (Heb. 10: 1).
The import of the word "image" here is decided by the antithesis "shadow".
In
Heb. 8: 5, the Aaronic priesthood:
"Serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of
God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all
things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
The `shadow' of Heb. 10: 1 is to the `image' as the `example' of Heb. 8: 5 is to the
`pattern'. These heavenly patterns, not the earthly copies, are "the very image" of unseen
realities. When the Apostle wished to teach much of the same truth to those not so
familiar with O.T. typology, he uses the contrasting words `shadow' and `body' instead
of `shadow' and `image'. This is found in Colossians, where he sets aside meats, drinks
and holy days, and says:
"Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ" (Col. 2: 17).
To use the word `body' here as though it referred to "the church which is His body", is
just the same error as it would be to use the word `image' in Heb. 10: 1 as one of a series
of references to the doctrine of the "Image of God".
The way is therefore clear to consider the remaining references, all of which are found
in Paul's epistles. These references form a doctrinal chain, having seven links, which
carry the doctrine of the Divine Image from Creation to Restoration, as will be seen by
the following analysis:
1.
The distinctive position of man by creation (I Cor. 11: 7).
2.
The degradation of that position by idolatry (Rom. 1: 23).
3.
The earthly and heavenly image, the first Adam and the Last (I Cor. 15: 49).
4.
The transfiguring character of grace (II Cor. 3: 18; 4: 4).
5.
The Divine determination (Rom. 8: 29).
6.
The pre-eminent position of Christ (Col. 1: 15).
7.
The present anticipation of the restoration of the Divine Image (Col. 3: 10).