As image bearers we are not above one another but equal in value. As those who bear the image of God, we are but a reflection and not God or gods ourselves. God has gloriously, mercifully, and totally on His own doing offered us a place in His family under His headship to those who call Jesus Christ both Lord and Savior. There is nothing that the image bearer themselves can or will do to earn this gift, since it is of grace alone.
Though we bear His image, we are underserving due to our sin. God clearly and precisely warns that sin incurs a debt which can only be paid with death. We also know that all debt must be paid since God is just, righteous, and holy. That wage was paid for in the life and death of Jesus Christ, who is God’s Son and God Himself. You may ask why “life” was included in the previous statement since death is the required payment. This is because the sacrifice of Christ had to be without sin or blemish. This had to be a perfect and complete sacrifice that would have endless value over the totality of debt sin could ever invoice. The capital of Jesus’ work on the cross is inexhaustible.
However, not everyone will accept the work of Jesus on their behalf for their own debt. To those who do, they will have a place in the house of the Lord forever. To those who do not, they will suffer under the weight of their debt and perish forever. Woe to all who think they can pay their own way without understanding the severity of what they face. But they will not be spared since they hardened their hearts to their Creator and chose to live as they wished and refused to call Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. Woe to those who think they are saved by calling Jesus only Lord or Savior but not both. For they will be turned away and told that He never knew them and suffer the same fate.
As image bearers, we are called to be like God. To be holy. We can only be seen as righteous and holy if we are filled with the Holy Spirit who is God. This indwelling can only happen with the acceptance of the blood of Jesus Christ. When God dwells within you, you will be made to be like Him. You will desire to praise, please, and worship God. He will finish what He has put in place and save all those who call His Son, Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.
The Agape Narrative Project 