Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

LESSON 4 | DOING JUSTICE AND LOVING MERCY: LET JUSTICE ROLL DOWN / 457

III. The Implications of the Imago Dei for Urban Ministry

A. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are re-created in the image of God.

1. Biblical citations

a. Eph. 4.24

b. Col. 3.10

2. We are created in righteousness and true holiness, destined to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, Rom. 8.29.

3. As the fall affected the image of God in humankind in a way of corruption and death, so salvation results in renewal of the image after the likeness of Jesus Christ himself.

4

a. Jesus is the one who shares uniquely in God’s image, 2 Cor. 4.4; Col. 1.15; Heb. 1.3.

U rban M i s s i on

b. Jesus is the last Adam, the pattern of a new humanity to come, Rom. 8.29.

c. The image of Jesus Christ is being formed in the Christian by the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.18; cf. Eph. 4.24; Col. 3.10.

B. Though unbelievers do not share in this renewal of the image of God, they still share in the very likeness of God.

1. Human life is therefore unique, irreplaceable, and precious.