The Image of God – Man as the Image of God in Eternity

Introduction

His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about the restoration of the human to the divine image and clarified that full restoration will be in eternity, while partial restoration is possible in the present life through the sacraments and the spiritual life.

Means of Restoration

He pointed out that Baptism signifies the death of the old man and his resurrection as a new man in the image of God, and that the grace of Baptism does not cancel human freedom so a person can sin after Baptism, whereupon Repentance restores the image. He also mentioned the Eucharist as a means that establishes the believer in Christ and the holy life.

Results of Restoration and Spiritual Growth

He showed that growth in God’s grace causes the believer to live a new life not conforming to this age, and that holiness and perfection are attributes of the divine image, citing the experiences of saints like Augustine and Moses the Black as models of repentance and growth.

The Nature of the Eternal State

He explained that in eternity a person will be purer and sanctified and will not sin, that the knowledge of sin and its memories will be removed, and that they will receive a spiritual eternal body superior to the physical body of Adam and Eve.

The Position of the Faithful in Glory

He mentioned that those who overcome will sit with Christ on his throne as he overcame, and that they may be granted specific crowns (such as righteousness, martyrdom, and sanctity) and sublime spiritual gifts according to what is promised in the book of Revelation.

Unseen Visions and Knowing God

He noted that what God has prepared for the lovers of Him is greater than what the mind or senses can now comprehend, and that true knowledge of God and mutual love are the essence of eternal life; we will know God more deeply and love perfectly.

Conclusion

The lecture calls to hope and action: that we aspire to restore the image of God in our lives now through repentance and sacraments and prepare for what God has prepared for us in eternity.