MAN MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD Devotion #17 of 17

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle , and over all the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them"

(Genesis 1:26-27)

A KEY TO SPIRITUAL CONFIDENCE

The reason we can have spiritual confidence is that we bear the divine image--particularly so in Jesus Christ. In my opinion, people that lack the "full assurance of faith" do so for at least two reasons. First, they have not comprehended what Jesus has accomplished in their behalf. Second, they are deficient in their perception of their own capacities in Christ. Two words from John will suffice to establish this point. There is no reason why you cannot receive them personally. "I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father" (1 John 2:13). "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one" (1 John 2:14).

CONCLUSION

The effect of understanding you bear the image of God is far reaching. It means that you can be sensitive to Him, hear Him, obey Him, and please Him. This is why it is written, "He is not far from every one of us" (Acts 17:27). It is what prompted the promise, "God is our Refuge . . . a very present Help in the time of trouble" (Psa. 46:1). Now, be encouraged to capitalize on the situation. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all of your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths!

-- TOMORROW: New Series--THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD --