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Image and Likeness of God (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has clearly revealed Himself through His Word, declaring that He possesses form and shape. In Genesis 1:26-27, it is stated that man is made in His image and likeness, a direct and concrete resemblance, not merely an abstract concept. This image, described by the Hebrew word "tselem," means shape, figure, or resemblance, as seen consistently across scriptures like Exodus 20:4 and Leviticus 26:1, where images reflect physical forms. The Greek term "icon," used similarly in the New Testament, reinforces this idea of a direct relationship between the original and the image, as in Romans 1:23 and Matthew 22:20, where images on coins bear clear likenesses. Despite such clarity, some question whether God truly has form, suggesting His descriptions are mere figures of speech. Yet, the consistent use of terms like "tselem," "demooth," and "icon" across contexts—whether referring to idols or man's creation—indicates a physical resemblance. Scriptures like Ezekiel 1 and John 5:37 affirm that God has a visible form and an audible voice, as witnessed by those who saw and heard Him. Jesus Christ Himself taught that a spirit being's body is not vaporous but has tangible form, distinct from earthly flesh and bone, yet real and perceptible. To deny that God means what He says about His image is to cast doubt on His revelation. If man is made in His image, as Genesis declares, then God must have an outward form and shape. His purpose, evident from the foundation laid in Genesis, is to reproduce Himself, with man bearing His likeness even now, holding the potential to be exactly like Him.

Image and Likeness of God (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus did not take on a different shape or form when He was transfigured. Taking on the image of the heavenly does not vaporize one into shapeless essence.

Extremes of Idolatry: Graven Images and Sacred Names

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Some stretch the second commandment to condemn the use of all paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Others claim only Hebrew names for God can be used.

Words Versus Images

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Spiritually, relying on images leads to shallowness of thought at best and idolatry at its worst. Virtually everything we know about God comes through words.

Lessons from the Count to Pentecost

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The Sabbaths midway through the count to Pentecost represent times of faithlessness among our ancestors who complained about food and rejected God's leadership.

Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

How Satan Destroys Faith

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Because we act on what we believe, any affront to our belief system will alter our choices and behavior, placing us on a destructive trajectory.