Hoekema famously rejected this twofold distinction (common in medieval and some Lutheran theology). He argued, based on Genesis 1:26–27, that “image” and “likeness” are essentially synonymous—Hebrew poetry using repetition for emphasis. For Hoekema, the image of God is not something humans have (like a property) but something humans are in relationship.
Few doctrines in Christian theology carry as much weight—and as much confusion—as the teaching that humanity was created in the image of God (the Imago Dei ). What does it mean to reflect the Creator? Is the image lost in the Fall? Can it be restored?
Among the most clear-headed and biblically faithful explorations of this topic in the 20th century is found in the work of Anthony A. Hoekema. His book, Created in God's Image , remains a staple in seminaries and Bible studies alike. For those searching for the "Created in God's Image Hoekema PDF," the goal is often to access this profound wisdom quickly. However, the value lies not just in possessing the document, but in grasping the transformative arguments contained within its pages. created in god 39-s image hoekema pdf
A central contribution of Hoekema’s work is his threefold division of the image of God in relation to human history: the image as original, the image as corrupted, and the image as renewed. In the original state (before the Fall), Adam and Eve perfectly reflected God's communicable attributes, such as true knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. They existed in perfect harmony with God, one another, and nature. However, Hoekema emphasizes that this was not a static perfection; it was a starting point intended for growth and development.
If you are searching for a PDF to quote, here are the key theological moves Hoekema makes that you will want to cite. Few doctrines in Christian theology carry as much
(what a human is, including rational and moral capabilities) and the functional
The entrance of sin drastically altered this reality. Hoekema navigates the complex theological question of whether the image of God was lost in the Fall by making a careful distinction between the image in its "broad" sense and its "narrow" sense. In the broad sense—which includes human self-consciousness, rationality, and moral responsibility—the image was not lost. Humans are still human, and they still retain a unique dignity above the rest of creation, as evidenced by Genesis 9:6 and James 3:9. However, in the narrow sense—which consists of true knowledge, righteousness, and holiness—the image was completely corrupted. Post-Fall humanity still possesses the structural capacity to serve God but utilizes those capacities to serve self and sin. Man is now a "perverted" image-bearer, a broken mirror that still reflects, but in a distorted and ugly manner. Can it be restored
The search for "created in God's image hoekema pdf" often begins with a need for a quick, free resource. However, what you truly need is access to Hoekema’s rich, biblical, and hopeful vision of humanity. He answers three great questions: (Created in God’s image). What went wrong? (The image was perverted, not erased). Where are we going? (The image will be perfectly restored in Christ).
Whether you eventually find a legitimate digital copy or purchase a physical book, engaging with Created in God’s Image will deepen your worship, inform your ethics, and anchor your identity. As Hoekema himself might say: You are not a cosmic accident. You are a royal image-bearer, slated for glory, and even now being renewed after the likeness of your Creator.
In his book Created in God's Image Anthony Hoekema explores what it means for humans to be made in the
Hoekema draws attention to the uniqueness of human relationships. He notes that the Trinity itself is a community of persons. Therefore, the image of God in man is best reflected in community. The fact that humanity was created "male and female" (Genesis 1:27) suggests that we cannot fully realize the image of God in isolation. We need others to be fully human.