The "Stained" Image of God

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          We have previously proven that God created the universe in order to display His glory.  Look around the world in which we live in.  What is an unbiased summary of the condition of planet earth?  Does it exhibit the glory of God?  This is a trickier question than it initially sounds. 

          Let us briefly re-establish the universe’s situation and humankind’s condition.  Although God created the cosmos to gloriously reveal Himself including the creation of humans in His own image, it did not last long. 

Due to our willful and blatant rebellion (sin) against God, the earth has “fallen.”  The “image of God” within mankind has been marred, tainted, spoiled.  How far have we fallen in regards to our God-like image?  This has been an intensely debated theological question since Jesus walked the earth. 

According to the Apostle Paul in the New Testament the answer is…we have fallen a long, long, long, long, long, long way! 

          Please understand that a detailed presentation on the fallen condition of humankind would take a lengthy series of sermons in itself.  So this is in fact a brief summary of several different Biblical truths. 


OUR CONDITION

          What is our condition now that we have sinned and disobeyed God?  We are “lost.”  We have inherited a “sinful” nature with a inherent desire to sin; one that not only “desires” to sin, but is “addicted” to sin.  We want to sin…everywhere and always.  Not only do we “desire” to sin and are “addicted” to sin, but the Bible clearly states we are “slaves” to sin.  That’s right.  We cannot help but sin.  Sin is our master.  We go and do and live as sin commands us.  Those in the world without Christ who claim to be “free as a bird” because they falsely believe they are doing whatever they please, are tragically mistaken.  They are entirely incapable of doing good or living for others or serving God.  They are bound by their master -- sin.  Now we understand why the Bible asserts our need for a Savior to set us free!    

          So what is mankind’s “relationship” with God after the fall?  Just as bad as our soul’s condition.  Sin has separated us from God.  God is a perfect, holy, pure and just God.  Sin and the presence of God do not mix…at all!  Due to our sinful condition, not a single soul wants any kind of relationship with God…whatsoever.  

          Furthermore, since mankind was granted authority over all of creation as its sole caretaker, when we “fell” we took all of creation with us.  So we have not only taken down our own souls but the entire world with us.  This, according to the Scriptures, is the present condition of our souls, our relationship with God, and all of creation.  It does not paint a pretty picture.