Conformed To Our Image

The Bible teaches that man was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26, 27).  As such, we are inferior to Him.  He is the Creator, we are the creatures, and therefore subject to His will.  However, some do not see it that way.

People want God to conform to their image.  They do not want a God of wrath, so they believe He is all love.  They do not want a God who is strict and narrow-minded, so their God is one who is permissive and tolerant of a wide range of behavior—including small infractions of morality.  They want a God who will accept their worship, no matter what, so they have a God who rejoices in man-made homage.

The Bible student will notice the attitude that conforms God to man’s image is idolatry.  Typical paganism has multiple gods.  The people we are talking about (including friends and family), have one god that fits all.  The Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Lutheran, and good Catholic are all acceptable to God—in their mind.  He is a multi-cultural, pluralistic God.

Contrary to this erroneous thinking, the Word of God states that He is strict, narrow, and has one truth for all men (Matt. 7:13, 14).  “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).  There is only one faith, not many, just as surely as there is one Savior (Eph. 4:4-6).

Let us not try to conform God to our image, but let us be conformed to His.

— Steven F. Deaton | www.ImplantedWord.com