Colossians 3:10
Verse
Context
Put On the New Self
9Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And have put on the new man - See on Rom 12:1-2 (note). Is renewed in knowledge - Ignorance was the grand characteristic of the heathen state; Knowledge, of the Christian. The utmost to which heathenism could pretend was a certain knowledge of nature. How far this went, and how much it fell short of the truth, may be seen in the writings of Aristotle and Pliny. Christianity reveals God himself, the author of nature; or, rather, God has revealed himself, in the Christian system with which he has blessed mankind. Christianity teaches a man the true knowledge both of himself and of God; but it is impossible to know one's self but in the light of God; the famous γνωθι σεαυτον, know thyself, was practicable only under the Christian religion. After the image of him that created him - We have already seen that God made man in his own image; and we have seen in what that image consisted. See the notes on Gen 1:26, and on Eph 4:23 (note), Eph 4:24 (note). Does not the apostle refer here to the case of an artist, who wishes to make a perfect resemblance of some exquisite form or person? God in this case is the artist, man is the copy, and God himself the original from which this copy is to be taken. Thus, then, man is made by his Creator, not according to the image or likeness of any other being, but according to his own; the image του Κτισαντος, of the Creator. And as the Divine nature cannot exist in forms or fashions, moral qualities alone are those which must be produced. Hence the apostle, interpreting the words of Moses, says that the image in which man was made, and in which he must be remade, ανακαινουμενον, made anew, consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the new man--(See on Eph 4:23). Here (neon) the Greek, means "the recently-put-on nature"; that lately received at regeneration (see on Eph 4:23-24). which is renewed--Greek, "which is being renewed" (anakainottmenou); namely, its development into a perfectly renewed nature is continually progressing to completion. in knowledge--rather as the Greek, "unto perfect knowledge" (see on Col 1:6; Col 1:9-10). Perfect knowledge of God excludes all sin (Joh 17:3). after the image of him that created him--namely, of God that created the new man (Eph 2:10; Eph 4:24). The new creation is analogous to the first creation (Co2 4:6). As man was then made in the image of God naturally, so now spiritually. But the image of God formed in us by the Spirit of God, is as much more glorious than that borne by Adam, as the Second Man, the Lord from heaven, is more glorious than the first man. Gen 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." The "image" is claimed for man, Co1 11:7; the "likeness," Jam 3:9. ORIGEN [On First Principles, 3:6] taught, the image was something in which all were created, and which continued to man after the fall (Gen 9:6). The likeness was something towards which man was created, that he might strive after it and attain it. TRENCH thinks God in the double statement (Gen 1:26), contemplates both man's first creation and his being "renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And have put on the new man,.... Concerning which, and the putting it on; see Gill on Eph 4:24, which is renewed in knowledge; this man, or principle of grace in the soul, is a new one, which never was there before; and there is a daily renovation of it in the spirit of the mind, by the Spirit of God; for as the outward man decays, the inward man, which is the same with this new man, is renewed day by day, increases in holiness and righteousness, grows in grace, and particularly in "knowledge"; light and knowledge of a man's self, of his lost state and condition by nature, of his need of Christ, and of his salvation, is what appears at the first formation of this new man; and the daily renovation of him lies in an increase of spiritual, experimental, and saving knowledge of God, and Christ, and divine things; and indeed, until a man becomes a new creature, he neither knows, nor is he capable of knowing, the things of the Spirit of God; so that this new man, or principle of grace, begins with spiritual knowledge, and is formed in order to it, and its increase lies in it: after the image of him that created him; the new man; for this is a creation work, and so not man's, but God's; and is made not after the image of the first man, no not as innocent, and much less as fallen; but after the image of Christ, to which the elect of God are predestinated to he conformed, and which is stamped in regeneration; and more and more appears by every transforming view of Christ, and will be perfected in heaven, when they shall see him as he is, and be perfectly like him, who is not only the pattern, but the Creator of it, even the author and finisher of faith.
Colossians 3:10
Put On the New Self
9Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Captivated by Christ
By Alan Redpath6.7K1:09:44CaptivatedMAT 6:33EPH 4:31COL 3:1COL 3:4COL 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God as the first priority in our lives. He encourages listeners to concentrate on knowing, loving, and living for God. The speaker shares a personal story about witnessing a family's devotion to prayer and how it impacted him. He also highlights the current issues in the world, such as unemployment, drugs, crime, and racial prejudice, and suggests that following God's rules can bring about positive change. The sermon references Colossians 3, which instructs believers to seek heavenly things, set their minds on godly things, put to death sinful desires, and put off the old nature.
Portraits of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon3.1K44:19MAT 16:24ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 6:14PHP 3:10COL 3:101JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being conformed to the image of Christ. He highlights that Christ's nature and character should be reflected in the lives of believers. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of Christ's cross, stating that it is inseparable from understanding who Christ is. He encourages Christians to bear their own crosses and follow Christ's example. The sermon concludes with the preacher discussing the ultimate reward for believers who are conformed to Christ's image, including sitting at his right hand and receiving the Father's approval and delight.
Being Clean Before God
By Andrew Strom2.5K36:27ROM 5:1ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 5:26COL 3:10HEB 4:10JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of experiencing true repentance and faith in Christ to come into a place of cleanness before God, enabling believers to have close communion with Him. It highlights the need to trust in Jesus for righteousness, rather than striving in our own efforts, and to walk in the Spirit to maintain a clean conscience. The speaker urges for a transformation in the church by preaching and living out the reality of being clean before God through faith in Jesus.
Deformation of Image - Inalienable Aspects - Moral Agency
By John Murray1.8K46:23Moral AgencyGEN 1:26GEN 5:1GEN 5:3GEN 7:3GEN 9:6EPH 4:4COL 3:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word. They express a concern about losing contact with the committee and proceed to briefly recap the main points made in the previous sermon. The first point is that, based on biblical evidence, fallen man is still considered to be in the image of God. However, other passages define the divine image in terms of knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, which cannot be attributed to fallen man. The speaker then focuses on three characteristics of personality: self-consciousness, rationality, and freedom.
Jesus Style by Gayle Erwin
By K.P. Yohannan1.6K02:45JHN 14:6ROM 12:2EPH 4:22COL 3:10In this sermon, KP Yohannan shares about the impactful book 'Jesus Style' by Gayle Irwin that has significantly influenced his walk with God over the years. He emphasizes the central message of Christianity being Jesus and the importance of understanding how to live out that message in our daily lives. Yohannan encourages believers to seek out this book as a valuable resource for spiritual growth and transformation.
Roman Catholic's View of Man's Primitive Condition
By John Murray1.3K51:20Roman CatholicGEN 1:26ROM 8:291CO 15:49EPH 4:24COL 3:102PE 1:41JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the fall of man and the loss of his free-to-natural and supernatural gifts. The fall resulted in man reverting to a state of pure nature, losing his connection to the divine. The preacher also explores the idea of when man was endowed with these gifts, suggesting that man naturally consists of both flesh and spirit, with affinity to both beasts and angels. The sermon also criticizes the idea that the Bible offers a twofold action for man's origin, instead emphasizing that man was created in God's image with qualities intended to address the defects in his nature.
Who Is the King
By Roy Hession1.2K45:16Kingship1KI 1:51KI 2:121KI 4:22MAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:22COL 3:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had made Solomon the rightful king. Adonijah, out of fear, sought refuge by holding onto the horns of the altar. The preacher draws a parallel between this story and the recent general election in Great Britain, emphasizing the importance of recognizing who truly governs our lives. The sermon highlights the need for humility and surrender to God's authority.
Listen to God Constantly
By Zac Poonen1.1K56:00PRO 4:13ISA 42:19JHN 5:30JHN 15:72CO 4:16COL 3:10JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of abiding in God's Word and listening to His voice daily. It highlights the need to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly desires, focusing on renewing the inner man daily while acknowledging the decay of the outer man. The speaker encourages developing a habit of seeking God's will, forming righteous judgments, and valuing God's Word to experience His power and authority in prayer.
The Church Is the Light
By Zac Poonen77252:212SA 24:181CH 21:1LUK 16:31EPH 5:25COL 3:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the church as a united body, not just focusing on individual Christianity. It highlights the sacrificial attitude needed to build the church, drawing parallels to biblical examples like David's willingness to pay a price for the temple. The speaker stresses the need for true sacrifice, giving oneself for the church, and not just relying on money, music, or psychology. The goal is to build a church where Christ's presence is felt, transcending cultural, social, and economic barriers, and focusing on unity in Christ.
God's Purpose for Man
By Zac Poonen53924:46GEN 1:26GEN 1:28JHN 15:5ROM 8:142CO 5:20GAL 5:16EPH 1:4COL 3:101TH 5:23JAS 4:7This sermon delves into God's original purpose for creating man, emphasizing the unique creation of humans with a spirit that distinguishes them from animals. It explores the consequences of sin on man's spirit, the restoration through Christ, and the call for believers to reflect God's image and rule over their earthly desires. The message highlights the importance of fellowship with God, the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers, and the need to align with God's purpose to fulfill His original design for humanity.
Your Identity in Christ
By Joshua Daniel53154:07JHN 1:12JHN 10:14ACT 19:15ACT 19:172CO 5:17EPH 4:22PHP 3:20COL 3:101JN 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a true identity in Christ, showcasing the power and recognition that comes from being a son or daughter of God. It delves into the consequences of living with a false identity, urging for a genuine transformation and manifestation of God's power in one's life and community.
What Is a Christian 21 Christian Is a New Man
By James K. Boswell46739:06JHN 1:12JHN 1:142CO 4:6COL 3:10COL 3:141JN 1:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the life of Jesus as a perfect example of surrendering to the will of God the Father. Jesus came to do the will of the Father, not his own. His life was empowered and energized by the Holy Spirit, leading him to full surrender and obedience to God's word. The speaker encourages believers to live a life like Jesus, remembering that they possess a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and producing fruit unto holiness and righteousness. The sermon references 2 Peter 1:3-4 to highlight the divine power given to believers and the escape from the corruption of the world through the knowledge of God.
Conference for Missionaries-1986 - Part 1
By William MacDonald28039:23Christian CharacterChrist LikenessConferenceMAT 5:16JHN 13:35ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 2:20EPH 5:1PHP 2:5COL 3:101PE 2:211JN 2:6William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of becoming Christ-like in character, asserting that this is the highest goal for Christians. He argues that true Christian character is defined by conformity to the image of Jesus, which should be the ultimate ambition of every believer. MacDonald warns against the inconsistency of many who profess faith yet fail to live it out, highlighting that our lives should reflect Christ to the world. He encourages believers to strive for a life that embodies the love and character of Jesus, as this is the most powerful testimony to the gospel. Ultimately, he calls for a transformation that aligns our actions with our faith, so that we may accurately represent Christ to others.
To the Christian Readers of the Oberlin Evangelist
By Charles Finney1Spiritual GrowthSanctificationJHN 17:17ROM 12:12CO 3:18EPH 4:15PHP 1:6COL 3:101TH 5:23HEB 12:141PE 1:152PE 3:18Charles Finney addresses the Christian readers of the Oberlin Evangelist, emphasizing the need for the sanctification of believers alongside the conversion of sinners. He reflects on his past focus on evangelism and acknowledges the neglect of spiritual growth within the Church, realizing that converts require ongoing support for their sanctification. Finney expresses his commitment to teaching the high and pure doctrines of grace to elevate the standard of holiness among Christians. He encourages readers to seek a deeper understanding of Christ, not just as a Savior but as a sanctifying presence in their lives. Finney concludes with a plea for prayer and support as he embarks on this new course of lectures aimed at spiritual edification.
Christlike at Heart
By David Wilkerson1Spiritual GrowthChristlikenessMAT 5:16JHN 15:16ROM 8:291CO 6:192CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 4:15PHP 1:11COL 3:102PE 1:5David Wilkerson emphasizes that our core purpose in life is to bear fruit by reflecting the likeness of Christ, which goes beyond merely winning souls to Christ. He explains that true fulfillment of God's purpose is not measured by our achievements but by our transformation into Christ's image. Wilkerson warns against being distracted by outward appearances, like the grandeur of the temple, and encourages believers to focus on their spiritual growth as the true temple of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, our activities and relationships should flow from this central purpose of becoming more Christlike at heart.
Image Restoration
By A.W. Tozer0Divine FriendshipImage RestorationGEN 1:27PSA 139:14JHN 15:14ROM 8:292CO 3:18EPH 2:10PHP 1:6COL 3:10JAS 2:231JN 1:3A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound concept of divine-human friendship, asserting that God initiated this relationship by declaring, 'Ye are my friends' (John 15:14). He explains that true friendship does not require complete similarity, but rather a connection at points where personalities align. This friendship between the infinite God and finite man is credible and fulfilling, as it reflects the likeness of their hearts. Tozer highlights that God created man in His image and is actively restoring that image, which was marred by sin, allowing for a deep and satisfying relationship with Him.
Always New
By Erlo Stegen0Renewal in ChristEmbracing the Holy SpiritISA 43:19MAT 9:17JHN 3:30ROM 12:22CO 4:162CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 5:18PHP 3:13COL 3:10Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity of being renewed in Christ to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit, as illustrated in Matthew 9:17. He explains that just as old wineskins cannot contain new wine due to their rigidity, our old ways and habits must be transformed to embrace the fresh work of God in our lives. Stegen warns that without daily renewal, believers risk losing the blessings of the Spirit and may even face spiritual stagnation. He challenges the congregation to introspect and identify any remnants of their old selves that could hinder their spiritual growth. Ultimately, the message calls for a commitment to continual renewal in order to fully experience the new life in Christ.
Battleground of the Two Humanities
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Nature of the ChurchTransformationROM 8:291CO 1:181CO 2:142CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:13PHP 3:14COL 3:10HEB 12:21JN 3:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual battleground between the old humanity and the new humanity as depicted in the letters to the Corinthians. He highlights the necessity of relying on God's power and grace, acknowledging that true spiritual growth comes from conforming to the image of Christ rather than adhering to worldly wisdom or practices. Sparks points out that the church's purpose is to express Jesus Christ, and warns against the dangers of allowing the old humanity to infiltrate the new life in Christ. He encourages believers to focus on the person of Jesus and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, leading to a greater measure of Christ in the church. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep reflection on how much of Christ is present in individual lives and the collective body of believers.
Epistle 293
By George Fox0ISA 9:6JHN 1:3ROM 4:16ROM 8:6PHP 1:27COL 1:10COL 3:10HEB 1:3JAS 1:27REV 19:14George Fox preaches about the importance of walking in the truth and power of godliness, being renewed into the heavenly image of God, and growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for believers to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, filled with grace, love, and peaceable truth, and to be spiritually minded rather than carnally minded. Fox encourages faithful family meetings, urging diligence in duty to God and others, and promoting peace and unity among believers as disciples of Christ.
December 2. 1678. the Interpretation of the Vision.
By Jane Lead0ACT 2:38ROM 8:232CO 5:17EPH 3:6COL 3:10Jane Lead preaches about the vision of the Roll, where the Gentile nature is called to partake in the Covenant of Promise through the inward birth of the Spirit, becoming a fellow heir with Christ. The process involves being baptized for the remission of sins by the Holy Ghost's fire for complete sanctification. The outward Gentile nature must be transformed into a pure Nazarite before Christ can work wonders. The sermon emphasizes the need for the outward man to renounce earthly traditions and laws, embracing a spiritual transformation to unite with the divine.
To Ministers of the Gospel of All Denominations. [#6]
By Charles Finney0Advancement in KnowledgeOvercoming PrejudicePRO 1:5ISA 43:19MAT 9:17JHN 16:13ACT 17:111CO 2:9EPH 4:15COL 3:102TI 2:15HEB 5:12Charles Finney addresses ministers of the Gospel, urging them to overcome the fear of changing their opinions on religious matters. He highlights the unreasonable public sentiment that discourages the advancement of religious knowledge, suggesting that it is seen as a crime to discover new truths that past generations did not know. Finney emphasizes the importance of continual learning and growth in understanding God's word, arguing that the church must not remain stagnant but should embrace innovation in theology. He calls for ministers to reject the prejudice against new ideas and to boldly proclaim the truths they discover, as this is essential for the church's spiritual maturity.
1 Peter 3:4
By John Gill0Inner BeautyMeekness and Humility1SA 16:7PSA 147:6MAT 5:52CO 4:16GAL 5:22EPH 4:24COL 3:10JAS 4:61PE 3:41PE 5:5John Gill emphasizes the significance of the 'hidden man of the heart' in 1 Peter 3:4, which represents the internal grace that beautifies the soul far beyond external adornments. This inner man, or new creature, is characterized by a new heart and spirit, enabling a deeper understanding and affection for divine things. Gill explains that this hidden man is incorruptible and is not influenced by the external world, remaining untouched by sin and corruption. He highlights the importance of a meek and quiet spirit as a principal aspect of this inner beauty, which is highly valued by God. Ultimately, Gill encourages believers to cultivate this inner grace, which reflects true godliness and is precious in the sight of God.
Epistle 56
By George Fox0ISA 7:14ISA 8:7LUK 15:8JHN 17:12ACT 7:52ROM 12:2EPH 2:2PHP 3:18COL 3:2COL 3:10JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about the importance of heeding the light of Christ within, which calls our minds away from worldly lusts and evil desires, and towards God for renewal and worship. Those who reject this light are enemies of Christ, influenced by the devil, and betrayers of the just. By focusing on the pure light of God, our minds are turned away from earthly affections and towards heavenly wisdom, leading to eternal life and peace.
More Than a Name
By A.W. Tozer0True WorshipTransformationMAT 7:21JHN 3:3JHN 14:13ROM 12:2GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 2:5COL 3:102PE 1:41JN 3:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true worship goes beyond merely invoking the name of Jesus; it requires a transformation of nature that aligns with His will. He critiques the notion that there is a magical formula in saying Jesus' name, asserting that genuine worship stems from a new birth and a deep relationship with God. Tozer highlights that understanding the nature of Jesus is essential for receiving His promises and living a life reflective of His character. He references 2 Peter 1:4 to illustrate that believers are called to partake in the divine nature, escaping worldly corruption. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper understanding and embodiment of Jesus' nature in our lives.
They Arise From the Mind's Being Enlightened to Understand or Apprehend Divine Things.
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 43:3LUK 11:52JHN 6:45ROM 10:21CO 2:142CO 4:6PHP 1:9COL 1:9COL 3:101JN 3:61JN 4:7Jonathan Edwards preaches about how gracious affections arise from the mind being enlightened to understand divine things. Holy affections are not merely emotional but are rooted in spiritual knowledge and understanding of God and Christ. Affections that do not stem from spiritual enlightenment are not genuine. Spiritual understanding is a supernatural discernment of divine things that natural men do not possess, and it primarily involves perceiving the beauty and excellence of God's moral perfection.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And have put on the new man - See on Rom 12:1-2 (note). Is renewed in knowledge - Ignorance was the grand characteristic of the heathen state; Knowledge, of the Christian. The utmost to which heathenism could pretend was a certain knowledge of nature. How far this went, and how much it fell short of the truth, may be seen in the writings of Aristotle and Pliny. Christianity reveals God himself, the author of nature; or, rather, God has revealed himself, in the Christian system with which he has blessed mankind. Christianity teaches a man the true knowledge both of himself and of God; but it is impossible to know one's self but in the light of God; the famous γνωθι σεαυτον, know thyself, was practicable only under the Christian religion. After the image of him that created him - We have already seen that God made man in his own image; and we have seen in what that image consisted. See the notes on Gen 1:26, and on Eph 4:23 (note), Eph 4:24 (note). Does not the apostle refer here to the case of an artist, who wishes to make a perfect resemblance of some exquisite form or person? God in this case is the artist, man is the copy, and God himself the original from which this copy is to be taken. Thus, then, man is made by his Creator, not according to the image or likeness of any other being, but according to his own; the image του Κτισαντος, of the Creator. And as the Divine nature cannot exist in forms or fashions, moral qualities alone are those which must be produced. Hence the apostle, interpreting the words of Moses, says that the image in which man was made, and in which he must be remade, ανακαινουμενον, made anew, consists in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the new man--(See on Eph 4:23). Here (neon) the Greek, means "the recently-put-on nature"; that lately received at regeneration (see on Eph 4:23-24). which is renewed--Greek, "which is being renewed" (anakainottmenou); namely, its development into a perfectly renewed nature is continually progressing to completion. in knowledge--rather as the Greek, "unto perfect knowledge" (see on Col 1:6; Col 1:9-10). Perfect knowledge of God excludes all sin (Joh 17:3). after the image of him that created him--namely, of God that created the new man (Eph 2:10; Eph 4:24). The new creation is analogous to the first creation (Co2 4:6). As man was then made in the image of God naturally, so now spiritually. But the image of God formed in us by the Spirit of God, is as much more glorious than that borne by Adam, as the Second Man, the Lord from heaven, is more glorious than the first man. Gen 1:26, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." The "image" is claimed for man, Co1 11:7; the "likeness," Jam 3:9. ORIGEN [On First Principles, 3:6] taught, the image was something in which all were created, and which continued to man after the fall (Gen 9:6). The likeness was something towards which man was created, that he might strive after it and attain it. TRENCH thinks God in the double statement (Gen 1:26), contemplates both man's first creation and his being "renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And have put on the new man,.... Concerning which, and the putting it on; see Gill on Eph 4:24, which is renewed in knowledge; this man, or principle of grace in the soul, is a new one, which never was there before; and there is a daily renovation of it in the spirit of the mind, by the Spirit of God; for as the outward man decays, the inward man, which is the same with this new man, is renewed day by day, increases in holiness and righteousness, grows in grace, and particularly in "knowledge"; light and knowledge of a man's self, of his lost state and condition by nature, of his need of Christ, and of his salvation, is what appears at the first formation of this new man; and the daily renovation of him lies in an increase of spiritual, experimental, and saving knowledge of God, and Christ, and divine things; and indeed, until a man becomes a new creature, he neither knows, nor is he capable of knowing, the things of the Spirit of God; so that this new man, or principle of grace, begins with spiritual knowledge, and is formed in order to it, and its increase lies in it: after the image of him that created him; the new man; for this is a creation work, and so not man's, but God's; and is made not after the image of the first man, no not as innocent, and much less as fallen; but after the image of Christ, to which the elect of God are predestinated to he conformed, and which is stamped in regeneration; and more and more appears by every transforming view of Christ, and will be perfected in heaven, when they shall see him as he is, and be perfectly like him, who is not only the pattern, but the Creator of it, even the author and finisher of faith.