I just want to say that I love your site and get great strength from reading your articles. The question about God’s image throws people of because an image is what we see and identify with. I agree that Adam was the only man, before the fall, created in God’s image spiritually.
Some would say what about Jesus, but he wasn’t created in God’s image, he was God in flesh. John said it was not clear what we shall be like, but that when He (Jesus) appears we will be like him. My question is: Do you think Adam was, what we shall become, before he fell.
I’ve heard the analogy that Adam’s creation in the image of God is comparable to a mirror image, perfect and accurate in every detail. At the fall, it was like someone had shattered the mirror, and from that time forward humans received only parts of God’s image, like shards of the broken mirror. That’s why some are “naturally” gifted musicians, while others excel at mathematics, or other arts and sciences. Still others are great humanitarians, healers, care givers, or have grace and ability in physical endeavors. They’ve received pieces of the broken image.
When we’re perfected it will be as if the mirror is put back together and we’ll all have all of God’s attributes again. So yes, I believe the raptured Church will regain the full measure of the image of God that Adam enjoyed.
But there’s even more than that in store for us. We’ll be conformed to the likeness of His Son as well. (Romans 8:29 & 1 John 3:2) For example, there’s no indication from scripture that Adam had the inter-dimensional capabilities that Jesus demonstrated after His resurrection.
As Paul wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Cor. 2:9)