I was asked to give an analysis of the following sentence for a class on discipleship that I took as part of my masters program - “Disciples are created in the image of God, yet fallen and choosing to learn.” It was part of a discusssion board.
There should be no disagreement as to the validity of the first part of that statement. All men are created in the image of God and thus by logical rationalization disciples are created in the image of God. However, the real question lies in how this pertains to the rest of the statement. It would be rather simplistic to divide this statement in two and deal with the first and second parts as individual thoughts. So how does a follower of Jesus Christ, created in the image of God yet fallen, choose to learn more about his Creator?
I believe you must understand the implications of what it means to be chosen by God unto salvation and therefore chosen unto good works and to also understand the believer's responsibility before God and man to choose to learn and grow. Romans 8:29 states - "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." The purpose of discipleship is to be in a continual process of transformation that is conforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. God has predestined us to this end. This is critical in understanding our own ability to be learners of the things of God. To know that God has called us and set us aside to be conformed to the image of His Son should empower us and motivate us to learn, grow, and desire after Him.
Prior to verse 29 in Romans chapter 8, Paul defines what it means to be truly free from the power of indwelling sin. Verses 5 -8 state - "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." If we live our lives according to the Holy Spirit that indwells our very being at the moment of salvation, then Scripture teaches that the implications of that are minds that are set on the things of God. Followers of Christ are super-naturally geared towards learning the things of God. That explains how we as fallen human beings can still learn the things of God.
As far as being created in the image of God, Scripture teaches that God has created within us the ability to know Him. But man, in his sinful state, has repressed the truth in his heart. Romans 1:18-19 states - "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them." It is only the regenerate heart that can come to understand the truths of God.
So where does that leave man in choosing to learn? Paul's letters are filled with exhortations for his readers to grow in the truths of God. Paul's writings clealry implore his readers to take action in their faith implying that it also is of our choosing to learn. It is awesome how God's soveriegnty and our choice to learn about God intertwine and fit perfectly together. Knowing this enables us to teach the truths of Scripture without reservation knowing that the true disciple will be eager to learn them.
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