小編按: D. A. Carson 在談論偶像崇拜的本質提到：偶像崇拜的本質是將真實的上帝去神聖化，同時將非上帝的事物神聖化。偶像並非源於事物本身，而是源於我們與事物的連結方式——我們在其中尋找終極意義、價值、目標或安息。
Richard Lints在 Identity and Idolatry: The Image of God and Its Inversion 這本書中說；聖經中偶像”idol” 一詞，其實是對應創世紀第一章神的形象”image”而來的。這是救贖歷史的敘事手法。
Lints 進一步指出 the “narrative” of human identity runs from
creation (imago Dei)
to fall (the golden calf/idol, Exodus 32)
to redemption (Christ as perfect image, Colossians 1:15-20).
The biblical-theological use of image/idol is a thread through the canon that highlights the movements of redemptive history.
The biblical-theological use of image and idol is a major thread that runs through the entire canon of Scripture, highlighting the movements of redemptive history from creation to new creation. This theme helps us understand God’s purpose for humanity, the nature of sin, and the ultimate redemption found in Christ. Let’s explore this step by step.
1. Creation: Humanity as the True Image of God
In Genesis 1:26-27, God creates humans in His image (Hebrew: tselem), giving them a unique role as His representatives on earth:
👉 “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…” (Genesis 1:26)
This means:
- Humanity was meant to reflect God’s character and authority over creation.
- Humans were living images of God, meant to worship Him alone.
🔹 Connection to Idolatry: Since humans are already God’s image, making idols is a distortion—it replaces the true image with false ones (Exodus 20:4-5).
2. The Fall: Idolatry as Image-Distortion
In Genesis 3, sin enters the world, and instead of reflecting God, humans turn to idols—false images of deity. Romans 1:23 describes this as a tragic exchange:
👉 “They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:23)
This reversal corrupts:
- The image of God in humanity (leading to sin, injustice, and death).
- The proper worship of God, replacing Him with man-made idols.
🔹 Biblical Pattern: Every time Israel worships an idol, it’s an attempt to redefine who God is—like the golden calf (Exodus 32), where Israel tried to control God’s image.
3. Israel and the Law: Restoring the True Image
God calls Israel to be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), a people who reflect Him. The second commandment forbids making graven images (Exodus 20:4) because:
- God Himself provides the image—humans.
- Any human attempt to “create” God’s image distorts Him.
Israel was meant to be God’s image-bearers to the nations (Isaiah 42:6-7), but when they fell into idolatry, they failed their calling.
4. Christ: The True Image of God
Jesus Christ is the perfect fulfillment of the image of God:
👉 “He is the image (eikōn) of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15)
👉 “In Him the fullness of deity dwells bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
- Unlike Adam (who failed as God’s image), Jesus perfectly represents God.
- Jesus restores the image of God in humanity through His death and resurrection.
- Believers are transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
🔹 Key Point: The movement of redemptive history culminates in Christ, who is not just an image-bearer but the true Image of God Himself.
5. The Church: Restoring the Image Through Christ
As believers, we are being conformed to the image of Christ:
👉 “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29)
This means:
- Sanctification is a process of restoring God’s image in us.
- Idolatry still tempts believers (Colossians 3:5), but we are called to worship the true and living God.
🔹 New Testament Contrast: Instead of worshiping idols, believers become God’s living temple, where His Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 6:19).
6. New Creation: The Fulfillment of the Image
In the new heavens and new earth, idolatry will be completely destroyed, and God’s people will perfectly reflect His image:
👉 “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:4)
This is the ultimate restoration—where humans fully bear God’s image as they were meant to.
Conclusion: A Thread Through the Canon
Yes, the theme of image and idolatry runs through the whole Bible, revealing the progress of redemptive history:
✅ Creation → Humanity as God’s image.
❌ Fall → Idolatry distorts the true image.
📜 Israel → Called to reject idols and reflect God.
✝️ Christ → The perfect image of God, restoring humanity.
🔥 Church → Transformed into Christ’s image.
🌍 New Creation → Full restoration, no more idolatry.
This shows that idolatry is not just about false worship—it’s a distortion of humanity’s purpose. Only in Christ is the image of God fully restored!