"Christ as the Image of God VS The Face of Jesus Christ (God)"

 

"Christ as the Image of God VS The Face of Jesus Christ (God)"

2 Cor 4:3-4 "If our gospel is veiled...Christ who is the image of God."

Col 1:15 "He is the image of the invisible God..."

2 Cor 2:10 "...I have forgiven in the sight of Christ..." 

Comparison Items	Christ as the Image of God	The Face of Jesus Christ
Meaning	1. Visible manifestation of the invisible God 2. Complete expression of God's being 3. Concrete embodiment of God Himself	1. Expression of Christ's inner thoughts and feelings 2. Way to experience Christ as treasure 3. Reveals Christ's presence and characteristics
Distinctions	1. Emphasizes external manifestation 2. Stresses Christ's equality with God 3. Focuses on divine nature's display	1. Emphasizes internal communion 2. Stresses intimate relationship with believers 3. Focuses on personal experience
Explanation	Christ as God's image perfectly and accurately manifests the invisible God, enabling people to know God	Christ's face refers to His expression and countenance, reflecting His mind and thoughts, allowing believers to experience Him intimately
Examples	Like a photograph perfectly presenting the original, Christ fully manifests God the Father	Like face-to-face conversation with a close friend, seeing their expressions and emotions
Applications	1. Know God through knowing Christ 2. Express God's image in daily life 3. Testify God to others	1. Daily behold Christ's face 2. Live before Christ 3. Enjoy Christ's presence
Interrelationship	Both complement each other: 1. "Image" helps us know God's essence 2. "Face" helps us experience God's presence 3. "Image" is objective truth, "Face" is subjective experience
Related Scriptures	About Christ as God's Image:  John 1:18 "No one has ever seen God...He has made Him known."  John 14:9 "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father..."  Heb 1:3 "He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation..."	About Christ's Face:  2 Cor 4:6-7 "...to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ..." 2 Cor 3:18 "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord..."

 

Conclusion:

1.      These two concepts, while having different emphases, point to one complete truth

2.      "Christ as God's Image" emphasizes the manifestation of divine nature, while "The Face of Jesus Christ" emphasizes communion with believers

3.      Both share the common purpose of enabling believers to fully know and experience God

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 17 Christ as the Image of God and as Treasure