The Institution of Christian Religion

But yet it seemeth that there is not given a full definition of the image of God, unless it plainlier appear in what qualities man excelleth: and whereby he ought to be counted a glass, resembling the glory of God. But that can be by no other thing better known, than by the repairing of mans corrupted nature. First it is doubtless, that when Adam fell from his estate, he was by that departure estranged from God. Wherefore although we grant that the Image of God was not altogether defaced and blotted out in him, yet was it so corrupted, that all that remaineth, is but ugly deformity. Therefore the beginning of recovery of safety for us, is in that restoring which we obtain by Christ, who is also for the same cause called the second Adam, because he restored us unto true and perfect integrity. For although where Paul doeth in comparison set the quickening Spirit that Christ giveth to the faithful,¹ against the living soul wherein Adam was created, he setteth forth the more abundant measure of grace in the regeneration: yet doth he not take away this other principal point, that this is the end of our regeneration, that Christ should new fashion us to the image of God.² Therefore in an other place he teacheth, that the new man is renewed according to the image of him that created him. Wherewith agreeth this saying: put on the new man which is create according to God. Now it is to be seen, what Paul doth principally comprehend under this renewing. First he speaketh of knowledge ⟨p. 54⟩and after of pure righteousness and holiness. Whereby we gather that the image of God was first of all to be seen in the light of the mind, in the uprightness of hart, and soundness of all the parts. For although I grant that this is a figurative phrase of speech to set the part for the whole: yet can not this principle be overthrown, that that thing which is the chief in the renewing of the image of God, was also the principal in the creation of him.³ And for the same purpose maketh it that in an other place he teacheth, that we beholding the glory of God with open face, are transformed into the same image. Now do we see how Christ is the most perfect image of God, according to the which we being fashioned are so restored, that in true godliness, righteousness, pureness and understanding, we bear the image of God.