From Glory to Glory in Christ: Restored to the Image of God

Based on Scott Mitchell's Bible Study, Glory to Glory in Christ: From Adam’s Image to Christ’s

Man was created in the image of God. That truth is foundational to Scripture. Yet when sin entered the world through Adam, that image was altered. Scripture is clear that humanity no longer bears God’s image by nature. Instead, every person now bears the image of Adam—a fallen image in need of redemption.

Genesis 5:3 states that Adam “begat a son in his own likeness, after his image.” This confirms that what is passed down to mankind is not God’s image, but Adam’s. The good news of the gospel is that God has provided a way for that image to be restored. That restoration is found only in Christ. Through Him, believers are being changed from glory to glory in Christ, until the image of God is fully revealed again.

The Image of Adam and the Need for Redemption

The fall of man did more than introduce sin—it changed man’s nature. The image of God was not destroyed, but it was corrupted. Every person is born under the dominion of sin and death, carrying Adam’s image rather than God’s righteousness.

Romans 3:19–23 establishes that the law exposes guilt rather than removes it. The law was never designed to restore the image of God. Its purpose was to reveal sin and shut every mouth before God. The image of Adam stands condemned under the law, unable to justify itself.

This is why redemption is not self-improvement or religious effort. Redemption requires a new image—one that can only come through Jesus Christ.

The Law as a Temporary Glory

The law given to Moses was glorious, but its glory was limited and temporary. Exodus 24:12 records God writing the law on tables of stone. Paul refers to this covenant as “the ministration of death” and “condemnation” (2 Corinthians 3:7–9). The law was holy and just, yet powerless to give life.

Galatians 3:24–25 explains that the law served as a schoolmaster to bring sinners to Christ. Once faith has come, believers are no longer under that schoolmaster. The law pointed forward to something greater—a better covenant with better promises.

The glory of the law revealed God’s holiness, but it also revealed man’s inability. That glory was never meant to be permanent.

The New Covenant and the Glory of the Spirit

Jeremiah 31:31–33 foretold a new covenant where God would write His law on the heart rather than on stone. This promise is fulfilled in Christ. At the Last Supper, Jesus declared, “This is my blood of the new testament” (Matthew 26:28). Hebrews 9:15 confirms that Christ is the mediator of that new covenant.

Second Corinthians 3:6–8 contrasts the old covenant with the new, calling the new covenant a “ministration of the spirit” and a “ministration of righteousness.” Where the law brought condemnation, the Spirit brings life. Where the law restrained, the Spirit liberates.

This is the transition from glory to glory in Christ—from the fading glory of the law to the exceeding glory of grace.

Unveiled Hearts and the Law of Liberty

Second Corinthians 3:12–16 teaches that the veil remains on those who look to the law for righteousness. That veil is removed only in Christ. When the heart turns to the Lord, liberty follows.

James 1:25 refers to this as “the perfect law of liberty.” Romans 8:2 declares freedom from “the law of sin and death” through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. This liberty does not remove righteousness—it produces it.

The Spirit works within the believer, shaping the heart and mind into conformity with Christ. This transformation is not external compliance, but internal renewal.

Predestined to Bear His Image

Romans 8:29 states that believers are predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s Son. This is God’s eternal purpose. Salvation is not merely rescue from judgment; it is restoration to God’s design.

As believers walk in faith, study the Word, and yield to the Spirit, the transformation continues daily. The image of Adam is being replaced by the image of Christ. This process is spiritual now, but it will one day be complete.

Final Glory and the Redemption of the Body

Philippians 3:20–21 promises that Christ will change our vile body and fashion it like His glorious body. This is the final stage of redemption. The inward transformation will be matched by an outward one.

On that day, the image of God will be fully restored—body, soul, and spirit. There will be no more sin, sorrow, pain, or death. The glory that began in Christ will be revealed in us forever.

Conclusion: From the Glory of Law to Eternal Glory in Christ

A glorious day is coming. Redemption has been secured by the blood of Christ, and transformation is already underway. Believers are being changed from glory to glory in Christ—from the glory that led us to the Savior, to the glory that will be revealed when He returns.

The image of Adam is temporary. The image of Christ is eternal. Through faith in Him, the work of restoration is certain. The question is not whether God has made a way, but whether one will trust in that way.

The promise stands: we shall bear the image of God forever.