Christianity Quote by Athanasius of Alexandria
““What, then, was God to do? What else could He possibly do, being God, but renew His Image in mankind, so that through it men might once more come to know Him? And how could this be done save by the coming of the very Image Himself, our Savior Jesus Christ? Men could not have done it, for they are only made after the Image; nor could angels have done it, for they are not the images of God. The Word of God came in His own Person, because it was He alone, the Image of the Father Who could recreate man made after the Image.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On the Incarnation, 4th century
The passage argues that only God, becoming the divine Image, could restore humanity’s relationship with Him, a task beyond humans or angels.
In simple terms: Only God can renew humanity by becoming the Image Himself.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the unique role of divine incarnation.
Themes
theology
incarnation
divine-human relationship
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
theological
explanatory
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual teaching
- historical theology
Key Concepts
Image of God
recreation
salvation
Christology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the concept of the divine Image shape your view of humanity?
- What does it mean to be made after the Image?
A Different Perspective
Human effort cannot achieve what divine incarnation accomplishes.
![“While [the Arians], like men sprung from a dunghill, truly "spoke from the earth" [Jn. 3:31], the bishops [of Nicea], not having invented their phrases for themselves, but having testimony from their fathers, wrote as they did. For ancient bishops, of the great Rome and our city [i.e., Alexandria…” quote by Athanasius of Alexandria](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/06f/athanasius-of-alexandria-27473_alexandria_while-the-arians-like-men-sprung-from-a_1647814.jpg)
