Likeness Quote by The Church Fathers
![“He, too, “was made in the likeness of sinful flesh,” to condemn sin, and to cast it, as now a condemned thing, away beyond the flesh, but that He might call man forth into His own likeness, assigning him as [His own] imitator to God, and imposing on him His Father’s law, in order that he may see…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/99b/the-church-fathers-1438_parenting_he-too-was-made-in-the-likeness-of-sinfu_570046.jpg)
““He, too, “was made in the likeness of sinful flesh,” to condemn sin, and to cast it, as now a condemned thing, away beyond the flesh, but that He might call man forth into His own likeness, assigning him as [His own] imitator to God, and imposing on him His Father’s law, in order that he may see God, and granting him power to receive the Father; [being] the Word of God who dwelt in man, and became the Son of man, that He might accustom man to receive God, and God to dwell in man, according to the good pleasure of the Father.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Epistle of Barnabas, early Christian writings, 2nd century
The passage describes humanity's sinful nature and the divine plan to restore humans to God's likeness through Christ, who imparts divine law and presence.
In simple terms: Humans are sinful but can become like God through Christ.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine transformation.
Themes
redemption
divine nature
spiritual law
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
theological
scriptural
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal spiritual growth
- ethical decision making
- community worship
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Christology
theology of incarnation
soteriology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one embody divine likeness today?
- What does it mean to be God’s imitator?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary on the literal vs. metaphorical meaning of “likeness.”
![“both the Mosaic law and the grace of the new covenant, as both fitted for the times [at which they were given], were bestowed by one and the same God for the benefit of the human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2e6/the-church-fathers-1438_grace_both-the-mosaic-law-and-the-grace-of-the_10309.jpg)
![“the precepts of an absolutely perfect life, since they are the same in each Testament, have pointed out [to us] the same God, who certainly has promulgated particular laws adapted for each; but the more prominent and the greatest [commandments], without which salvation cannot [be attained], He has…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/415/the-church-fathers-1438_commandments_the-precepts-of-an-absolutely-perfect-li_33593.jpg)
![“Paul in like manner declares, “Love is the fulfilling of the law:” and [he declares] that when all other things have been destroyed, there shall remain “faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of all is love;” and that apart from the love of God, neither knowledge avails anything, nor the…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f7d/the-church-fathers-1438_faith-hope_paul-in-like-manner-declares-love-is-the_57515.jpg)
![“Mary, having a man betrothed [to her], and being nevertheless a virgin, by yielding obedience, become the cause of salvation, both to herself and the whole human race.” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f5/the-church-fathers-1438_human-race_mary-having-a-man-betrothed-to-her-and-b_123405.jpg)
