Dovetailing with the Christological view, the eschatological interpretation of the “image of God” focuses on humanity’s ultimate destiny as revealed in Scripture. This perspective looks forward to the culmination of God’s redemptive plan in Christ, where believers will experience both future perfection and eternal fellowship as part of their glorification and union with God. It highlights the hope, transformation, and eternal relationship that God has purposed for humanity.
Future Perfection
Since the Fall, the image of God in humanity has been marred by sin, yet it is destined to be fully restored. At the resurrection, believers will be glorified, made completely sinless, and transformed to reflect the perfection of Christ’s resurrected body. This transformation represents the complete renewal of humanity as God intended.
1 John 3:2 emphasizes this truth, stating: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” This passage assures believers that they will one day be fully conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting His glory and holiness in both character and form.
Similarly, Philippians 3:21 confirms that Christ will “change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” The “vile body” refers to the mortal, sin-corrupted body, which will be transformed into a glorious, incorruptible one like Christ’s.
This future perfection signifies the ultimate restoration of the image of God in humanity. Believers will fully embody God’s character—His righteousness, love, and holiness—unhindered by sin or the limitations of mortality.
Eternal Fellowship
The eschatological view also centers on humanity’s ultimate purpose: eternal fellowship with God. This relationship will be perfected in the new creation, where believers will dwell in unbroken communion with God.
Revelation 21:3-4 beautifully describes this eternal reality: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
This eternal fellowship fulfills humanity’s created purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In this state believers will live in the unhindered presence of God, fully experiencing His love and peace. They will collectively and individually reflect His image, not only through personal sanctification but as the unified Body of Christ, glorifying God as a redeemed community.
The new heavens and new earth will be a place of perfect harmony, where all creation fully displays God’s glory, and believers enjoy eternal joy in His presence.
Implications of the Eschatological View
The eschatological view of the image of God provides a profound framework for understanding the believer’s destiny and purpose. It offers encouragement, guidance, and motivation for faithful living in the present.
The Work of Redemption Will Be Complete
The restoration of the image of God is guaranteed by the redemptive work of Christ. As Philippians 1:6 assures: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This promise reminds believers that their transformation and ultimate glorification are secured by God’s sovereign power and grace, not by human effort.
Sanctification Is a Foretaste of Glorification
The process of sanctification in the present is a preview of the future perfection believers will experience. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 declares: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” This ongoing transformation is both a present reality and a future promise, emphasizing that the believer’s growth in holiness reflects God’s work in them.
Eternal Hope Motivates Present Faithfulness
The anticipation of future glory encourages believers to endure trials and live faithfully for Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:17 provides perspective: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” This eternal hope inspires perseverance, as believers recognize that their sufferings are preparing them for an incomparable and everlasting reward.
Summary of the Eschatological View
The eschatological view of the image of God highlights the believer’s ultimate destiny:
- To be conformed to the likeness of Christ in both character and body through glorification.
- To enjoy eternal fellowship with God in a restored creation, reflecting His glory and love perfectly.
This doctrine is a forward-looking truth that fills the believer’s life with hope, assurance, and purpose. It reminds us that while the image of God is marred by sin in the present, it will be fully restored and realized in the future. Through Christ, God’s redemptive plan ensures that believers will one day experience the perfection and fellowship for which they were created, glorifying Him forever.