In Genesis 3:15 we discover some great news for sinners, for those who have suffered the distortion of the original “image and likeness” of God in which we were all created. In fact, this verse has been called ‘the first Gospel,’ and for good reason! Here is a promise that another human, a Son, will make an appearance on the stage of fallen human history. He too will be given explicit orders from God, along with a solemn mission to carry out faithfully for the glory of the Father. And also like Adam, He will be sorely tempted and tried.

But here is where things take a dramatic and wonderful turn!

In every way that Adam failed, this Second, or Last, Adam will gloriously succeed! He will love God. He will obey Him. He will fulfill the requirements laid upon the first Adam. And, as we will see this Sunday, He will be a true human! He will be a faithful bearer of the “image and likeness” of God!

And, as Genesis 3:15 promises, He will also destroy completely the kingdom of sin and death forever!

Here is, indeed, great news for those who, due to sin, have lost not only their way and their lives, but also their very humanity. For the Scripture declares that Jesus Himself, our blessed Lord and Redeemer, is the very “image” of God! And all who by grace through faith are “in Him” are made “new” (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

This is the grand subject that we will explore this coming Lord’s Day. We will discover how the damaged “image and likeness” of God is recovered and restored in our dear Savior.

And as you get ready for worship and the proclamation of the Word, let your minds meditate upon Genesis 3:6-24, and Colossians 1:13-23.