Calvin explores the concept of the image of God in humans. Initially, humanity perfectly reflected God's image in all aspects of our nature: intellect, emotion, senses, and morality. This divine likeness, mainly seated in the mind and heart, represented an ideal state of accurate judgment, harmonious emotions, well-regulated senses, and excellence in goodness. However, Calvin notes that the biblical "fall" led to a substantial distortion and near-destruction of this divine image, evident in human deformity and pervasive sin. Calvin further expounds on the significance of humans bearing God's image, likening it to a son mirroring his father, which he views as a profound display of divine generosity. Despite humanity's moral corruption, he underscores the sanctity of human life, asserting that any harm done to humans, who are created in God's image, is an affront to God. He also emphasizes the persistence of the divine image, despite humanity's fallen state, thus reinforcing human dignity and interhuman responsibility. In addition to the intellect, Calvin argues that God's image is present in our will, forming the foundation for spiritual renewal. The goal of this renewal, he suggests, is to emulate God's image, mirroring His wisdom, righteousness, and goodness. This aspiration is the pinnacle of human perfection and central to spiritual growth and Christian living. Finally, Calvin critiques Augustine's trinitarian interpretation of God's image as overly complex and subtly grounded. Although acknowledging some merit in distinguishing human faculties, Calvin favors a simpler, bipartite division and urges a more solid foundation for defining God's image. He acknowledges the aspect of humans relating to the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, but doesn't fully embrace Augustine's trinitarian construct. Instead, he advocates simplicity and firm grounding in defining the divine image in humans.
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