Creados A La Imagen De Dios Anthony Hoekema Pdf Link

The Restoration of Humanity: A Reflection on Anthony Hoekema’s "Created in God’s Image"

In contemporary theological discourse, few topics are as vital yet as misunderstood as the doctrine of the Imago Dei—the belief that humanity is created in the image of God. Anthony Hoekema, a renowned Reformed systematic theologian, addresses this complexity with clarity and pastoral warmth in his seminal work, Created in God’s Image.

For those seeking the PDF version of this text, the motivation is often a desire to move beyond superficial definitions of "image" and "likeness" toward a robust, biblical understanding of human nature, sin, and ultimate destiny. Hoekema’s contribution is distinct because he refuses to treat the image of God as a static attribute; instead, he presents it as a dynamic relationship that shapes the entire trajectory of redemption history.

Subject: The Doctrine of Humanity (Anthropology)

1. Overview and Thesis

Anthony Hoekema, a prominent Reformed theologian, wrote Created in God’s Image as a comprehensive study of biblical anthropology. The central thesis regarding the Imago Dei is that the "image of God" in humanity is holistic. creados a la imagen de dios anthony hoekema pdf

Hoekema argues against the traditional dichotomy that separates the "image" into a "narrow" aspect (spiritual qualities) and a "broad" aspect (human dominion). Instead, he posits that the image of God is functional and relational—it involves the whole human being in their relationship with God, others, and the creation. He emphasizes that the image was not lost in the Fall, though it was deeply corrupted, and it is being restored in Christ.

Chapter 1: "What is the Image of God?"

Hoekema dismantles the old Greek idea that the image is merely intellectual. He shows that in Scripture (Gen. 1:26-28), being made in God’s image is tied to dominion (function) and gender ("male and female he created them" – relationality). You cannot be fully human alone. The image is social. The Restoration of Humanity: A Reflection on Anthony

Estructura de "Creados a la Imagen de Dios"

El libro se divide en tres grandes secciones, que reflejan el esquema bíblico de Creación, Caída y Redención:

Chapter 3: "The Fall and the Image"

How much of the image remains? Hoekema enters the classic debate between Luther (total depravity = image obliterated) and Calvin (image defaced but not erased). Hoekema chooses a nuanced path: The image is totally defaced but not destroyed. Sin affects every part of us, but we remain image-bearers—which is why sin is so heinous and why evangelism is possible. The Traditional Reformed View: Usually states that the

B. The "Broad" and "Narrow" Distinction

Hoekema navigates a middle ground regarding the classic distinction between the imago in a broad sense (human nature/dominion) and a narrow sense (original righteousness).

  • The Traditional Reformed View: Usually states that the "narrow" image (righteousness/holiness) was lost in the Fall, while the "broad" image (reason/mortality) remained.
  • Hoekema’s View: He finds this distinction artificial. He argues that the Bible never speaks of the image of God as something totally lost. Even after the Fall, Genesis 9:6 and James 3:9 affirm that humans are still in God's image. Therefore, the image is perverted, not erased.

3. Strengths of the Text

  • Biblical Fidelity: Hoekema is an exegete first. Unlike some systematic theologies that rely heavily on philosophy, Hoekema roots his arguments in specific texts (Genesis 1–3, Psalm 8, Ephesians, Colossians). He is meticulous in defining Hebrew and Greek terms.
  • Balanced Reformed Theology: He writes from a Dutch Re

Conclusion

For those engaging with Anthony Hoekema’s Created in God’s Image, the text offers more than academic theology; it offers a vision of human identity. He successfully navigates the tension between the dignity of creation and the tragedy of the Fall, providing a roadmap for understanding redemption.

Hoekema leaves the reader with a powerful conclusion: We are not accidents of chemistry or pawns of fate. We are image-bearers, destined to reflect the glory of our Creator, restored by the work of the Son, and empowered by the Spirit to fulfill our high calling.

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