The Image of Christ in the Life and Worship of the Church

Andrew Moody, pastor of Christ Covenant OPC, Amarillo, Texas, has written an excellent article titled "The Image of Christ in the Life and Worship of the Church." You can download Moody's article here; Moody is also owner of Reformation Art and director of Amarillo Theological Institute.

From Moody's article (also see 1 Peter 1:3-9):

The Eschatology of the Image of Jesus

At the heart of Scripture's teaching on the image of God is our hope to one day see Him face-to-face! However, this current time in the history of redemption is characterized by anticipation. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:6-7, "We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. We are those who have not seen the physical body of our risen Lord, and yet we believe (John 20:29)! Now, our vision of our risen Lord is dimmed, but in glory we will see Him face to face (1 Cor. 13:12; Revelation 22:4). In John 16:16, Jesus says to His disciples, A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me. We are in the time of not seeing. Our heart's longing is to see our risen Savior face to face, but this is not yet the time for that beautiful sight. We must look for Him where he is revealed to us clearly by the Spirit, in His Word and Sacraments. In a little while we will see Him with our own eyes. Until then, we must put away such false and idolatrous images that are found commonly in our broader Christian culture, and delight to see Christ as He is clearly proclaimed in the preaching of His Word.