The Christian Looks at Himself

What kind of self-image should Christians have? Should they see themselves primarily as unworthy sinners before a holy God? / The biblical view, Anthony A. Hoekema argues in this readable study, is that humanity, having been made in God's own image, was the capstone of God's creation. Even when we fell, God considered us of such worth that he gave up his only Son to redeem us. In Christ, as Paul makes plain, we are made into new creatures. This does not mean that redeemed people live a life of sinless perfection; it does mean that what is most distinctive about them is their new life in Christ — a new life entitling them to a self-image that is essentially positive. / Accepting the biblical view of our worth can be difficult for Christians burdened with feelings of guilt. How can such Christians learn to see themselves in a better light? And how can others in the Christians community — preachers, counselors, teachers, and parents — help fellow members to attain the positive self-image that is essential to the Christian faith? The Christian Looks at Himself offers concrete answers to these questions and, in doing so, points up the social dimension of being in Christ. As Christians accept themselves as creatures made new in Christ, so in love they must also fully accept fellow Christians as re-created in that same Christ.