Created In God 39s Image Hoekema Pdf Free 2021 Here

In his seminal work Created in God's Image Anthony A. Hoekema

provides a comprehensive Reformed perspective on biblical anthropology, arguing that the

(image of God) is the "heart of Christian anthropology". He explores how this image defines human nature, its corruption through sin, and its eventual restoration. brandonsdesk.com Core Theological Framework

Hoekema presents a holistic view of humanity, rejecting strict materialism or idealism in favour of "psychosomatic unity"—the belief that a person is a single unit of body and soul. He defines the image of God through two primary lenses: The Gospel Coalition Structural Aspect: What a person

. This includes the gifts and capacities, such as rationality and morality, that allow humans to function as image-bearers. Functional Aspect: What a person

. This involves the active exercise of these gifts in obedience to God. ResearchGate The Threefold Relationship

Central to Hoekema's thesis is that humans are created to function within three fundamental relationships, which were perfectly modeled by Jesus Christ: The Gospel Coalition Toward God:

Acknowledging total dependence on and responsibility to the Creator. Toward Others:

Embracing sociality and community; Hoekema famously noted that "man cannot be truly human apart from others". Toward Nature:

Fulfilling the "cultural mandate" to rule over and care for the earth as God's representatives. The Gospel Coalition The Four Stages of the Image Hoekema traces the through four historical-theological stages: ResearchGate The Original Image:

The state of humanity at creation, possessing true knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. The Perverted Image:

After the Fall, the image is distorted and "malfunctioning" but not entirely lost. Humans remain image-bearers, which is what makes sin so heinous—it is the prostituting of God-given gifts. The Renewed Image:

Through Christ, the perfect image-bearer, and the work of the Holy Spirit, the process of restoration begins in the believer (sanctification). The Perfected Image:

The final state of glorified humanity in the life to come, where sin is no longer possible. Living Theologically Where to Find the Work

While the book is protected by copyright and generally not available for legal "free" download as a full PDF, several academic and theological platforms provide substantial reviews, outlines, and previews: Summaries & Outlines: Detailed study guides and outlines can be found on Theological Reviews: Extensive critical reviews are available via The Gospel Coalition Faithlife Ebooks Review: 'Created in God's Image' by Anthony A. Hoekema 10 Mar 2026 —

Understanding Anthony Hoekema’s "Created in God’s Image" created in god 39s image hoekema pdf free

Anthony Hoekema’s "Created in God’s Image" (1986) is considered a cornerstone of modern Christian anthropology. Writing from a Reformed perspective, Hoekema explores what it means to be human through the lens of the imago Dei—the belief that humans are uniquely created to reflect and represent God. The Core Concept: Mirror and Ambassador

Hoekema’s central thesis is that being made in God's image is not just a static "thing" we possess, but a dynamic way of being. He uses two primary metaphors:

The Mirror: Humans are designed to mirror God’s character—such as His love, justice, and creativity—to the rest of creation.

The Ambassador: Humans act as God’s representatives (vice-regents) on earth, tasked with exercising responsible dominion and stewardship over the world. Structural vs. Functional Aspects

A key theological distinction Hoekema makes is between the structural and functional aspects of the image: What Does it Mean to Be Created in God's Image?

Anthony Hoekema’s Created in God’s Image (1986) is a seminal work in Reformed theological anthropology. It moves beyond abstract definitions of the

to present it as a dynamic, relational, and historical reality.

While free PDF versions of the full copyrighted book are not typically available via legal retailers like Westminster Bookstore

, you can often find scholarly previews and summaries on platforms like Academia.edu Core Theological Framework

Hoekema defines being "created in God’s image" through two primary metaphors: man as a representative The Gospel Coalition

: Humans are designed to reflect the attributes and glory of God to the rest of creation. Representative

: Like an ambassador, humanity is called to act on God's behalf, exercising stewardship and advancing His program for the world. The Gospel Coalition The Four Stages of the Image

Hoekema argues that the image of God is not a static quality but a journey through redemptive history: Original Image

: The state of humanity as created in perfect harmony with God. Perverted Image : Following the Fall, the image is distorted by sin but

. Humans remain image-bearers, though their reflection of God is now twisted. Renewed Image In his seminal work Created in God's Image Anthony A

: Through redemption in Christ, the image is progressively restored in believers. Perfected Image

: The final state of glorification where believers will perfectly image God. Logos Bible Key Anthropological Dimensions

Hoekema rejects views that reduce humans to just physical parts or just a soul. Instead, he presents a The Gospel Coalition Review: 'Created in God's Image' by Anthony A. Hoekema

The text you are looking for is actually a seminal book titled Created in God's Image (1986) by Anthony A. Hoekema. Accessing the Content

While the full copyrighted book is generally not available as a legal "free PDF" for download, you can access and read it through several digital libraries and research platforms:

Scribd: You can view the full document and potentially download it with a subscription or by uploading your own research documents to the platform.

Academia.edu: Provides various scholarly articles and summaries that analyze Hoekema's views on the imago Dei in detail.

Open Library: You can often "borrow" a digital copy for free with a registered account.

Logos Bible Software: Offers a highly functional digital edition for purchase and study. Core Concepts of the Book

In this work, Hoekema outlines a comprehensive Reformed theological anthropology, focusing on four distinct stages of the image of God:

The Original Image: How humans were first created in relationship to God, others, and nature.

The Perverted Image: How sin distorted but did not fully destroy the image.

The Renewed Image: The process of restoration through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The Perfected Image: The final state of humanity in the afterlife. Hoekema, Anthony (Created in God - S Image) | PDF - Scribd

Anthony A. Hoekema’s seminal work, Created in God’s Image, is a cornerstone of Christian anthropology, meticulously examining what it means for humanity to be the imago Dei. Published as part of his doctrinal series, the book bridges the gap between historical Reformed theology and modern concerns about identity, dignity, and human nature. Core Themes in Hoekema’s Anthropology Recommended for Theology students

Hoekema’s central thesis is that the image of God is not just a part of man, but defines the very essence of man. He breaks this down into several key theological frameworks: What Does it Mean to Be Created in God's Image?

I’m unable to provide a direct PDF download or a full report on Anthony Hoekema’s Created in God’s Image, as the book is still under copyright (published by Eerdmans, 1986). Distributing free PDFs without permission would violate copyright law.

However, I can offer you a summary report of the book’s key content and themes, which you can use for study or reference.

1. The Meaning of the Image of God

Hoekema argues that the "image of God" is not something human beings have, but something they are. He rejects the older theological distinction (common in medieval theology) that separated the "image" (narrower, referring to rationality) from the "likeness" (broader, referring to ethical righteousness). Instead, Hoekema asserts that these terms in Genesis 1:26-27 are synonymous, describing the total human being.

He categorizes the image of God into two dimensions:

Report: Created in God’s Image by Anthony A. Hoekema

5. Open Access Summaries & Lecture Notes

Many Reformed seminaries (Westminster, Calvin, RTS) post free lecture notes summarizing Hoekema. Search: “Hoekema image of God lecture notes PDF” – these are legal teaching resources.

2. Core Thesis

Hoekema argues that the image of God is not just a static quality but a dynamic relationship and calling. It involves the whole person—spiritually, relationally, and physically—and is structured around three dimensions:

Original image (creation)
Renewed image (redemption)
Glorified image (consummation)

Detailed Review of Created in God’s Image by Anthony A. Hoekema

Overview
Hoekema (1913–1988), a Reformed theologian, wrote this as a companion to his earlier The Bible and the Future. Here, he develops a biblical theology of what it means to be human — created in God’s image, fallen, and redeemed in Christ.

Structure
The book is divided into three parts:

Original Image – The biblical meaning of the image of God (Gen 1:26–28), including structural (capacities) and functional (dominion, relationships) aspects.
The Image Lost and Restored – The effects of sin (total depravity but not absolute), and restoration through Christ as the perfect Image.
The Image in Eschatological Perspective – Glorification, the new earth, and the final perfection of the image in believers.

Key Contributions

Rejects a narrow “rational/moral” view: Hoekema argues the image includes the whole person — intellect, will, emotions, body, and relationships.
Rejects “structural/functional” dichotomy: He sees both as necessary.
Strong on sin: Upholds total depravity (sin affects every part) but avoids determinism — humans remain responsible.
Christocentric: Jesus is the true Image; redemption is not just undoing Fall but conforming to Christ.
Eschatological hope: Emphasizes the bodily resurrection and new creation, not just “soul going to heaven.”

Criticisms

Some find his exegesis of Genesis 1:26–28 too dependent on later Reformed tradition.
The book largely ignores modern biology/psychology (not unusual for 1986, but dated for some readers).
Repetitive in places, as it originated from lectures.

Recommended for
Theology students, pastors, and lay readers interested in a careful Reformed, biblical, and accessible systematic theology of humanity.

Ethical Reflection for the Searcher

Why are you looking for a free PDF? Maybe:

You’re a broke student. (Fair. Use the library.)
You live outside the US where shipping costs are high. (Check digital lending.)
You just want one chapter. (Then buy the Kindle version for $9.99 and only that chapter.)

Pro tip: Email the author’s publisher. Eerdmans has a permissions desk. Explain you’re a student in a developing country and ask for a complimentary digital copy. Sometimes they say yes.