What does it mean to be Godly? What does it look like to be Christlike? In this volume, Jen Wilkins provides a deeply theological answer to these questions.
The 10 "ways God calls us to reflect his character" are 10 of the divine attributes that we are called to pursue as humans. There are some divine attributes that we are prohibited from pursuing. These "incommunicable attributes" are those that are only possible for God himself (that God is infinite, transcendent, unchanging, and almighty, etc). In a previous book, Wilkin discusses these attributes and reflects upon their theological significance for our theology proper (see None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different from Us, and Why that's a Good Thing).
In His Image complements this study and focuses on the "communicable attributes," those "of his traits that can become true of us, as well." In each chapter, Wilkin examines one of these attributes and then reflects upon how that character trait can and should be true of us. These include the way that God is holy, loving, good, just, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise. While God is these attributes in a uniquely divine way, as creatures fashioned in his image, we must strive to make these traits true of our character as well. In this way, we grow into the creatures we were created to be.
A few features of the book are especially helpful. First, it is warmly written and easy to access. Wilkin is good at telling stories and giving illustrations that illuminate but do not distract. Second, I appreciate the way that she frames the study as a whole. It's easy to either isolate a single attribute of God (that we are particularly comfortable with) or treat them as a laundry list of arcane knowledge. To combat these tendencies, Wilkin frames the study of God's attributes (the communicable attributes in particular) as the pursuit of "practical sanctification."
Believers sometimes seek to grow in godliness, but then don't have much tangible to consider beyond a mystical sense of being close to God. Rooted in a study of the divine attributes, a believer can then pursue specific lines of reflection and devotion. We can observe that God is love, and then ask, How can I understand from Scripture what love truly entails (vs. the cultural distortions) and imitate that in my life? How can I be patient? How can I join justice and mercy in my daily interactions and long-term planning?
Rather than asking, "What should I do?" Wilkin urges readers to ask, "Who should I be?" This theological orientation allows deep theology to be a normal part of a Christian's pursuit of godly living. This volume is thus a helpful resource but will also help readers form a healthy framework for growth in Christian maturity.
Some Notes:- See further details about this volume. Cf. my goodreads & reviews of volumes in the ESV Commentary series; Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.
