The Perfect Imprint of God's Nature

 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV).

 

For over 2,000 years people have tried to represent how Jesus looked in various forms of art. There are some who believe the Shroud of Turin is the image of Jesus imprinted on the linen at the time of His death. The truth is found in Hebrews as the writer simply says: “[Jesus is] the exact imprint of [God’s] being” (v. 3). The Greek word translated as “imprint” in the ESV is from the Greek verb χαράσσω (charassō), meaning "to engrave" or "to inscribe." The term "charaktér" in the Greek language refers to an engraving tool or stamp, and by extension, the mark or impression made by such a tool. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the exact representation or image of something, particularly in relation to the nature and essence of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.

 

In ancient Greek culture, "charaktér" was commonly used in the context of engraving and minting coins, where it denoted the precise image or likeness stamped onto a coin. This concept of an exact representation was significant in philosophical and theological discussions about the nature of divinity and the visible manifestation of the divine. In the context of the New Testament, it underscores the belief in Jesus Christ as the perfect and complete revelation of God the Father.

 

Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).  Likewise, we’re told by the Apostle Paul, “The Son is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). In Jesus we can see God—and this has to do with God’s character. Jesus reveals “the exact imprint” of God’s nature. In Jesus we see that God is loving, merciful, caring, just, righteous, and more. In the actions and words of Jesus, we see God’s character. We are not waiting for another revelation of God; there is no one better than God Himself. Jesus is that God, the only God. Others who have claimed deity are merely inadequate fakes. Truth in Jesus alone!