FATHER AND SON CREATED MAN AND WOMAN IN THEIR DIVINE IMAGE

(PP chapter 2)

CHRIST ALONE IS THE EXPRESS IMAGE OF GOD

[Quote] Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and in character. CHRIST ALONE is “the express image” (Hebrews 1:3) of the Father; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things. His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the control of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God and in perfect obedience to His will. PP 45.2

[Analysis] This quote necessitates that only two divine beings are in the exact same image. If God was a trinity and all three persons created man in their own image, then how is it that ONLY the Son of God is the express image of the Father's person? Where is the other person who is supposed to be the other express image of the Father?

[Analysis] Only Christ is the express image of the Father because He is the only begotten Son who inherited His Father's features, nature and attributes. If the Holy Spirit was another divine being that is also the express image of the Father, then the Father would have had two begotten Sons! Does God have two begotten Sons? No! Christ is the ONLY begotten Son (John 1:14; 3:16) of God. Or as some suggest, does Christ have two Fathers? Never! There is only one Father in heaven, who is both Christ's Father and our Father (Matt 23:9; John 20:17; 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 4:6)!

ONLY ONE EQUAL TO GOD

[Quote] Among all the creatures that God had made on the earth, there was not one equal to man. And God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Man was not made to dwell in solitude; he was to be a social being. Without companionship the beautiful scenes and delightful employments of Eden would have failed to yield perfect happiness. Even communion with angels could not have satisfied his desire for sympathy and companionship. There was none of the same nature to love and to be loved. PP 46.1

[Analysis] Before Eve was taken out of Adam, there was not one creature equal to man. Then God created a woman who had the same nature and was one equal to man. Now man and woman were made in the image of God and Christ (the express image of God). Just as Christ was begotten of the Father and was (and still is) equal to Him, so likewise Eve was begotten of Adam (or the express image of Adam) and was equal to him, because they were made in the image of God and His Son.

[Analysis] If God was a trinity and the first human beings were made in the image of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then God should have made two more human beings to make a threesome of equal beings in order to reflect the image of the Trinity.

CHRIST IS GOD'S SECOND SELF

[Quote] God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided “an help meet for him” - a helper corresponding to him - one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior, but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him. A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this relation. “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it.” Ephesians 5:29. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one.” PP 46.2

[Analysis] The close union between Adam and Eve was a reflection of the close union between the Father and Son. The two divine beings are one in character and purpose. As the Son of God, Christ is not inferior to God, but He stands by God's side as an equal. Having come out of God, Christ is a part of God, He is God's second self, just as Eve was a part of Adam and was Adam's second self. That leaves no room for a third being.

[Analysis] If God was a trinity and the first human beings were made in the image of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then marriage should have been between three persons instead of two. Instead of "the two shall become one," it should have been "the three shall become one." The fact that God and Christ created two human beings that reflect their image and made the two humans one in love and sympathy, tells us that two divine beings did the creating, not three as per the Trinity doctrine.

PRAISE TO THE CREATOR FATHER AND SON

[Quote] While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were to bear rule over the earth. Unlimited control was given them over every living thing. The lion and the lamb sported peacefully around them or lay down together at their feet. The happy birds flitted about them without fear; and as their glad songs ascended to the praise of their Creator, Adam and Eve united with them in thanksgiving to the FATHER and the SON. PP 50.2