Outward Decay and Inward Renewal: A Biblical Perspective on Aging and the Image of God

Abstract

SUMMARY We read in the Christian scriptures that length of life is a blessing from the Lord. However, with age comes physical decline and other social problems which today make this a mixed blessing. Yet there is a promise of the renewal of the inner person, day by day even though the cracked and decaying earthen vessel remains. The challenge is to find those aspects of life which are renewed by the gospel. The restoration of the image of God puts the focus on the restored relationship to God for which humans were created and the consequent renewal of relationship with each other. As we grow older, we need to struggle to maintain this perspective.