Meaning: The quote "This depravation of our nature is nothing else but the blotting out of God's image in us" by Heinrich Bullinger, a Swiss Reformer and clergyman, speaks to the theological concept of depravity. This concept is deeply rooted in Christian theology and has been debated and discussed by theologians and scholars for centuries. The quote suggests that the depravation of human nature is the erasure of the divine image within us, highlighting the belief that humans are created in the image of God and that this image is marred or distorted through sin and disobedience.

Heinrich Bullinger, who lived from 1504 to 1575, was a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation and a leading theologian in the Swiss Reformed tradition. He was known for his prolific writings and his role in shaping the Reformed tradition alongside other prominent figures such as John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli. Bullinger's theological insights and teachings continue to have an impact on Christian thought and doctrine.

The concept of depravity, as expressed in the quote, is central to the Christian understanding of human nature and the effects of sin. The idea of depravity asserts that as a result of the Fall, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, humanity's nature became corrupted and tainted by sin. This corruption affects every aspect of human existence, including thoughts, desires, and actions. The notion of the "blotting out of God's image in us" suggests that the original likeness of God in humanity has been defaced or obscured due to this inherent depravity.

In Christian theology, the doctrine of the image of God holds that humans are created in the likeness of God, endowed with qualities such as rationality, moral agency, and the capacity for relationship with God and others. This understanding is rooted in the biblical account of creation in the book of Genesis, where it is stated, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27, New International Version). The image of God is considered an essential aspect of human identity and dignity, reflecting the divine imprint on humanity.

However, the Fall, as described in the book of Genesis, resulted in the distortion and corruption of this divine image within humanity. The consequences of sin introduced brokenness and alienation, disrupting the harmony and perfection of God's original design. This is where the concept of depravity comes into play, emphasizing the pervasive and profound impact of sin on human nature.

The quote attributed to Bullinger underscores the theological perspective that human depravity is not merely a moral failing or a behavioral issue, but rather a fundamental and profound impairment of the divine image within humanity. This perspective invites reflection on the depth of human brokenness and the need for redemption and restoration. It also points to the significance of the Christian understanding of salvation, which entails the renewal and transformation of the image of God within individuals through the reconciling work of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Heinrich Bullinger's quote encapsulates the profound theological understanding of human depravity as the blotting out of God's image within us. This concept is deeply rooted in Christian theology and has significant implications for understanding the human condition, the nature of sin, and the redemptive work of Christ. The quote serves as a reminder of the theological richness and complexity inherent in the Christian understanding of human nature and the ongoing pursuit of spiritual restoration and renewal.