Meaning: The quote "This perfection is the restoration of man to the state of holiness from which he fell, by creating him anew in Christ Jesus, and restoring to him that image and likeness of God which he has lost." by Adam Clarke, a theologian, encapsulates the essence of Christian theology and the concept of perfection and restoration in the context of humanity's relationship with God. This quote reflects the theological perspective on the restoration of humanity's original state of holiness and likeness to God through the redemptive work of Christ.

Adam Clarke, an 18th-century Methodist theologian and biblical scholar, was known for his extensive commentary on the Bible and his influential contributions to theological thought. In this quote, Clarke expounds on the theological concept of perfection as the restoration of humanity to its original state of holiness and likeness to God. This restoration is achieved through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus, who is believed to have reconciled humanity to God and paved the way for the renewal of the image of God in humanity.

The concept of perfection in Christian theology is deeply rooted in the narrative of the fall of humanity as depicted in the book of Genesis. According to the biblical account, Adam and Eve, the first human beings, were created in the image and likeness of God but fell from their state of holiness and communion with God due to disobedience. This event, often referred to as the Fall, resulted in the distortion and corruption of the original divine image in humanity, leading to sin, separation from God, and the brokenness of the created order.

Central to the Christian faith is the belief in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the incarnate Son of God and the savior of humanity. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead provided the means for the restoration of humanity's relationship with God and the renewal of the divine image within humanity. Through faith in Christ, believers are seen as being "created anew" or "born again" in a spiritual sense, experiencing a transformation that leads to the restoration of the likeness of God within them.

The restoration of humanity to the state of holiness and likeness to God is viewed as a process of spiritual renewal and transformation that takes place through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. This transformation is characterized by moral and spiritual regeneration, the cultivation of virtues such as love, righteousness, and holiness, and the progressive conformity to the image of Christ. Christians believe that this process of sanctification, enabled by the grace of God, leads to the gradual restoration of the divine image in humanity, aligning them with God's original intention for creation.

Furthermore, the concept of perfection in Christian theology is not merely an individualistic pursuit but also encompasses the broader scope of the renewal and restoration of the entire created order. This includes the vision of a future eschatological perfection in which God's purposes for creation will be fully realized, and the effects of sin and brokenness will be ultimately overcome. This holistic understanding of perfection reflects the belief in the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, culminating in the consummation of God's redemptive plan for the world.

In conclusion, Adam Clarke's quote encapsulates the theological understanding of perfection as the restoration of humanity to its original state of holiness and likeness to God through the redemptive work of Christ. This concept is rooted in the narrative of the Fall and the redemptive narrative of the Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative renewal of the divine image within humanity. The quote reflects the profound theological insights of Clarke and serves as a poignant expression of the Christian belief in the restoration and perfection of humanity through Christ.