Depending upon which of these ways of imaging God’s character is emphasized, the character of God is seen very differently, and the Christian life is seen very differently. Is it about meeting requirements so that we might be saved someday, or is it about a relationship in the here and now with God as lover? The ethical imperative that goes with each is quite different. For the monarchical model the ethical imperative is, “Be good, because you will be called to account. There will be a judgment.” For the divine-lover model the ethical imperative is, “Love what God loves.” So what is the
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