You were using the LXX to bring definition to a Hebrew word. The LXX only reflects what the translators in Egypt thought the best Greek word was to translate the Hebrew words were at the time they constructed the translation.You are not rightly dividing the Word. You show your inability by dismissing the Greek,
How many years was it between the time Moses penned the words of Genesis until the time the LXX was translated? We cannot use the LXX to bring clear definition to a Hebrew word.
I have not once stated anything contrary to the confessions or in conflict with Paul's writings in the NT.when the NT clearly speaks of the "image/likeness of God" and uses the inspired term - eikon. It also does so in a way that clearly indicates it is not physical. You fail to interpret both Gen. 1:27 and 5:3 in the light of Col 3:10, Hebrews 10:1; 1 Cor 15:49, Romans 8:29 and other Scriptures. In fact, eikon most often excludes physicality.
Or does 1 Cor. 11:7 not appear in your Bible? What does image mean there? Or maybe 2 Cor. 4:4?
This is hermeneutics 101. It is why the Confession takes the position it does (contrary to yours). It is further backed up by an explicit reference in 1 Tim 1:17 (and also Col. 1:15 and John 1:18) which state that God is invisible - which by definition means, has no physical form that can be seen. It is literally "not subject to being seen" (aoratos)
You have yet to demonstrate that my word study on tselem is in error. You're only recourse is to turn to a completely different language written to a completely different culture/time under a completely different "dispensation" and a new understanding of the workings of God.
The fact that Paul brings deeper spiritual definition to the "image" does not disqualify the literal meaning that Moses intended when he penned Gen. 1. (Just as Paul's teaching on "circumcision of the heart" in NO way means that God did NOT command literal physical circumcision in the OT.)
Word studies are "hermeneutics 101" Finding a concise and consistent definition of an original language word and sticking with it is "hermeneutics 101." Following our exegetical process to whatever end it leads us no matter what our preconceptions were is "hermeneutics 101" This is what "rightly dividing" is all about.
"tselem" means what it means every time it is used... therefore, we must exegetically conclude that our bodies somehow visibly resemble God (although I cannot explain or understand how). God's Word says that it is so.
I.D.