"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:3

Now we see how in our human nature the purpose of God's creation is fully fulfilled in Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is the express image of His person with the authority, the kingship, God created man to hold. Jesus purged away our sin, restoring the reflection of the image of God in His perfect human nature.

We see this also in 2CO 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

Those who were hardened against the truth (in their degenerate state having been blinded by the god of this world, Satan) may not pretend to reflect the image of God.

It is important to understand that the apostle is dealing with the sin of having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2TI 3:5 tells us, "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Wherein lays the power of godliness? It is found in the reflection of the image of God by the law of love, i.e., loving God with our heart, soul, and mind.