CHRIST, THE IMAGE OF GOD (PART 3)

"I am the vine, ye are the branches:" - Jn 15:5 (KJV)

"For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." - Rom 8:29 (KJV)

From this statement of the Lord Jesus in Jn 15:5, it's obvious that as branches, we should look like Him; moreso as branches share the life of the Vine. This is very powerful! Let me explain:

   In Gen 1:26, it appears there was a meeting of the Godhead to discuss man's creation. In the following verse (Gen 1:27), the Bible tells us how God created man in His image. Ordinarily, since  Gen 1:26 says "Let us", then verse 27 should use the pronoun "their". Yet verse 27 uses the pronoun "his". Clearly, this refers to Christ. Therefore, in the actual creation, man was created in Christ's semblance, His image.

      Like as I said before, Jesus Christ is the only One in the Godhead who has an image. Exo 20:4 warns us about images, but for our sakes, following His love for us, He broke His own law, took an image and became the God-man (Heb 2:14,16) It's in consequence thereof that the Bible calls Jesus "the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15) "the express image of his (God's) person" (Heb 1:3, emphasis mine).

       Now, as Christians, we've been predestined to be conformed to the image of God's Son, Jesus Christ (Rom 8:29). Before I explain the process of how to become His representation, let me clarify from the outset that the course of being His representation is both instantaneous and progressive in nature. Instantaneous, in the sense that once we get born again, we automatically put on Christ's nature (2 Cor 5:17,1 Jn 4:17). Progressive, in the sense that we become more like Him by  abiding in Him constantly (Jn 15:4-7) and renewing our minds (Rom 12:2, Eph 4:23; Col 3:10). To be His representation carries along the idea of being like Him, and this is God's utmost desire (Gen 1:27; 1Jn 4:17; Rom 8:29).

       Now, how does God achieve this in us? Firstly, He put us in His Son (1 Cor 1:30) so that the Son’s experience becomes our experience (Rom 6:11). This is the way we take on His nature. If the Son is the First Begotten (Rev 1:5; Col 1:15,18), meaning that He is first to be born again, or to rise from the dead (Acts 26:23), He then becomes our perfect Example to follow (1 Pet 2:21; Jn 3:7; Phil 2:5; 1 Pet 4:1). If Jesus was born again, you must be born again (Jn 3:7), thereby becoming one with Him (1 Cor 6:17); meaning also that we put off the old man (Eph 4:22; Col 3:9-10) and becoming a new creation (2 Cor 5:17).    

        Secondly, as it is necessary to make progress in the process of being like Him, you must go on with renewing your recreated spirit with the Word of God (Eph 4:23-4; Col 3:10; Rom 12:2). Renewal of the mind leads to increase or growth in Christ (Col 1:10; 2 Pet 3:18). This is how you become like Him (2 Cor 3:18; Col 3:10) and by doing so, you do not conform to the world any longer (Rom 12:2).

PRAYER:

I'm grateful that I do not only belong to Jesus, but I'm excited also that I look like Him in every respect. Hallelujah!