God loves us so much and his desire is for us to be conformed to the image of his Son Jesus Christ. The love that he as for his Son is beyond comparison and we are loved by God the same way that he loves his Son - John 15:9. We were created in the image of God - Genesis 1: 26 - 27. In the process of been created God gave us his breathe and man became a living being.
God's plan for mankind is to like Jesus and Jesus is the first born of all creation - Colossians 1:15. This simply means that we are the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. And because of this we encouraged by God to be exactly like Jesus and to be formed like him.
Jesus and the Father are one and we are to be like them as one - John 17:21. Been conformed to the image of Jesus is a work in progress and can only be achieved by the power of the Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit is the same power that rose up our Lord Jesus Christ from death and the Bible records that he is the same power that lives in us - Romans 8:11.
Since that same power abides in us we are constantly been renewed in the spirit of our minds - Ephesians 4:23 by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Been conformed to the image of Christ is a constant battle because the flesh does not want us to be in the image of Jesus Christ and this of course is the plan of God from the beginning of our been created.
God is love and love is God - 1 John 4:16 and this love that God as for us is an unconditional love and the Bible records that nothing can separate us from God's love - Romans 8: 31 - 39. The great expectation of our Father is to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that his Son can have lots of brothers and sisters - Matthew 12: 48 - 50.
Matthew 12: 48 - 50
He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.
Romans 12:5
So we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
We are been conformed to the image of Jesus, God's Son.
What exactly is the meaning of conformed?
- Is to be similar or identical
- To be in agreement or in harmony
- To resemble
- In likeness
All these is saying the same thing and this is what the body of Christ is to be, like Christ. Remember that the word of God says as Jesus is so are we in this world - 1 John 4:17. And also we are all seated with Christ in the heavenly places - Ephesians 2:6.
I found something recently in the word of God while meditating on been conformed to the image of Christ And this is in 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19. Been conformed to his image is a constant battle but with the help of the Holy Spirit and asking for his help we will actually get us to that place of been in his image, this can be done by submitting to his will.
The word of God says to us in Romans chapter 8 that we are not to be carnally minded but to be spiritually minded, it also says that to be carnally minded is death and to be spiritually minded is life and peace. God does not want us to be operating in the flesh but in the spirit. To be in the flesh does not please Him at all but to be in the spirit is pleases God.
For a long time I did not understand this until I started asking the Holy Spirit and with his help I got an understanding and still a work in progress. To be conformed to the image of Christ is to know him and have a relationship with him at all times. Been conformed to Jesus' image is an ongoing process and will continue while we are still here on earth. Been conformed is not to give up when things are not going has we want it to go, but to remain faithful in the process of been developed.
Scriptures on been conformed
2 Corinthians 3: 18
And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.
Romans 8: 29
For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.
Romans 12: 2
And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Ephesians 4: 24
And put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God’s image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation].
John 3: 2
Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].
The power of God in us is definitely more than enough to assist us in been conformed to our brother's image and as we do our part he also will do his part. There are some things we as the body of Christ need to do and this are:
- Knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior
- Knowing his word
- Mediating on his word
- Praying at all times
- Fasting
- Speaking in tongues
- Fellowshipping with the body of Christ
God is a good God and he is who he is, the will of God is for his children to live a fulfilled life in Christ, for as Jesus is so are we. Jesus came to show us the way to live here on earth, he is our example in John 13: 13 - 16
John 13: 13 - 16
You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you are right in doing so, for that is who I am. So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet as well. For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did to you. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.
1 Corinthians 11:1
Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
The word of God will definitely help us to be conformed to his image by being obedient to his word and the renewal of our mind. He said to us in his word that we have the mind of Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:16. The body of Christ here on earth is in Christ and he said that in him we live and move and have our being - Acts 17:28.
Therefore, because this is the case we are in our everyday life working towards been conformed to his image. I believe it's an everyday experience with the help of his Spirit but by his grace we will eventually start seeing changes in our lives, it takes time to get there but to his glory we will be at that beautiful place that he desires us to be.
The body of Christ is been taking from glory to glory according to his word - 2 Corinthians 3:18. From one level of glory to another level of his glory as we submit to his plan for our lives. Like we said it does take time and the change is inevitable if we do not give up while running the race. Ecclesiastes records in chapter 9:11 that the race is not to the swift but with the help of his Spirit we will eventually be conformed to Jesus' image.
The Bible records that Christ is been formed in us - Galatians 4:19! what a wonderful God we serve, this simply means that it is God who is at work in us, doing his pleasure in us to be like Christ eventually. Another way that Christ is been formed in us is the fact that our spirit is joined to the Spirit of Jesus - 1 Corinthians 6: 17.
This simply means that as we are joined to the Lord we have all of Him in us and we are definitely been conformed to his image. He is the one that is at work in us both to will and to work for his good pleasure - Philippians 2: 13.
We the body of Christ are an awesome work in progress and this pleases the Father at all times.
Remain blessed
