In Jesus' Image

To be conformed into Jesus' image, does not mean that we become “religious puppets” with tunnel vision outlooks upon heaven. We also don't sit on a cloud with harps in hand, singing weird songs. To be conformed into the image of His Son, means to be in an intimate relationship with God. We are now partakers with the Son of God, Who became human to save us and bring us to God. Through Jesus Christ we stand before God as sons in whom God is well pleased. That is God's intention. He grants us the blessing of sonship. He wants to transform us into the image of His beloved Son and bring us into the same heavenly glory as Jesus Christ. As our own person, but also as the Son of the Almighty God – can we comprehend that? There where Jesus is and will be eternally, we will also be in the future! God brought us into this totally new standing. Adam's blessings in the Garden of Eden are thereby exceeded. Therefore, we now have the privilege, to address the Almighty God as “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). This is our future perspective (eternally true) and our living hope. Another fact is our present life as children of God on earth. Peter wrote concerning this in his first letter. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:21-25)

We must remind ourselves of our complete redemption (and reckon ourselves to be dead to sin as per Romans 6:11) and also to be aware of our status as children of God in this (incomplete) life. Thereby we are moulded and will also receive character here. Jesus was the best Person Who ever lived – a model of role models – we must follow His example. Basically, precisely this will bring about the result. This will also have an effect in eternity. We should consider it an honour when we are reviled, persecuted or insulted for Christ's sake. What was Jesus like? Everything in His life and about Him is absolutely perfect. His character is completely flawless. He never committed a sin (1 Peter 2:22). He did not have a sinful nature, because there were no sin in Him (1 John 3:5). He did not know sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Matthew 11:29 we read: ''Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.'' Often we become restless and experience some fear in this world (John 16:33: ''These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.'') To learn from Jesus practically means to find rest and peace in all we do. This will form our character – also enabling us to endure trials successfully in that the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12) becomes our constant companion. God wants to transform us as humans and sons (daughters) to that which is predestined for us, in His love – Hallelujah!

Jörg Bauer