CHAPTER 9
THE PLAN
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.
This final verse in our study is really the key; the overall
plan; the will of God. It is the desire of God the Father, indeed
the requirement, that we be formed in the image of His Son. This
works in tandem: first, God must see us as He sees His own Son if
we are to fellowship with Him intimately. Secondly, for any of
God's promises to be effective, the Devil must also see us as
though he were seeing Christ. This principle actually reveals the
meaning of "foreknowledge" and "predestination."
Much time could be spent attempting to explicate these
doctrines, Romans 8:29 easily interprets itself, however, so we
need not spend much time doing so. "Foreknow" simply means (known
before hand). Certainly the conscientious Bible student
recognizes that God the Father knows us from before our existence.
Since our God is omniscient, and knew us before we existed, He
chose to "predestinate" - predetermined - that we, as His
offspring, should look like [resemble] His only begotten Son.
This is, in fact, literally what Romans 8:29 proclaims: "For
whom He did foreknow [before hand], He also did predestinate
[predetermine] to be conformed to the image of His Son." Our
concern, therefore, should not be predestination, but our
resemblance to Christ.
CONFORMED
The Greek word for "conformed" in Romans 8:29 means (jointly
formed). It comes from two words; (union) and (together). Thus,
(harmony) or (to harmonize) would be a proper rendering. The
Greek usage actually comes from a word which means in (shape) or
(nature). Thus, we who are "the called" are [have been]
predetermined to be formed or shaped in the "image" of Christ.
IMAGE
The Greek rendering of "image" in our verse simply means "in
likeness," such as a statue or profile. It comes from a base
meaning (to resemble). God, of course, created man in His own
"image" (Gen. 1:27), and likewise we are new creations (II Cor.
5:17). made to (resemble) Christ our Lord.
Some may assume we began to resemble Christ when we were born
again; such, however, is not the case. For the born again
Believer, spiritual death occurred with Christ upon the cross
which is when, and where, we "crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts" (Gal. 5:24). It is because of the cross we
begin to resemble Christ who gave His life for us. Keep in mind,
however, that Romans 8:29 confirms that this resemblance was
"predetermined" before creation.
An excellent comparison to this doctrine is that of David's
explanation of conception in the mother's womb. He confirmed that
before actual conception, our existence; even our form I.E.
physical measurements, intellect, personality etc., were all known
and recorded by God (Psalm 139:14-16). Such is likewise true of
salvation. God has before ordained that we should resemble His
eternal nature in His Son once born into His kingdom.
Additionally, as Christ was the image of God (Col. 1:15), so we
now have been given the image of His Son according to Romans 8:29.
"Why," one might ask, "do we not resemble Christ as much as
we ought?" The answer is revealed in the mystery of prayer as we
partner with the Holy Spirit. His ministry is to "help" us when
we pray. One might find it interesting to note that part of the
word translated in the King James Version as "helpeth" in Romans
8:26 is also found in the Greek word rendered "conformed" in verse
(29) of Romans 8. In another words, the Holy Spirit harmonizes
with our prayers to "make intercession" which is in agreement with
God's will and plan. His ministry, therefore, is one of bringing
unity in the spirit through prayer. If we are to interpret Romans
8:29 correctly, we must conclude that a lack of prayer promotes
less resemblance, less profile, less likeness. If we will pray
with, and in, the Spirit, however, it will produce a greater
resemblance to that of our Lord Christ. Such is the plan [will]
of God.
IMITATORS
My dad had ligaments severed through an accident on the ring
finger of his right hand as a youth. The damage had never been
repaired. Consequently the finger pulled inward, shortening it,
and although he had full use of the finger and hand, the middle
knuckle was always raised about a half an inch when all the other
fingers were stretched flat. I always tried imitating the
likeness of my Dad's hand by trying to bend my finger. It took
practice, but I managed to accomplish it some of the time. Why
did I do it? To be like my Dad, of course!
Paul commanded us to "be followers of Christ" (Eph. 5:1).
The Greek word translated "followers" in Paul's epistle to the
Ephesians is literally (imitators). Somehow we have gotten the
idea that such conduct would indicate spiritual illegitimacy. Yet
clearly we are commanded to imitate our Lord. Stranger yet is our
Lord's revelation that if we were to believe in Him, not only
would we be able to do the works which He did while upon earth,
but even greater works would we do, because He, Jesus, was going
to the father (John 14:12). Lest He be misunderstood, He went one
step further; confessing that if we would ask any thing in His
name, that is, (as we went about doing His works), He would do it
that the Father might be glorified in the Son (John 14:13). If we
plan to obey Him, apparently Jesus knew we would be imitating Him
in the process of doing His works.
The results of imitating my Dad were first: identity; I
looked like my Dad. If you didn't think so, just ask Mom; she
said so. Having identity with my father was personally rewarding
because he was well liked, had many friends, and was respected by
others. To be identified with him, therefore, afforded me the
same; to a lesser degree, but the same nonetheless. It felt good
to hear someone say, "That's Willie's kid...just like his Dad,
isn't he?
A second benefit of imitating my Dad was intimacy. When I
hear my children repeating word-for-word something I have said, or
rehearsing a joke they heard their Dad tell, I become more
sensitive since I know they are listening; watching; doing. This
results in personal fondness and draws me to them intimately. As
they imitate their Dad, I see myself in them and thus I responde
affectionately. I am sure my Dad felt the same way, too, as I
imitated him.
In a very real sense, it is also true with our Heavenly
Father. When we identify ourselves with Him - act, talk, think,
work - as He does, intimacy results. The Father hears His
children talking - saying the same words - as He has proclaimed in
His Word and He listens. he sees us walking in His ways and He
desires to walk with us in fellowship. When such occurs,
spiritual intimacy flows. This is the true meaning of "Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee
from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (Jam.
4:7-8). We need to be careful whom we imitate, however. We need
to be absolutely sure we are indeed imitating Him and not
another; another preacher, another teacher, another man, another
friend. To imitate the wrong "One" - resemble the wrong "image" -
would produce something far different than spiritual intimacy
with God. If we are going to walk as Jesus walked, talk as Jesus
talked, and live as Jesus lived, in order that we might experience
spiritual intimacy with Him, we need to make sure we know who
Jesus is.
PERSON
For one claiming to be a "Bible Believer," we willingly and
eagerly acknowledge our Lord's deity, Sonship, second personage in
the Godhead, eternality, sovereignty, and we reverence Christ as
Creator God. In light of such doctrine, it sometimes becomes
difficult to simply acknowledge Him as a real person; yet He is.
He did not come to earth to function as God, although He was and
is God; but He came as a man and lived as such upon earth.
PROPHET
For years I believed and taught that Christ performed His
miracles - the healing of the blind and deaf, the raising of the
dead, the feeding of the five thousand, the walking on water -
because of His deity I.E. God. If such were true, why did he wait
till the age of thirty to begin doing miracles? There is even one
other haunting question which made me uncomfortable when
attempting to explain this dilemma. We are told that Jesus did
not do many mighty works in His own country because of their
unbelief (Matt. 13:58). If our Lord ministered on earth as God,
why would such perfidy have negated His miracle working power?
The only logical, and Scriptural answer, is that He did not
function as God upon earth, although He was, but rather as a
Spirit led, Spirit filled Prophet.
The office of a prophet was highly respected; and revered,
especially in Old Testament times. They spake both words of God
and words from God inspirationally. Miracles were likewise
performed by prophets. They experienced visions and witnessed
Heavenly manifestations. Their position and authority was greatly
honored. Such was still the case during New Testament times. Our
Lord walked in such an office as He ministered upon earth.
When the Pharisees were perplexed by the practice of baptism
which John the baptizer was employing in his ministry, they sent
priests and levites to question his unorthodoxy. Besides asking
if he, John, were Christ or Elijah, and finding his answers
unacceptable, they desired to know if he were "that prophet;" a
reference to Christ (John 1:21). Furthermore, our Lord was
called a prophet throughout His entire ministry by many. His own
testimony, however, of operating in the office of prophet is
recorded in three of the four Gospels (Matt. 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke
4:24, Luke 13:33.). Two of our Lord's disciples also confessed
Him, Jesus, as being a prophet after His resurrection while they
walked through the countryside (Luke 24:19). Jesus functioned on
earth as a prophet; a Spirit filled prophet, but a prophet
nonetheless (Luke 4:1).
PREACHER
Jesus also came to preach and teach God's Word. He began His
ministry at the age of twelve by teaching in the synagogues (Luke
4:16-21). We even gain insight as to what Jesus continually
preached and taught throughout the synagogues: "The Spirit of the
Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the Gospel
to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives, and recovering sight to the blind, to
set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable
year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18). Immediately following this reading
of Isaiah's prophesy, Luke records: "And He began to say unto
them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke
4:21). If, therefore, Jesus "began" to say these things, it would
be safe to assume He continually said such throughout the balance
of His ministry. Indeed, Jesus read from Isaiah's prophesy
exactly the message He was sent to bring; that is, [(1) The Spirit
of the Lord was upon Him; (2) He was anointed to preach the Gospel
to the poor; (3) He was sent to heal the brokenhearted; (4) He
was to preach deliverance to the captives; (5) He was to bring
recovery of sight to the blind; (6) He was to set at liberty the
bruised; (7) and He was to preach the acceptable year of the
Lord]. This was His Gospel and He preached it pertinaciously.
PRIESTHOOD
The levitical priesthood was a select group of men who served
the needs of the people by maintaining the tabernacle. They were
assigned various tasks including preparing and offering of
sacrificial offerings for the people, tending to the inner court,
and generally interceding for the people. As has been mentioned
earlier, once a year the high priest sacrificed a lamb, carried
its blood behind the thick vail which separated the Most Holy
Place from that of the inner court [The Holy Place-sanctuary] and
poured the blood out upon the mercy seat [ark of the covenant]
(Heb. 9:1-10). This mirrored the ministry of the prophesied
Messiah. Jesus our Lord became both our High Priest and sacrifice
for sin; entering once behind the vail, by rending it from top-to-
bottom, to offer His life and blood that we might be eternally
one with God the Father (Heb. 9:11-12).
PASTOR
The pastoral ministry of our Lord is not generally emphasized
or even recognized. This may be do to the absence of a church?
Yet Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the Church (Eph.
2:19). Furthermore, Christ is confirmed as the "Head" of the
Church [Body] (Eph. 1:22, Eph. 4:15, Col. 1:18).
Although we recognize Jesus as The Prophet, as The High
Priest, as The Apostle (Heb. 3:1), as The Teacher, and even as
The Evangelist - one who brings good tidings - we often overlook
our Lord as The Pastor. The Greek word for "pastor:" "And He gave
some, apostles; and some; prophets, and some, evangelists; and
some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for
the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ"" (Eph. 4:11-12), is actually translated (shepherd). Our
Lord is even called "The Chief Shepherd" (I Peter 5:4). The
nature, personality, character, and responsibilities of a shepherd
is well known and thus we perhaps can gain a better understanding
of our Lord's ministry as He was upon earth. He ministered to the
multitudes as a pastor and yet had time for the individual. Such
is His ministry yet today.
POTENTATE
The wise men of the east came to Herod looking for the "King
of the Jews" (Matt. 2:2). As He fulfilled prophesy by riding
into Jerusalem on a colt, He was thus being honored as "King"
(Matt. 21:5). Although His nature and personage is that of King,
He came first to serve.
APPLICATION
We are cut, stamped, formed in the image of Christ. As He,
our Lord Christ, functioned upon earth, He did so as a real
person. He did not appear as a ghost a mystical apparition, a
moral creed, religious philosophy, or even as a life style, but
as a person who demonstrated personal interest in real people.
Often today this aspect of ministry is overlooked by the busyness
of the ministry itself. Even individuals forget and forsake the
personal aspect of ministry. We are sent to the world to minister
as one, that is, individually, and as "one" Body in unity. Such
unity is achieved by first imaging the person of our Lord.
Jesus walked as The Prophet. Such men were those who spoke
inspirationally. If we are in His image today, we, too, must
speak accordingly. Our speech must resemble that of our Lord's.
We need to identify ourselves with Him by the way we talk and what
we say. As we begin to speak His Word, we will function as
preacher and our message will be His Gospel.We also must never
neglect His works in order that others may see Christ in us.
In our imitating of Christ, we must not forget our
responsibility as interceding priests. As kings and priests of
Christ, we need to fulfill that mediator aspect of our Lord's
person in order that others may be ministered to in His name.
"There is one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus"
(I Tim. 2:5). If others cannot see that image in us, then we are
not exercising Scriptural conformity.
As Jesus ministered in a pastoral capacity, showing personal
care and concern for not only the multitudes but the individual,
we need to maintain this image in our service for Him as well. If
we forsake individuality, we loose the image of His person and
thus loss of effectiveness in ministry.
Finally there is the matter of kingship. We need to walk in
the power and authority of our Lord's image as King. Often many
serve the Lord and do everything discussed thus far, only to
forsake the image of "King." We must rule, therefore, our lives
by the power and authority of His Word in order that the world
will see His likeness in us.
POWER
As noted in this chapter, our Lord did not exercise power
because of His deity but because He came as an anointed prophet.
He was our example that we might do even greater works than he
(John 14:12-14). We need to consider the answers to three
questions therefore: What was the origin, nature, and method of
execution of His power?
HEAVENLY
Early in His ministry, He began choosing the twelve who would
follow Him. In John's Gospel, He was introduced to Nathanael and
informed him that He, Jesus, was aware of his, Nathanael's, Godly
character. Nathanael was shocked by this revelation and
immediately confessed Jesus as the Son of God; the Messiah (John
1:47-50). Apparently Jesus had seen Nathanael in the Spirit and
revealed his thoughts to him personally in more detail than is
recorded; thus Nathanael's astonished response. Such personal
revelation is, of itself, an indication of the power Jesus had in
(word of knowledge) manifestation. Jesus continued by confessing
that Nathanael would see greater works as the heavens were opened
and angels would decent and ascend upon Him (John 1:51). Thus, by
this statement, Jesus confirmed His power was from Heaven.
Our Lord continually confirmed His power was heavenly in
origin throughout His ministry. For example, He confessed He was
Himself come from Heaven (John 3:13), that He in fact came from
"above ()John 3:31., and what He had seen and heard [implying
from His Father in Heaven] of such He would testify (John 3:32).
He even confirmed that He was sent from Heaven to do God's will
(John 6:38). His power, therefore, was authoritative because of
its Heavenly origin.
HOLY
I know it seems superfluous to say that the power of Christ
was "Holy" in nature, but we do need to differentiate between that
of God's eternal power and that of His Son's. Although the
Scriptures clearly identify Christ as God, He, Jesus, functioned
upon earth as God-Man I.E. The Son of man. His power, therefore,
was not acquired, shared, or given by God. It was in fact the
nature of Christ, as God, at work on earth through the ministry
and manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
The virgin birth of Christ is the first Scriptural indication
of our Lord's innate power, since His birth was of the "Holy"
Ghost (Matt. 1:18-20). Strangely enough, even demons confessed
Jesus to be the "Holy One of God" (Mark 1:24). His name is Holy
(Luke 1:49), He is at the right hand of the Father exalted (Acts
2:33), and the angelic seraphim [six winged creatures] ever
minister in His presence crying "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Rev. 4:8).
Such evidence, therefore, is indisputable; the innate power of
Christ was [is] Holy by nature.
HOLY SPIRIT
In focusing on the power of Christ as He ministered upon
earth, we must conclude His power was a manifestation of the
Holy Spirit of God. We know,. for example, the Holy Spirit came
in the form of a dove and rested upon Him (Matt. 3:16-17).
Likewise, the apostle John confirmed that the Holy Spirit was not
given by measure unto Christ (John 3:34). Our Lord was led of the
Holy Spirit (Matt. 4:1), He was full of the Holy Spirit (Luke
4:1), He went forth in the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14),
and Isaiah prophesied that God would put the Holy Spirit upon Him
(Matt. 12:18). Jesus even claimed that He cast out devils
[demons] by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12:22-32 ).
One might ask if our Lord could have done His works without
the Holy Spirit. To do so would have negated His claim as
Messiah; for Messiah would come anointed of God with the Holy
Spirit (Matt. 12:28). As we saw earlier in this book, the
Holy Spirit was present and functional during the creation of the
universe, the virgin birth of our Lord, the inspiration of the
Scriptures, the regeneration of the sinner, and even the
resurrection of our Lord. For Christ to have ministered outside
of the Holy Spirit would have been evidence that He was a false
christ. His power, therefore, was manifested through the ministry
of the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION
If we are in His image, and Romans 8:29 confirms that such
was ordained before time began, we must do His works, as imitators
[followers] of God. We must first, therefore, be careful our
works are heavenly in origin. It is easy to function by rule and
regulation; thus to more easily judge our spirituality. To do so,
however, is fleshly - carnal (Rom. 8:1-8).
Since we have been given a new nature in Christ, we thus
should imitate our Lord with "Holy" works. Such is not always the
case, however. Often a Christian will find himself walking,
performing, exercising, heavenly works but as a form and not as a
(faith) - conviction. When our imitations image that of our
Lord's naturally, that is, supernaturally; power will result.
This, therefore, becomes the manifested mystery of the Holy Spirit
in partnership prayer.
Finally there is the Spirit filled life. If we can see from
Scripture that our Lord functioned, operated, ministered, and
walked in the power of the Holy Spirit, how can we, His imitators,
forsake such Biblical truth? "And you shall receive power after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8).
PRACTICE
Although the dictionary defines "practice" in a multiplicity
of ways, I liked the following: (actual performance and
application of knowledge - distinguished from theory). Conforming
to the image of Christ is not simply "practice makes perfect," but
rather "perfect makes practice." We are in the image of Christ as
joint heirs. In covenant relationship with Him, we share all
things common including His nature. Thus as He is perfect, we are
likewise perfect in the eyes of God. I practiced looking, acting,
and talking like my Dad because I already carried his likeness. In
another words, since I already looked like him, I wanted to
practice being like him rather than like another. We thus
practice the image of Christ, not because we desire to look more
and more like Him - indeed we do - but to appear less and less
like the world; thus fulfilling the plan [will] of God I.E. to
conform to the image of Christ. We must consider, therefore, how
do we practice His image?
ASSOCIATION
In chapter 1 we looked at "Partnerships." I used the word
"association" to define an aspect of a true partnership and said
it was the (closely joining together of persons with a common
purpose). We closely associate ourselves with our Lord because we
look like [image] His very person and personality. Close
association even implies similarity in nature, or, that at the
very least, one desires similarity.
When first meeting my wife, Sandy, we began calling each
other every day; sometimes many times in a single day, thus
establishing regular and consistent communication. Before long,
of course, we made direct contact by dating. We associated by
calling, by communicating, and by direct contact. Such should be
the nature of practicing the image of Christ. We must call upon
Him continually, regularly, and consistently. The establishment
of such practice results in perpetual communication giving us
direct contact with Him as Lord of our lives. This practice is
the performance, or application, of the knowledge that we indeed
already possess His likeness - nature.
ARTICULATION
A common spiritual disease among Christians often is the idea
that one can remain a "silent partner." Jesus said if we did not
confess Him before men, He likewise would not confess us before
His Father" (Matt. 10:32).
In music, (vocal) means that which has been written in
relation to, performed by, or arranged for, the human voice in
contrast to instrumental. The Christian practice is likewise
"vocal." We must articulate our likeness by the sound of our own
voice. The natural world and the spiritual world must hear us
sounding like [resembling] our Lord in order that His likeness
might be recognized and revered.
ACTUATED
I have chosen the word "actuate" to represent the "practice"
of the image of Christ because it has a stronger meaning than just
"action." One dictionary definition of "actuate" is (to incite to
action) or to (move). Our practice, imaging, of Christ should
incite, not simply be, to action. In another words, we need to be
about our Fathers business. Such is a matter of discipline which,
in fact, is practice. Such activity of "doing" and "discipline"
results in development; development of Godly character, thus to be
more identifiable [recognizable].
PERFECTION
Jesus commanded that we should be perfect as our Father in
Heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48). God the Father, therefore, is our
standard. His Son, on the other hand, is our model, our example,
the image of such perfection. One might protest that it is
impossible to be a "perfect" Christian. I might point out that
Jesus did not command for us to be "God;" the command is simply a
statement; be perfect as God. As we have thus studied, Jesus is
that image we are to mirror. Romans 8:29 confirms that God's will
is for His offspring to look like [image] His own Son. If such is
His plan, it must not only be carried out but it must be possible.
What is a "perfect Christian?" A perfect Christian is one who
continually matures in His walk and relationship with God. "How
is such maturity accomplished?"
Jesus taught in the parable of the sower, that the seed which
fell among thorns went forth - grew - but because of the cares of
this world, riches, and worldly pleasures, were choked; bringing
no fruit to "perfection" (Luke 8:14). The word used for
"perfection" in this case is translated (mature). Thus, Jesus
said, although they began to grow [bear fruit] they did not mature
in their relationship with God. Why? They were choked; literally,
strangled by the things which were secular in nature. Thus, if
one desires to maintain spiritual maturity in his relationship
with the Lord, he must conform to the image of Christ.
The writer of Hebrews addressed the subject: of perfection -
maturity- "To make you perfect thoroughly in every good work to
do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing -
agreeable - in His sight, through Jesus Christ" (Heb. 13:21).
This amazing verse teaches that we are made perfect - the Greek
word is (complete) - through works [His works], it is His will
that such works be carried out, and that His "working" in us is
"well pleasing" in His sight. The statement is concluded;
"through Jesus Christ." Often, however, our problems begin as we
try to perfect ourselves - mature - through the doing of works
rather than the offering of them. If such works are carried out
in the image of His Son, it will be "well pleasing" - in agreement
- or harmony with His nature I.E. perfect. If you are still
uncertain about your perfection before the Lord, let us consider a
few areas which confirm we are already "Complete in Him" (Col.
2:10).
RESURRECTION
For those who have confessed Jesus as Lord, there is
resurrected life. We were "planted" [grown along with] the death
of our Lord in likeness. Similarly, we were raised in that
likeness - resurrection likeness - and walk in newness of life
(Rom. 6:4-5). We were buried with Him and raised by God as Christ
was so raised; all of our sins forgiven (Col. 2:12-13).
Furthermore, sin has no dominion over us for we live as one risen
from the dead (Rom. 6:12-14). Such is the symbolic representation
of water baptism by emersion as an act of obedience by a Believer.
We thus identify ourself with the buried and resurrected Lord of
our life. Such resurrection life is perfect, spiritually matured,
conformed to the image of Christ.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Such resurrected life is the nature of God I.E. eternal
righteousness. This nature of God is not afforded one by works of
(right--ness) which is performed, but according to mercy (II Cor.
5:21). As we walk in the fullness of the fruits of righteousness
which are by Christ, we thus resemble the nature of God through
the image of His Son (Phil. 1:11). The righteousness which is of
God is the righteousness of His Son and is only obtained by faith
(Phil. 3:9). Since it is of God, it is then, perfect, fully
developed, fully grown, and resembles His Son. If we thus reflect
this image, we walk in spiritual maturity.
REWARD
As heirs of God and joint-heirs of Christ, we have an
inheritance. This inheritance is total, full, and complete. It
does not need improvement, restructuring, or to be spiritualized.
It encompasses secure fellowship with God, righteousness, peace,
full joy, personal provision, forgiveness of sin, redemption,
abundant life now, and eternal life to come. The inheritance,
therefore, is our reward. We have obtain this reward
[inheritance] through predestination and the counsel of His own
will in order that we should be to the praise of His glory (Eph.
1:11). Furthermore, Paul said his prayer was that God's people
would have the eyes of their spiritual understanding enlightened,
so that they might know [understand] the hope of His calling, and
the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and that
the heirs would likewise know [experience] the exceeding
greatness of His power toward those who believe in that inherited
reward (Eph. 1:18). We must therefore learn to understand this
reward, we must practice it, we must rightly discern its
application, and we must tenaciously affix ourself to its
provisions. If we do so, we identify ourself with its perfection;
demonstrating full growth and maturity.
RELATIONSHIP
When we begin to walk in resurrected life, manifesting the
righteousness of God as we do so, and hold fast to our reward of
inheritance, such constitutes a perfect [matured] relationship
with God the Father. As we practice the knowledge of such, we not
only will please Him but will be shaped and formed in the image of
Christ the Son whose image we are.
SUMMATION
The will of God, the plan, is for each of His children -
likenesses - to be cut in the image of His eternal Son. To do so
we must become imitators of His Son. As we thus imitate and image
Christ, we are demonstrating we have identity with God - in His
glory. We must practice His person to experience His power. We
must practice His will to maintain perfection - maturity. We must
keep in mind, however, that we, as His offspring, are not
reflections of His image; we are the image likeness. In another
words, we are not reflecting Christ, as in a mirror, when we walk,
talk, and work as He did; we are demonstrating likeness, form,
shape, image, I.E. His image. The Lord was our example as He
ministered on earth, but all such is impossible without the
ministry of the Holy Spirit. We are back, therefore, to the
absolute necessity of harmonious partnership with the Holy Spirit
of God.
As we consider our feeble attempt at imaging our Lord, we
must quickly recognize our total dependency upon the Holy Spirit.
The power of the Holy Spirit does not come from the laying on of
hands but through prayer. If one carefully studies the Gospel
writers, it can be seen clearly that Jesus ministered in the power
of the Holy Spirit because He spent time in partnership prayer
with Him. Often Jesus spent entire days preaching and healing the
sick; only to withdraw Himself to spend all night in prayer. Most
of us fail as Christians because we do not have the power of the
Holy Spirit. We do not have the power of the Holy Spirit because
we fail to pray. It is time we who are the called of God dedicate
ourself to prayer in order that we might do the works of our
Father which is in Heaven; such is His plan.