Conformed Into Christ’s Image
The journey of being conformed into Christ’s image begins with a foundational truth: the New Creation starts when a person is born into the Kingdom of God, and the New Life begins when Christ lives in us. This transformative process signifies the believer’s entrance into God’s kingdom and the start of a new reality where Christ’s life is lived out through the believer. The process is not just about outward change but an inward renewal, as believers move toward the fullness of the new creation God has planned.
1. The New Creation Begins with Being Born into the Kingdom of God
The new creation journey begins with the new birth—being born again into the Kingdom of God. This is not merely a change in status but a profound transformation of the soul. It is through this new birth that believers are introduced to a new life, setting them on the path to be conformed to the image of Christ. The new birth is the starting point where the old self is left behind, and the believer steps into the reality of God’s kingdom.
Through salvation, believers are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Christ. This shift signifies the beginning of the new creation life, where believers now live under the rule of Christ and begin their transformation into His likeness. It is the doorway through which believers enter the transformative process of conforming to Christ.
2. New Life Starts When Christ Lives in Us
The new life of the believer begins when Christ Himself takes residence in their heart. It is no longer the believer living for themselves, but Christ living His life through them. This is the essence of the new creation reality—the indwelling of Christ transforms the believer from the inside out. The old life is crucified, and the new life begins in Christ. His presence within gives the believer the power to live a transformed, holy life, moving toward conformity with His image.
This verse declares that once Christ lives in us, we become new creations. The old, sinful nature is gone, and a new reality is established within us. Christ’s life within brings about a complete transformation, not just an outward reformation. This new life is the start of the believer’s journey toward reflecting Christ’s image.
3. Christ in Us: The Hope of Glory
The indwelling Christ is the believer’s "hope of glory." This phrase refers to the promise of future transformation and glorification when the new creation will be fully realized. However, this glory starts now as Christ lives in believers. His life within is the driving force that molds believers into His image, preparing them for the future glorified state. This is the new life that begins with Christ’s presence and grows toward the complete realization of God’s redemptive plan.
4. New Life: Living in the Spirit
The new life in Christ is characterized by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. When Christ lives in us through His Spirit, we are no longer bound to live according to the flesh. Instead, the Spirit gives us life and righteousness, empowering us to reflect the image of Christ. This life in the Spirit is part of the new creation experience, where believers live in a new reality, free from the power of sin.
5. Putting on the New Man: Created After Christ
The new life that starts with Christ living in us requires us to "put on the new man." This new self is created in the likeness of God, reflecting the righteousness and holiness of Christ. The believer’s task is to embrace this new identity and live according to the new creation reality. By putting on the new man, believers demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s life within them.
6. Transformed into Christ’s Image: The Journey Toward Fullness
The journey of transformation into Christ’s image is ongoing, a process that moves from "glory to glory." As Christ lives in us, we are continually being shaped into His likeness by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not instant but progressive, as the believer grows deeper in their relationship with Christ and more fully reflects His image. The new life is one of constant renewal, as Christ's life in us brings about deeper conformity to His image.
7. Christ: The Firstborn of the New Creation
Christ is the "firstborn from the dead," meaning that He is the first of the new creation. His resurrection marks the beginning of the new creation reality, and those who belong to Him share in this new life. As believers, our new life begins with Christ living in us, and we are part of the new creation that He inaugurated through His resurrection. This journey will culminate in the full manifestation of God’s new creation when Christ returns, and we are glorified with Him.
Conclusion
The journey of being conformed into Christ’s image begins when a believer is born into the Kingdom of God and Christ begins living in them. This new creation reality is not just a future hope but a present experience. As Christ lives in us, we are transformed into His image, step by step, moving toward the fullness of the new creation that will be realized when He returns. Through the indwelling of Christ and the empowering of the Holy Spirit, believers walk in newness of life, reflecting the glory of Christ and participating in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the world. The new life in Christ is the beginning of a transformation that leads to the ultimate new creation reality, where all things are made new in Him.
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