Which in my theology would be, "If I were to give a succinct statement of what I see as the path to a mature Christianity, it would be that we come to know GOD more and more, and in knowing Him more, we become more like Him. We let HIS HOLY SPIRIT work in us, and through us, and this transforms us to be like Him."
I don't believe these are unimportant distinctions. In seeing God only in terms of Jesus, much is lost.
Interestingly, I chose to write my post focused on Jesus, in a way I don't normally write. I had noticed that as I was doing it. And it turns out to be meaningful to you. And I agree very much with your conclusion! I think there is a great deal that can be said on this.
A couple of passages I had in mind as I wrote were these.
Romans 8:9-11 KJV
9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.
Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
The Spirit of Christ in me declares I'm one of His.
Colossians 3:9-11 KJV
9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10)
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Jesus created all that was created, I'm renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ, my Creator.
2 Corinthians 3:14-18 KJV
14) But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament;
which vail is done away in Christ.
15) But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16) Nevertheless
when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
17)
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18)
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
This is about Christ, and the heart that turns to Him, in whom the vail is removed.
Beholding in a glass, this is seeing in a mirror, the glory of the Lord.
A couple of passages I've been thinking about now are these,
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV
6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Light was created by He Who Created All Things, Jesus Christ. Who has shined into our hearts.
Reminds me of,
Colossians 3:3 KJV
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
But the other one I had in mind was,
Ephesians 4:20-24 KJV
20) But ye have not so learned Christ;
21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
We learn of Jesus Christ - Learn of Me . . . you shall find rest - He is the New Man we are putting on, being renewed in the knowledge of Him.
Much love!