Hi there,
So this is just a simple distinction. On the one hand we are created by God. That is true. Indeed we are made in the image of God. Also true. But once created, there is a greater difference to look forward to: being made for the image of Christ. What does that mean? It means that our purpose and calling, is wrapped up in how we can serve Jesus. Gradually we are made like Jesus and the world is able to see that our works have been done in the light, for love of the Lord whom they are for. Works beget works. If you don't believe this, you are gradually less and less like Christ. It is a choice.
The point is, you have your whole life ahead of you (today is the first day, of the rest of your life - source unknown) and if you can live for anything, you can live for Christ. Does this mean you will be radically changed (remember that Christ was transfigured on the mountain, even before He was crucified or resurrected)? At some point, your works will be quickened, as you near completion - but the fundamental message is the same: you chose to be chosen, and in being chosen came to serve the reputation and power of Christ. Does that make you powerful? Remember not to be proud.
"Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) Jesus promises that He will not alter "the end" until such time as we enter it, by the Door that is at the end. This is the end of our lives, when we reflect the image of Christ, as much as is humanly possible. Does that make you powerful? Remember not to be proud. Indeed, remember that there are many like you, who all want to serve the image of Christ, with their lives. Loving not their lives to the death, they enter into Heaven, having exemplified the image of Christ, to all who were with them. This is the power of the Mystery of the Living God - that the image of Christ is transfigured, even as more enter into it. We don't have forever.
Will the image of Christ ever change once and for all? When the last believer, believes!
I hope this has encouraged you.
God bless.
So this is just a simple distinction. On the one hand we are created by God. That is true. Indeed we are made in the image of God. Also true. But once created, there is a greater difference to look forward to: being made for the image of Christ. What does that mean? It means that our purpose and calling, is wrapped up in how we can serve Jesus. Gradually we are made like Jesus and the world is able to see that our works have been done in the light, for love of the Lord whom they are for. Works beget works. If you don't believe this, you are gradually less and less like Christ. It is a choice.
The point is, you have your whole life ahead of you (today is the first day, of the rest of your life - source unknown) and if you can live for anything, you can live for Christ. Does this mean you will be radically changed (remember that Christ was transfigured on the mountain, even before He was crucified or resurrected)? At some point, your works will be quickened, as you near completion - but the fundamental message is the same: you chose to be chosen, and in being chosen came to serve the reputation and power of Christ. Does that make you powerful? Remember not to be proud.
"Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) Jesus promises that He will not alter "the end" until such time as we enter it, by the Door that is at the end. This is the end of our lives, when we reflect the image of Christ, as much as is humanly possible. Does that make you powerful? Remember not to be proud. Indeed, remember that there are many like you, who all want to serve the image of Christ, with their lives. Loving not their lives to the death, they enter into Heaven, having exemplified the image of Christ, to all who were with them. This is the power of the Mystery of the Living God - that the image of Christ is transfigured, even as more enter into it. We don't have forever.
Will the image of Christ ever change once and for all? When the last believer, believes!
I hope this has encouraged you.
God bless.
