Are we not a little like him as we are now?
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Athough Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit even in this life and world, I interpret John's words as meaning that, at the time of the visible return of Christ at the close of the present age, Christians will be resurrected and given a glorified, immortal body that is no longer subject to aging, deterioration, or death, but that will be like the glorified body that Jesus possessed following His resurrection (and that He continues to possess for all eternity).
We are like Jesus now in many different ways. Why? Because when we put our faith in him, God made us into a new creation, a brand new person, to display the image of Christ in us. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Here are a few examples how we are like Jesus now. 1. We are a dearly loved child of God At Jesus’ baptism, God said "This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased". (Matthew 3:17). At Jesus transfiguration God said the same thing, but added "Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5). Now God declares to the whole world about every Christian, "This is my adopted Son/Daughter, who I love; with him/her I am well pleased. Listen to them!" 2. We share the same ministry to bring the kingdom of God Jesus said the kingdom is here, the kingdom is near, soon the kingdom will be in you. (Mark 4:11) Jesus gave us the Great Commission to continue his mission of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus gave us the keys to his kingdom, to set the captives free and bring the grace and mercy of God (Matthew 16:19). Jesus made us the ambassadors of his kingdom to represent him on the earth. (2 Corinthians 5:20). 3. We share the same power and authority for ministry Jesus received the Holy Spirit without measure, with the wisdom to know the will of God perfectly and the power to carry it out with miracles, signs and wonders every day of his ministry. Jesus has given us his Holy Spirit, with limited measure based on our faith, and the Holy Spirit also reveals the wisdom to know the will of God and to use the Spiritual Gifts he has given each Christian to minister to other people, to deliver the grace of God to them in its many different forms. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31). When Jesus comes again, our human bodies will be resurrected from the dead, and transformed to be like Jesus' glorious new body. We read about this transformation in 1 Corinthians 15:1-58. However, we get a glimpse at what our bodies will be like from Jesus' appearances with his disciples, after his resurrection, but before his ascension to heaven. 1. Jesus was recognisable by his disciples We Jesus appeared to Mary she recognised his voice. (John 20:15-17). Later in the upper room, his disciples recognised him. (John 20:19-20). 2. Jesus’ glorious body had a physical substance Jesus’ body was physical and the disciples could touch him. Thomas had to touch his hands and side before he would believe. (John 20:24-29) 3. Jesus’ glorious body enabled him to walk through locked doors When Jesus came to the upper room where his disciples were staying, he walked through the locked door to appear before them. (John 20:19) 4. Jesus’ glorious body could enjoy a meal with his friends Jesus appeared to his disciples while they were fishing. He guided them to a catch of fish. Jesus had prepared bread and cooked fish waiting for them on shore, and invited them to join him for breakfast (John 21:4-14) The bible also declares that our glorious new bodies will be like the bodies of the angels. We have lots of examples from the scriptures of what angels bodies look like and what they are capable of doing. (Matthew 22:20) (Luke 20:35-36). Our transformation into the likeness of Jesus will be completed at his second coming.
Yes, we are a little like Him now as we are being transfigured (2 Corinthians 3:18). (NLT) “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” But how do we know that we shall be like Him completely? From His promise that “we shall see Him even as He is” (cf. John 17:24). The vision of God implies likeness to Him in character (cf. Matthew 5:8). -- Expositor’s Greek Testament
In my youth I knew not the fuller meaning of Scripture. As I listened to those I admired, I studied, prayed and began to obey. I realized the depth of God's Word. The subject here is a promise and the frame our faith grows on. As a songwriter, I wrote with scripture in my heart. "When He appears we'll have a new body. When He appears we'll have a new home. When He appears we'll enter a world with no sin. When He appears we're gonna be like Him."
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