Believer's Identity in Christ's Image and Likeness
Believer's Identity in Christ's Image and Likeness
The concept of a believer's identity in Christ's image and likeness is rooted in biblical teachings that describe Christ as the image of God. According to Colossians 1:15, Christ is "the image of the invisible God" [4]. This verse establishes a foundational understanding that Christ embodies the character and nature of God, serving as a perfect representation.
The New Testament further elaborates on this concept by explaining that believers are transformed into Christ's likeness. In II Corinthians 10:7, Paul writes, "Do ye look at what concerns appearance? If any one has confidence in himself that he is of Christ, let him think this again in himself, that even as he [is] of Christ, so also [are] we" [1]. This passage implies a shared identity between Christ and believers, emphasizing their connection to Him.
The idea of being "in Christ" is a recurring theme in Pauline theology. In Philippians 3:9, Paul expresses his desire to be "found in him, not having mine own righteousness, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" [3]. This highlights the believer's reliance on Christ's righteousness rather than their own, underscoring their identity as being "in Him."
The transformation into Christ's likeness is not merely a positional truth but also a process that believers undergo. According to Philippians 3:10, Paul's goal is "that I may know him--experimentally...and the power of his resurrection" [2]. This experiential knowledge of Christ involves a deepening understanding of His character and a participation in His resurrection power.
The image of God in Christ is not limited to His divine nature but is also reflected in His human character. As Adam Clarke notes on 1 John 2:6, believers are called to "walk as Christ walked," emulating His life of devotion, obedience, and benevolence [6]. This call to imitation is rooted in the believer's union with Christ, which is facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in identifying believers as belonging to God and in effecting their transformation into Christ's likeness. According to Ephesians 4:30, believers are "sealed" by the Holy Spirit, who confirms their identity as God's own [5]. This sealing is a guarantee of their future redemption and a present reality that shapes their lives.
The unity of believers with Christ and with one another is a key aspect of their identity. As Jesus prays in John 17:21, "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us" [7]. This unity is modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son and is a powerful witness to the world.
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:7 (Darby) — Do ye look at what concerns appearance? If any one has confidence in himself that he is of Christ, let him think this again in himself, that even as he [is] of Christ, so also [are] we.”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:10: That I may know him--experimentally. The aim of the "righteousness" just mentioned. This verse resumes, and more fully explains, "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ" (Phi 3:8). To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the Redeemer Himself. the power of his resurrection--assuring believers of their justification (Rom 4:25; Co1 15:17), and raising them up spiritually with Him, by virtue of their identification with Him in this, as in all the acts of His redeeming work”
- Philippians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Philippians 3:9: And be found in him - Be found a believer in Christ, not having mine own righteousness - not trusting in any thing I have done or could do, in order to my salvation; relying on no scheme of justification, set up either formerly by myself or by others. But that which is through the faith of Christ - That justification which is received by faith through the atonement made by Christ. The righteousness which is of God - God's method of justifying sinners through faith in his Son. See the notes on Rom 3:21, Rom 3:23 (note), Rom 3:25 (note), where this subject is trea”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:15: They who have experienced in themselves "redemption" (Col 1:14), know Christ in the glorious character here described, as above the highest angels to whom the false teachers (Col 2:18) taught worship was to be paid. Paul describes Him: (1) in relation to God and creation (Col 1:15-17); (2) in relation to the Church (Col 1:18-20). As the former regards Him as the Creator (Col 1:15-16) and the Sustainer (Col 1:17) of the natural world; so the latter, as the source and stay of the new moral creation. image--exact likeness and perfect Representative.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:30: 4:30 Believers must not alienate God’s Holy Spirit, who identifies them as belonging to God (cp. Mark 3:29; Acts 5:3-5, 9; 1 Thes 4:8; Heb 6:4-8). • has identified you as his own (or has put his seal on you): The presence of the Spirit both confirms and guarantees the future redemption of believers (see Eph 1:13-14; Rom 8:16-17; 2 Cor 1:22; 1 Jn 4:13).”
- 1 John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 John 2:6: Abideth in him - He who not only professes to have known Christ, but also that he has communion with him, and abides in his favor, should prove the truth of his profession by walking as Christ walked; living a life of devotion and obedience to God, and of benevolence and beneficence to his neighbor. Thus Christ walked; and he has left us an example that we should follow his steps. To be in Christ, Jo1 2:5, is to be converted to the Christian faith, and to have received the remission of sins. To abide in Christ, Jo1 2:6, is to continue in that state of salvation, grow”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 17:21: 17:21 For believers, becoming one with one another is an outgrowth of the union they enjoy with Jesus himself, a union modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son. • may they be in us: Through the power of the Spirit, believers would experience a profound spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son and be transformed (14:20, 23; 1 Jn 4:13). • Disciples of Jesus represent him, so their conduct and relationships with each other reflect the credibility of Christ in the world. When there is disunity, infighting, and intolerance, their testimony to the world is ”