| » An Inside Look at Image |
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 And we know that things work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called
according to His purpose: to be conformed
to the image of His Son.
(Romans 8:28, 29)
We all with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror
the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed
into the same image.
(2 Corinthians 3:18)
This past weekend, I attended an annual conference with discipleship ministries with whom Journey in Christ is associated. Several 100 people from around the world gathered at Myrtle Beach for fellowship and training. You can read about this association of ministries at www.aelm.org
I heard many wonderful truths and testimonies. For this Rest Stop I will share the truths from the following quote I heard from a fellow minister from Oklahoma:
| God's blueprint for man is Himself. "Let Us make man in Our image and according to Our likeness." When conformity of man to the image of Christ is discussed in the New Testament, it is always in the context of getting to know the Father intimately. When God gives His child life, He does it by giving Himself. |
AMAZING WORD
The Greek word from original Bible manuscripts for "image" is EIKON. Someone has well said that whereas the English language is like a Chevrolet, the Greek language is like a Cadillac. Greek words have such rich meanings.
EIKON in the two verses above refers not only to resembling Christ based on living with godly characteristics, it also refers to being a true representative of Christ, not just in likeness, but in essence. It is a likeness of Christ derived from Christ Himself who indwells you!
Following is a wonderful excerpt from the book entitled "The Complete New Testament Word Study" by Spiros Zodhiates:
EIKON, image, always assumes a prototype, that which it not merely resembles, but from which it is drawn. Thus, the reflection of the sun on the water is EIKON; and more importantly, the child is the image EIKON of his parents.
The Greek word HOMOIOSIS is the process or act of producing a likeness or resemblance...but does not involve the image. The Son is the HOMIOSIS of God in that both are God, but He is also the EKION, the image of God, humanly indicating His relation to the Father.
AMAZING LIFE
Our life in Christ is much deeper than just resembling Him in our DOINGS...it is resembling Him first and foremost in our BEING! Through Christ's cross and resurrection, we have been united to Him. Our image is rooted in Him and stems from Him!
When we focus of DOING things to resemble Christ, we are religious, striving for life. When we choose to believe the truth we are united to Him in our very BEING, we can grow in being real, resting in Him who is life!
CLOSING
I continue to witness lives being conformed and transformed into the image of Christ based on this foundational truth. This process can be quite difficult by our world's standards, but knowing that Christ is with us all of the time will always compel us forward.
Our DOING will be the fruit of our BEING. Oh, we must know this with all of our hearts, because this fallen world operates just the opposite. We have the amazing privilege through our image of Christ to have a true relationship with God our Father and leave God's imprint on the lives of people we see and touch every day!
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| » About this ministry |
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Gregg Gibbons is
a missionary with
a non-profit, non-denominational
discipleship counseling
and training ministry.
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The High Calling of Discipleship
Testimonies by Gregg and friends including Bobby Richardson, former NY Yankee ballplayer. |
At the discipleship ministry conference in Myrtle Beach with my friend Justin from Texas.
Justin is a counselor at a church with a great outreach to people.
I had not seen Justin since we met at Luther Rice Seminary in 2003
(photo below).
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