Dictionary of Bible Themes The process by which believers are conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, especially in relation to obedience to and trust in God. Through the Holy Spirit, God refashions believers in the image of his Son, who is set before them as a model of the form of the redeemed life. 1 Corinthians 11:1Believers are to become Christlike Philippians 2:5See also John 13:15Paul is arguing that believers must allow God to make them Christlike, which is the natural goal of their process of growing in faith. Christlikeness is not achieved by people merely trying to imitate Jesus Christ, but by God making believers more like his Son in sanctification, through the Spirit. Romans 8:29Ephesians 4:11-13 Philippians 3:8-11,20-21 1 John 2:6 2 Corinthians 3:18 The Holy Spirit makes believers Christlike See also Romans 8:5-9Galatians 5:22-23 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Matthew 10:25 Christlikeness is the aim of discipleship See also Luke 6:401 John 2:6 Luke 9:57-62 Christlikeness is based on total commitment to Jesus Christ See also Matthew 9:9Matthew 19:21 pp Mk 2:14 pp Lk 5:27 John 1:43; 10:27; 12:26; 15:102 John 1:9 pp Lk 18:22 Mark 8:34-35The demonstration of Christlikeness In costly sacrifice 1 Peter 2:21-23pp Mt 16:24 See also pp Lk 9:23-24 Matthew 10:38Luke 14:26-27 John 12:26; 21:19 Philippians 3:10 1 Peter 4:1 Matthew 20:26-28 In humility and service See also Matthew 11:29pp Mk 10:43-45 Mark 9:35Luke 22:24-26 John 13:14-15 Philippians 2:4-5 John 15:12 1 John 3:16 In love for other believers See also John 13:34; 15:17Ephesians 5:2,25 Colossians 3:13 See also In a readiness to forgive others Matthew 6:12Matthew 4:19 pp Lk 11:4 In sharing Jesus Christ's mission to the world See also John 20:21pp Mk 1:17 1 Corinthians 11:1See also By following godly examples that imitate Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:11 Thessalonians 1:5-6; 2:14 Hebrews 6:12; 13:7-8 3 John 1:11 Genesis 1:26-27 Christlikeness is part of God's re-creation 2 Corinthians 4:4Ephesians 4:24 Colossians 3:10 Romans 8:28-29 The process of becoming Christlike See also It is the purpose for which believers are saved Ephesians 2:102 Peter 1:4 2 Corinthians 3:18 It continues in the experience of believers 1 John 3:2-3See also It will be complete when believers finally share Jesus Christ's glory Psalms 17:15John 17:24 1 Corinthians 15:49-53 Galatians 4:19 Philippians 3:20-21 Colossians 3:4 1 John 4:17 See also 2339 Christ, example of3254 Holy Spirit, fruit of 3278 Holy Spirit, indwelling 5904 maturity, spiritual 6744 sanctification 8020 faith 8114 discipleship 8120 following Christ 8266 holiness 8342 servanthood 8347 spiritual growth 8453 obedience 8462 priority of God 8475 self-denial |
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