Have you ever pondered God's ultimate purpose for humanity? Scripture reveals a breathtaking, eternal plan that began even before creation—a plan for your perfection in Christ.
God's Eternal Plan: Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
Before the cosmos was formed, God the Father set His loving choice upon us in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul unveils this mystery:
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" (Ephesians 1:4, NKJV).
The Primacy of Christ: The Image of the Invisible God
God's goal is for every believer to reach maturity and become like Jesus, for Christ is the perfect representation of the Father.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15, NKJV).
God is actively transforming us intoHis image and likeness so we may reflect Christ, achieve unity with Him in His Kingdom, and partner in His eternal purposes. In Christ alone dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 1:19).
The Final Goal: Transformation into Christ's Likeness
Humanity was created for dominion (Genesis 1:26). This authority will be fully realized through a redeemed mankind, remade in Christ's image. Though we do not yet see all things under human authority (Hebrews 2:8), we see Jesus—our forerunner, crowned with glory and honor.
"For He has not put the world to come... in subjection to angels... You have put all things in subjection under his feet... But now we do not yet see all things put under him" (Hebrews 2:5-8, NKJV).
From "Living Soul" to "Life-Giving Spirit": The Two Adams
Adam's creation marked the beginning of a divine process. He became a "living soul" (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:45)—a natural being. God's final aim, however, is for us to become spiritual, like the "last Adam," Christ, who is a "life-giving spirit" (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). This transformation ignites the moment we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Key Distinction: The Natural Man vs. The Spiritual Man
The difference is profound. The natural (soulish) man is driven by soul and flesh, vulnerable to sin—exemplified by Eve's fall (Genesis 3:1-6). In stark contrast, the spiritual man is led by God's Spirit and possesses the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Jesus, our perfect model, defeated every temptation by relying on God's Word and seeking solely to please the Father (Matthew 4:1-11).
The Path to Fullness: From Glory to Glory
This sanctification is a progressive journey, powered by the Holy Spirit.
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV).
We are destined to attain the"measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13), culminating in the resurrection where we will receive a glorious, imperishable, spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
Conclusion: The Call to Divine Perfection
God's Kingdom will be populated by these perfected, spiritual beings—united with Him, fully reflecting His character, and joyfully fulfilling His will for eternity. Christ's own command perfectly captures this supreme calling:
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48, NKJV).
This is the glorious destiny offered to you through faith in Jesus Christ: to be restored to God's image, achieve true perfection in Christ, and reign with Him forever.
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