In the Likeness of God

"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way."  - Thomas Aquinas

Have you ever stopped to think about the reason for reading our Bibles; for praying; and in general, why all the fuss about religion? Seriously, I do love God! I'm just hopelessly curious about things like this.

I am guessing that there are many who, like me, have sat in church and listened to sermon after sermon, hoping to hear something that might help answer these questions. Honestly, what I have mostly extracted from these messages is that the goal of religion is to save your soul, and go to heaven.

Of course, this is not a bad target to aim for, at all. But, it seemed to me that something was missing; an important piece that might have been overlooked. Being motivated to find it, I did what anyone should do in this situation. I rolled up my sleeves, cracked open my Bible, and dug in!

After some reading and praying, and even more reading and praying. I came across some Scripture that provided some some answers, at least in my mind. Ephesians 4:23-24 tells us to "put on the new man, which after God (or according to His likeness) is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Many times we think that the first order of business as Christians is to save our own souls, Our Lord says different, He tells us that those who make saving their own souls their priority are pretty sure of losing them (Luke 9:24).

Along with that, throughout history and across religions those who make it their priority in life to enter heaven probably won't make it. Why? Because they're in such a hurry to get there that they forget what heaven is, and how to reach it (John 3:12). So once again, what is the desired result of religion?

Returning to to Ephesians 4:23-24. the apostle Paul informs us of the purpose of hearing Christ (learning the truth as it is in Jesus). We do this to be renewed in spirit, and to "put on the new man;" which like God is created in righteousness and true holiness.This "new man" can be described as being patterned after Jesus Christ. As such, it (the pattern) is in the likeness of God.

Thus, what Paul is saying is that the aim of religion is for us to be followers and imitators; to copy God. This involves us being good like Him. Basically, in the end, religion is neither more nor less than the action of us becoming good like God. Who could desire anything greater than that?

Scripture: 1 John 2:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 5:1-2; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 John 3:2  

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You redeemed us and made us Your children in Christ. Through Him You have saved us from death and given us Your Divine life of grace. By becoming more like Jesus on earth, may I come to share His glory in Heaven. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Kasey