After Jesus returns and we see him God will complete the restoration of his image in us; we will be completed New Adams! 1 Corinthians 15:49 states: “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (ESV). Our complete Christformation will make our previous life seem like a long war. We spent many years pursuing God and his holiness. We slowly learned how to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ. We gradually purged selfishness and hedonism and unbelief. We did not set our hearts on things on this earth (Col. 3:1) and we did not make it a priority to accumulate wealth (Matt. 6:19) or fame. We looked to him to satisfy our deepest desires, which he began to do. We crucified our corruption, accepted rejection and learned to love our enemies.
After Jesus returns all our effort to “press on to take hold” (Phil. 3:10, NIV) will be over and we will finally grasp the prize and enter our time of rest (see Hebrews 4 and Rev. 14:13). Our internal struggle against sin will be complete and we will experience the overwhelming bliss of perfect peace. Our faithfulness in trials will become eternal badges of victory.
When we see Jesus our minds will expand with knowledge beyond anything presently attainable. We will understand the mysteries of God’s creation that currently puzzle our best scientists. We will see truth incarnate, for he is the truth (John 14:6). Our understanding of all things will explode for we will see the realities of God in human form. In this age we say: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully” (1 Cor. 13:12, ESV); when we see him, we will fully experience him which will endow us with full knowledge.
Below is a meditation for embedding this truth into your heart.
Absorb Scripture. Read 1 Corinthians 15:49: “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (ESV). Read it with your name in it then imagine what this will look like. What is the purpose of the passage? (Study the context if desired.) Ruminate on it, understand it and let it sink in.
Feelings and Emotions Reflection. Ask yourself: What feelings (for example, peace, joy, gratefulness, doubt, fear, pain, resistance), if any, did I experience during or after absorbing this passage? Why was I feeling this way?
Truth Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: Have I fully embraced the truth that I will bear the image of Christ so that it becomes part of my normal way of thinking? If not, ask yourself: Why haven’t I been fully embracing this truth? To the extent that you can, embrace it and tell God that you are committed to it.
Virtue & Action Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: What implications does this passage have for how I live my life? If you have not been fully living this out, ask yourself: What is the root of my lack in this area? How do I deal with that root issue?
Reception (Contemplation.) Ask God to show you anything that you have not fully embraced as well as anything else he desires to show you. Sit with God with a quiet and open heart for at least 60 seconds.
Which of your deepest desires will be fulfilled when God Christforms you? How does awareness of your future Christformation impact how you will serve and minister to others? In other words, how will you be more fruitful if you maintain that awareness?
