The “Image” of Christ

Putting on Christ means we must conform to the image of the Son of God
(ROM.8:29). When church membership and conformation to brotherhood practices take
the place of development of the “divine nature” (2PE.1:4) we have become sectarians,
not Christians.

But what is the “image of Christ”? We have little or no information re. His physical
appearance; and what we have says, “He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we
see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (ISA.53:2). Christ is “attractive”
in character — and even here He attracts only those who are “fit” (suited) to the kingdom
of God; (LUK.9:62) only those who will be “taught” (JOH.6:45).

There is no “short cut” to understanding Christ’s character. Men have written books on
the subject, but most of these stress one facet of His image to the neglect of others. The
“whole truth” is woven into the fabric of the Bible, and must be “found” there. It lies in
His life, death, and resurrection; and in the meaning of these, as seen in the whole NT.
Since all recognize (nominally) the importance of conforming to the image of Christ; and
since we must “see” a pattern or model in order to conform to it; one may think much of
our study would be devoted to determining Christ’s character. Such is not the case (Now
think with me!).
We do comparatively little study or preaching from the “gospels” (We push these “little
stories” into the children’s classes, where they can cut paper dolls about them.). Further,
our use of the Epistles is largely a search for arguments on some particular doctrine,
instead of a search for the basic principles of Christianity that makes the doctrine
important. If we cannot agree on the particular doctrine (nor do I question the essentiality
of this) we come apart at the seams. Why? Could it be that we have not really learned
of Christ, nor put on His image? We are depending on the particular to hold us together,
and failing to develop the principles of Christ–likeness which gives the particular its
meaning.

To illustrate what we mean by the “image of Christ” we give a few examples:
Complete dedication to the work of the Father; LUK.2:49; JOH.9:4; JOH.17:4
Utter humility; MAT.11:29. MAR.10:14–f; JOH.13:3–16. PHI.2:5–f
Honestly frank, candid; MAT.15:1–14,26–28; JOH.4:19–24; JOH.19:9–11
Compassion for the lost; MAT.9:36; LUK.15:1–f; JOH.8:3–11; MAT.23:37–39
Obedient; MAT.26:39,42; HEB.5:8–9

Read such passages with a view to “seeing” Christ. What kind of person would do and
say such things? Here is sermon material for on and on; or how about a Bible study
series aimed at cataloging Christ’s characteristics, with appropriate examples, and
urging brethren to develop like character.

Putting on Christ is long overdue!
– Robert F. Turner