Transformation Part 3: We are the Clay, He is the Potter

But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 NKJV

But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 NKJV

The Hebrew word for potter in Isaiah 64:8 is the same word translated as formed in Genesis 2:7

But now,^H6258 O LORD,^H3068 thou^H859 art our father;^H1 we^H587 are the clay,^H2563 and thou^H859 our potter;^H3335 and we all^H3605 are the work^H4639 of thy hand.^H3027 Isaiah 64:8 KJV+

potter, formed = H3335 יָצַר yâtsar yaw-tsar' probably identical with H3334 (through the squeezing into shape); (compare H3331); to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively to determine (that is, form a resolution): -    X earthen, fashion, form, frame, make (-r), potter, purpose.

And the LORD^H3068 God^H430 formed^{H3335 (H853)} man^H120 of the dust^H6083 of^H4480 the ground,^H127 and breathed^H5301 into his nostrils^H639 the breath^H5397 of life;^H2416 and man^H120 became^H1961 a living^H2416 soul.^H5315 Genesis 2:7 KJV+

In Genesis 1:27 God created man and in Genesis 2:7 He formed man.

In Isaiah 43:1, the LORD created Jacob and then formed Israel.

But now^H6258 thus^H3541 saith^H559 the LORD^H3068 that created^H1254 thee, O Jacob,^H3290 and he that formed^H3335 thee, O Israel,^H3478 Fear^H3372 not:^H408 for^H3588 I have redeemed^H1350 thee, I have called^H7121 thee by thy name;^H8034 thou^H859 art mine. Isaiah 43:1 KJV+

So God^H430 created^{H1254 (H853)} man^H120 in his own image,^H6754 in the image^H6754 of God^H430 created^H1254 he him; male^H2145 and female^H5347 created^H1254 he them. Genesis 1:27 KJV+

And the LORD^H3068 God^H430 formed^{H3335 (H853)} man^H120 of the dust^H6083 of^H4480 the ground,^H127 and breathed^H5301 into his nostrils^H639 the breath^H5397 of life;^H2416 and man^H120 became^H1961 a living^H2416 soul.^H5315 Genesis 2:7 KJV+

create = H1254 בָּרָא bârâ' baw-raw' A primitive root; (absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes): - choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat).

In Ancient Hebrew “bara” means to fill or the filling up of something as the filling of the earth in Genesis 1 with sun, moon, plants, animals, etc. And the filling of man with life and the image of God.

And^G2532 so^G3779 it is written,^G1125 The^G3588 first^G4413 man^G444 Adam^G76 was made^G1096 a^(G1519) living^G2198 soul;^G5590 the^G3588 last^G2078 Adam^G76 was made a quickening^G2227 spirit.^G4151  1 Corinthians 15:45 KJV+

soul = G5590 ψυχή psuchē psoo-khay' From G5594; breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew [H5315], [H7307] and [H2416]: - heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you.

spirit = G4151 πνεῦμα pneuma pnyoo'-mah From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit: - ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590.

quickening = G2227 ζωοποιέω zōopoieō dzo-op-oy-eh'-o From the same as G2226 and G4160; to (re-) vitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive, give life, quicken.

It is^G2076 the^G3588 spirit^G4151 that quickeneth;^G2227 the^G3588 flesh^{G4561 (G3756)} profiteth^G5623 nothing:^G3762 the^G3588 words^G4487 that^G3739 I^G1473 speak^G2980 unto you,^G5213 they are^G2076 spirit,^G4151 and^G2532 they are^G2076 life.^G2222 John 6:63 KJV+

Then^G3767 Simon^G4613 Peter^G4074 answered^G611 him,^G846 Lord,^G2962 to^G4314 whom^G5101 shall we go?^G565 thou hast^G2192 the words^G4487 of eternal^G166 life.^G2222 John 6:68 KJV+

But^G1161 the angel^G32 of the Lord^G2962 by^G1223 night^G3571 opened^G455 the^G3588 prison^G5438 doors,^G2374 and^G5037 brought them forth,^{G1806 G846} and said,^G2036 Go,^{G4198 (G2532)} stand^G2476 and speak^G2980 in^G1722 the^G3588 temple^G2411 to the^G3588 people^G2992 all^G3956 the^G3588 words^G4487 of this^G5026 life.^G2222 Acts 5:19-20 KJV+

Jesus is The Word:

In^G1722 the beginning^G746 was^G2258 the^G3588 Word,^G3056 and^G2532 the^G3588 Word^G3056 was^G2258 with^G4314 God,^G2316 and^G2532 the^G3588 Word^G3056 was^G2258 God.^G2316 John 1:1 KJV+

And^G2532 the^G3588 Word^G3056 was made^G1096 flesh,^G4561 and^G2532 dwelt^G4637 among^G1722 us,^G2254 (and^G2532 we beheld^G2300 his^G846 glory,^G1391 the glory^G1391 as^G5613 of the only begotten^G3439 of^G3844 the Father,)^G3962 full^G4134 of grace^G5485 and^G2532 truth.^G225 John 1:14 KJV+

Jesus is the Life:

Jesus^G2424 saith^G3004 unto him,^G846 I^G1473 am^G1510 the^G3588 way,^G3598 the^G3588 truth,^G225 and^G2532 the^G3588 life:^G2222 no man^G3762 cometh^G2064 unto^G4314 the^G3588 Father,^G3962 but^G1508 by^G1223 me.^G1700 John 14:6 KJV+

Christ in us is the hope of glory:

To whom^G3739 God^G2316 would^G2309 make known^G1107 what^G5101 is the^G3588 riches^G4149 of the^G3588 glory^G1391 of this^G5127 mystery^G3466 among^G1722 the^G3588 Gentiles;^G1484 which^G3739 is^G2076 Christ^G5547 in^G1722 you,^G5213 the^G3588 hope^G1680 of glory:^G1391 Colossians 1:27 KJV+

Glorification is the final step in the path of the believer. It begins with justification, moves on to sanctification and is completed with glorification.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." ' Revelation 2:17 NKJV

Just as Jacob overcame and received the new name of Israel, all who overcome will receive a new name representing their new identity.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
20  Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
21  Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Transformation Part 2: Our Teacher

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 
Romans 12:2 NLT

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:2 NKJV

The difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.  Working from the outside in vs. the inside out.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:13 NLT

The goal of your salvation is not to get to heaven.  It is transformation into His image.

This is a study of “being saved.”  The process that takes place in each believer as he moves from faith to faith and glory to glory.

Romans 1:16-17 CSB
16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.
17  For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV  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.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; Ephesians 4:4 NKJV

Matthew Henry commentary on Ephesians 4:4:
“Even as you are called in one hope of your calling. Hope is here put for its object, the thing hoped for, the heavenly inheritance, to the hope of which we are called. All Christians are called to the same hope of eternal life. There is one Christ that they all hope in, and one heaven that they are all hoping for; and therefore they should be of one heart.”

What is our one hope? Is it heaven? Eternal life?

What is God's one hope?  To have a family of mature sons and daughters in the image and likeness of God 

Are we looking for a home in heaven?  

Scripture says the meek shall inherit the earth.  
Psalms 37:11 NKJV  The meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.  
Matthew 5:5 NKJV  Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 

God is looking to tabernacle with men who are on the earth.

Revelation 21:2-3 NKJV
2  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3  And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God

Ezekiel 36:25-27 CSB
25  I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.
26  I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
27  I will place my Spirit within you and cause you to follow my statutes and carefully observe my ordinances.

Read the last line again. God didn’t just promise to make you new and put His Spirit in you; He promised that He’d cause you to follow and obey Him.  

That’s exactly what Paul said. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him, and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT). The Gospel includes both “getting saved” and walking out your salvation, that is, “being saved.”

Matthew 28:19-20 CSB
19  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20  teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Remember = G2400 imperative of G1492  εἴδω  eidō  i'-do  A primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent, G3700 and G3708; properly to see (literally or figuratively); by implication (in the perfect only) to know: - be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wist, wot. Compare G3700.

Lo, remember, behold, never forget

“Pay attention! Listen!  Understand! Hey, this is IMPORTANT!!!” Jesus wanted you to pay really close attention to this simple statement: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Isaiah 30:20-21 NLT
20  Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes.
21  Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

Many of you are familiar with the time Jesus appeared to Paul and knocked him to the ground (Acts 9:3–6). But what we don’t often hear about is that Paul continued experiencing Jesus personally but in a much more encouraging way.

Acts 18:9-10 CSB  The Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to hurt you, because I have many people in this city.”  

Acts 22:17-18 CSB  “After I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw Him telling me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’  

Acts 23:11 CSB  The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage! For as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to testify in Rome.”  

Galatians 1:11-12 CSB  For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human source and I was not taught it, but it came by a revelation of Jesus Christ.  

2 Timothy 4:16-17 CSB  At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 

The Bible records Paul receiving direction from God through angels (Acts 27:23–24), through fellow believers (Acts 13:2; 20:22,23; 21:4, 10,11), and directly from the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:8-10; 16:6–10). However, out of all the ways that God used to direct Paul, the one that is recorded the most is through Jesus personally. 

This type of experience was not just for Paul the Apostle. Jesus said that He’d reveal Himself to those who love Him.  John 14:21 CSB  “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” 

Here’s what happened to a regular disciple: There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord!” he said (Acts 9:10-16).

The people who experienced Jesus in this way, and/or recorded the experiences, didn’t act and/or write like these experiences were out of the ordinary. Jesus revealing Himself to you is just a small part of what He means when He says, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” but these stories illustrate just how real your relationship with Him can be.

The part of the Great Commission that Mark recorded ended with a report of what happened after Jesus ascended and the Holy Spirit came. 

Mark 16:19-20 CSB
19  So the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
20  And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the accompanying signs.

Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father but was also with His disciples working with them. The Greek word translated “working with them” means “to be a co-worker.”  The whole reason why Jesus told His disciples that He’d always be with them is so that we would understand and remember that the discipleship program was never meant to end, only change.

The disciples walked with Jesus, talked with Him, were instructed by Him.  But they didn't always comprehend His message, so they would question Him.  He was their teacher.  And we need to remember that, just like the disciples, we can ask questions and know that He will answer. 

The relationship between Teacher and disciple changed after the Holy Spirit was given to His followers.  The apostle Paul is an example of the change in the discipleship program.  

John 14:16-29 CSB
16  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.
17  He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.
18  “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.
19  In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too.
20  On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.
21  The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.”
22  Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”
23  Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24  The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.
25  “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you.
26  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
27  “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
28  You have heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.
29  I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe.

Jesus was telling them that the way He discipled them was about to change. It would be no less real and constant—in fact, it would be more so; they were about to become the temple of the Holy Spirit and Jesus would be discipling them from the inside-out.

Christians often think about how great it would have been to walk with Jesus as one of the Twelve. However, while Jesus was preparing the Disciples for the transition He said that it would be better to be His disciple after He ascended.

John 16:7 CSB  Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.

The Twelve were actually a type or picture of what was to come. God used the concept of Jewish discipleship as a metaphor for how He intended to teach and transform us.  He chose Twelve to train from the outside-in, and then He moved them from that to being discipled from the inside-out so that hopefully they’d get the picture.

Discipleship is how He is accomplishing His original plan for us—“Let Us make man in our image.”  Jesus has guaranteed through His redemptive work that you will be transformed into His image and walk in God’s will and plan for your life. A big part of how He does that is by walking with you and discipling you from within.  Just like a disciple in Jesus’ day was to walk closely with His master 24/7 and become exactly like him, so you are to truly walk with Jesus and be transformed into His image through the indwelling of His Spirit.

Jesus laid down His life, not just to rescue you, but also so He could have a relationship with you like He had with the Father.

Your relationship with Jesus is meant to be a growing, loving, very real, and eternal relationship with your Lord and Master who wants to walk with you, talk with you, reveal Himself to you, teach you, bless you, and see you transformed into His image.

After Jesus rose from the dead He appeared to two of His disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). Jesus prevented His two disciples from recognizing Him at first and explained to them what the scriptures said about the Messiah (Luke 24:27). 

At the end of the conversation Jesus revealed who He was and then immediately disappeared. Here’s what they said as soon as He vanished:

Luke 24:32 CSB  They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?”

The two disciples said that their hearts were “ablaze” or “set on fire.”  They were listening with their ears but Jesus was showing them what it felt like to hear Him with their hearts, know the truth, and get excited about His Word.

That same evening Jesus appeared to more of His disciples and opened their minds to understand the scripture as well.

Luke 24:44-45 CSB
44  He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

The Disciples often didn’t understand what Jesus taught and it seems that they blamed Jesus for not “speaking plainly.”

John 16:29 CSB  His disciples said, “Look, now you’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language.

Jesus knew that only after He had redeemed His disciples and come to them through the Holy Spirit, could He really start teaching them. Here’s what Jesus said as He was preparing them for inside-out discipleship:

“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth” John 16:12–13.

“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father” John 16:25.

Jesus knew that once they were made new and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, that all of His disciples could be taught and caused to bear the things of God.  (receive, hear, understand, and live)(to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.): - bear, carry, take up.) 

And Jesus promised that He, Himself, would teach you and speak to you plainly about the Father.

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:13 NLT

Then all your children will be taught by the Lord, their prosperity will be great, and you will be established on a foundation of righteousness. (Isaiah 54:13–14).

It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to Me … (John 6:45).

The Work of Transformation Part 1: Overview

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:2 NKJV

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.  Romans 12:2 NLT

The difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.  Working from the outside in vs. the inside out.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:13 NLT

The goal of your salvation is not to get to heaven.  It is transformation into His image.

Romans 1:15-16 NKJV
15  So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Romans 1:7-8 NKJV
7  To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

The Gospel is “God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes”; not just when they first believe but also as they continue to believe. According to Paul, you are not just to enter God’s Kingdom through the Gospel message, but you are to continue in the Gospel, living by the same faith in Jesus Christ that got you in.

He preached the Gospel to the lost and continued to explain it to those who entered into it (Romans 16:25; Galatians 1:6–7; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:8).  The Gospel is the Good News of God’s Kingdom, not just the Good News about its entrance.

Philippians 1:27 NKJV  Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

2 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV  in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul says that the message of the cross is for Christians who are “being saved.”

1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 CSB
1  Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand
2  and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

The Bible is clear that you are “being saved” by the Gospel. The New Testament teaches that when you make a decision for Christ, you are saved.

Ephesians 2:4-5 CSB
4  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us,
5  made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!

You are saved and you are being saved both by the Gospel, which is the power of God. The first is instantaneous and complete; the second is a process in which you progressively grow into what was already accomplished for you. 

This study is about the process of “being saved.”

You are saved, you are being saved, and you will be saved. The Gospel is the Good News of God’s love and what Jesus did for you, and it encompasses all three aspects of your salvation: past, present, and future. Paul wanted to go to Rome and preach the Gospel to the Christians there because he knew how important it was for them to understand, not just how to get into the Kingdom, but how to live and grow in the Kingdom.

Look again at Genesis 1:26 CSB  Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.” 

God’s “Let Us” conversation was not just talking about Adam being created with God-like attributes, but was prophetically looking forward to you being created new in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:29 CSB  For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

God foreknew and predestined us to be conformed to the “image of His Son.” When did He foreknow and predestine this? When He said “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.”

Image = H6754 צֶלֶם  tselem  tseh'-lem  From an unused root meaning to shade; a phantom, that is, (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence a representative figure, especially an idol: - image, vain shew.
Likeness = H1823  דְּמוּת  demûth  dem-ooth'  From H1819; resemblance; concretely model, shape; adverbially like: - fashion, like (-ness, as), manner, similitude.

So when God said “Let Us make man in Our Image” He was talking about His plan to create us in Christ who is the image of God.  God knew that man would lose His image in the fall and He already planned for us to regain it and to fully realize it in Christ.

Colossians 1:15 CSB  Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Philippians 2:5-8 CSB
5  Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6  who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
7  Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man,
8  he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.

Jesus was God’s plan from the start.  

Genesis 1:26 prophetically looked forward to Jesus coming, being born as a man and taking on human likeness (“taking on the likeness of men … as a man in His external form”). 

Hebrews 10:5 ESV  Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;

God the Son, Jesus Christ, has two arms and two legs and He’ll have His resurrected body forever. Jesus became like us so that we could be like Him (image and likeness). At the end of this age we will receive our glorified bodies which will be like Jesus’ current heavenly body—and God’s original and full intent for “likeness” will be completely realized.

Philippians 3:21 CSB  He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

1 John 3:2 CSB  Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

God intended to fulfill His desire to make you in both His “image and likeness” by sending His Son. The Gospel was proclaimed in Genesis 1:26.

Image = character   Likeness = form

2 Corinthians 4:4 CSB  In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

If the Gospel is “the gospel of the glory of Christ” what is “the glory of Christ”? Paul just said, “the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”; Jesus carried and displayed the image of God and that was His glory.  So what did Paul mean then when he taught that the glorious mystery of the Gospel is “Christ in you, the hope of glory”?

Colossians 1:27-28 CSB
27  God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28  We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

In your new birth you were created in His image and likeness. “The hope of glory” is the hope that you would carry and display Christ’s image just as He carried and displayed the Father’s image. The Gospel is “the gospel of the glory of Christ” because the Gospel proclaims that in Christ you realize God’s original intention for you: “Let Us make man in our image and likeness.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Paul says that as you behold “the glory of the Lord” you are being transformed into “the same image.” “The glory of the Lord” is the image of God. We are being transformed into what we are beholding: Jesus, who is the image of God, which is the glory of the Lord. Christ is in you by His Spirit to give you His life and transform you into His image—that’s the Gospel of the glory of God, and God’s original intent for mankind. Jesus’ work on the cross did not just provide us with a passport to heaven. Jesus’ work on the cross provided everything necessary to fulfill the original intent of creation.

2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV
3  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
4  by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

He has “called us to His own glory and excellence” and to be “partakers of the divine nature.” That’s the image of God.  Believers are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). If you’re a Christian, then that’s been God’s plan for you from the beginning of creation. And it’s all provided for you in what Jesus did—you can’t earn it or produce it in your strength. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness … ” and “he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature … ”Everything you need to be transformed into His image has been granted to you through God’s promise and by His power.

To be Christlike means to become the individual son or daughter of God that He originally created you to be. Jesus is the firstborn and your example. God wants you to be like Jesus, following in His footsteps.

The transformation into Christ’s image starts now, not when you’re in heaven. You were born again with the purpose of growing up into Christ.

The difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant.  Working from the outside in vs. the inside out.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:13 NLT

A Poem - God's love for the lost

O, that You would rend the heavens and come down!

To see Your blazing eyes of love
to see Your tear stained face
to watch Your arms enfold each one,
and touch them with Your grace.

Regard the lost with tenderness;
Ignore the lost – no way!
I put before them stepping stones
I lead them in the day.
My light before, My fire at night;
My torch within will shine so bright and
lead the blind straight to the light!

The deaf will hear, the lame will walk,
and from their mouths they all will talk,
and tell of My amazing love;
My light, My heart, My zeal!
The lost and lonely wanderers
drawn in among the fields.

So let the fire and embers glow
a beacon in dark night;
Yes let the fire and embers glow
ablaze with Love's pure light.

                      Given by inspiration of Holy Spirit 11/20/2023
                             Victoria Rose

Tracing the Glory to the fulfilment of Tabernacles

When reading through the Old Testament we are admonished to remember the fact that "These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come."1 Corinthians 10:11 CSB

Three times in the year the LORD has set aside specific appointed times to meet with His people.  (Exodus 23:14)

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.  Leviticus 23:1-2 KJV

The words feasts (H4150 mo'ed) and holy convocations (H4744 mikraw) come from two Hebrew words meaning an appointment and a dress rehearsal. 

But what is the location where God instructs His people to celebrate the feasts (keep the appointed times)?

The book of Deuteronomy gives the following information:

Deuteronomy 16:2 KJV  Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

Deuteronomy 16:10-11 KJV  And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

11  And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

Deuteronomy 16:13-15 KJV  Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:

14  And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates.

15  Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

Deuteronomy 16:16 KJV  Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

These appointed times/meetings are held where the Lord has chosen to place His Name, as evidenced by the presence of His Glory.

The first place was at Shiloh.  But the people fell into sin and idolatry.

Psalms 78:58-60 CSB  They enraged him with their high places and provoked his jealousy with their carved images.

59  God heard and became furious; he completely rejected Israel.

60  He abandoned the tabernacle at Shiloh, the tent where he resided among mankind.

Then He moved to Jerusalem.  But once again they turned away from Him.  This is His declaration to the nation:

Jeremiah 7:12-14 KJV  But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

13  And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not;

14  Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

God told the people that He was going to remove His Name from His house in Jerusalem.  Ezekiel witnessed this in a vision.

Ezekiel 10:1-4 KJV  Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

2  And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

3  Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.

4  Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

Ezekiel 10:18 KJV  Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.

Ezekiel 11:22-23 KJV  22  Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

23  And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

The Samaritan woman who spoke to Jesus at the well questioned Him about where to worship.  She said:

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.  John 4:20 KJV 

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.  John 4:21-24 KJV 

Jesus let the woman know that worship was no longer going to be tied to a certain location.

Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus ascended from the mountain east of the city.  (The location seen in Ezekiel's vision)  The Glory departed with Him.  And then returned ten days later as evidenced by the tongues of fire resting on the 120 disciples gathered in the upper room.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Acts 2:1-4 KJV 

God's glory and His name now rests on the believers who are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV 

We are the living stones that make up His temple.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 2:5 KJV  

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  Ephesians 2:19-22 KJV

And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.  Revelation 22:4 KJV  

This is the place that God has now chosen to place His Name.  We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Where we are, there He is.  No matter what our physical location is, we can be united in spirit and in truth; worshiping in agreement and unity.  During this appointed time our prayer is that the Lord, whom we seek, will suddenly come to us, His temple.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.  Malachi 3:1 KJV 

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7  And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.  Haggai 2:6-7 KJV 

Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.  John 7:14 KJV  

On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38  The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.”  John 7:37-38 CSB 

Let us drink of the fullness of all that He has for us!

This year the Feast of Tabernacles begins the week of October 9.  The LORD has already marked His calendar to spend time with you.  

Will you keep the appointment?