...the glory of Christ, who is the image of God(2 Corinthians 4:4 – ESV)
In 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are told that those who are beholding the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory. And we are told that this change is by the Spirit of the Lord. We were made in the image of God, but that image was marred by the fall of man into sin. Now when we are born again, we begin to be transformed into Christ’s image. As we behold Him, the Spirit of the Lord changes us. The question is, how do we “behold” Him?
In this passage and our text above, the word image is “icon”, or picture, figure, representation. There are some churches that believe in having pictures that depict biblical persons or scenes and relics and such. They say they don’t worship them but they venerate, or revere them. I’m not so sure about all that, but in any event, that isn’t what the Apostle Paul means when he says we are to behold Christ.
We don’t become more like Jesus by looking at pictures we made, but by looking at the picture God has drawn, the “Word” Picture. The most beautiful pictures made by man can capture a sense of but not the substance of the real thing. However, God through the miraculous inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives us something of the substance of His Son in the words of scripture. In the bible we see Christ as He is, not in fullness but in truth. It is untainted by conception and aided by divine revelation.
Those things we think bring us closer to God, like a beautiful sunset, inspiring music, a thoughtful story, etc., are wonderful, and they serve a useful purpose, but the beauty of these things is only a shadow. They do not mediate the revelation of God to us or invoke the presence of God among us (1 Timothy 2:5). If those things inspire us to pray and give thanks to God for His creation and His common grace, then well. If we think those things bring special revelation of the saving kind, or that they are a ticket to the throne room, then we are in big trouble.
We are to come boldly before the throne of God by our prayers, not by our pictures (Hebrews 4:16). When James tells us to “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you ”, (James 4:8 – ESV) he means through the bible, prayer, and resisting Satan, not by looking at some artists conception, or by some means of grace not found in the Word.
19 comments:
Word...
Good points. While the creation inspires, the Word inspires more.
"We don’t become more like Jesus by looking at pictures we made, but by looking at the picture God has drawn, the “Word” Picture. The most beautiful pictures made by man can capture a sense of but not the substance of the real thing. However, God through the miraculous inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives us something of the substance of His Son in the words of scripture."
Yes, your right. There are things that invoke an emotion within us that do not cause us to glorify God. Or to further understand Him. There was a time quite a while ago I was watching a television movie and realized my eyes had started to fill with tears, as a sat there wondering what was going on I came to the realization that when God softened our heart and the Holy Spirit had made us more sensitive to things of God, it enabled us to become humble and to be more sensitive to the prompting of the Holy spirit. At that moment I realized that such a gift should never be wasted on some make believe television move. But reserved for the glory of the Father. Such as a broken spirit, a revelation from God, healing and so much more. Why waist such a gift on something that never existed in the first place.
When God invokes emotions within us they are as glory to Him. Creating a picture of Him through His Word. (as stated))
"In the (B)ible we see Christ as He is, not in fullness but in truth. It is untainted by conception and aided by divine revelation."
That's one of the main reasons I like reading the Bible cover-to-cover through the year. I know that my perception of Jesus is subject to being tainted, so I seek to know Him primarily as He has revealed Himself.
Human experience doesn't hold a candle to divine revelation.
Indeed...our experience doesn't illuminate the Bible...the Bible illumines our experience...
Hey J.D.,
You have been ROARED:
http://gojiras-stomping-ground.blogspot.com/2007/01/this-weeks-roaring-shout-out.html
God bless you, Doug...I am truly humbled to tears...
This is a repost from 1 year ago, but as we do occasionally, we repost old articles that perhaps many haven't seen yet...
This post, to my mind, is still fresh, because we need to be reminded over and over again that the Word, although written so long ago, is still fresh (Hebrews 4:12)...
maybe this is the reason why i have never been able to talk myself into watching passion of the christ. i really don't want to have that actor's face in my head when i think of His sacrifice for me.
Good teaching JD. It's the Holy Scriptures that Peter says is a more sure word.
Thanks for commenting Mandi...
Don, that is it...we could have the most incredible experience, like Peter had at the Mount of Transfiguration, and the Word is still more sure...
In a convenience store that lies between my house and our church is a picture of Jesus on the wall. It is the popular version I find on the wall of my catholic customers. As I was leaving the store I noticed that the picture was hung directly above the OUT IN THE OPEN FOR ALL TO SEE porno-mag display.
I was very enraged at this at first glance and almost went in to express my disgust. I told my wife to look at what I was looking at and her response was, “Maybe they put it there so someone may be convicted before buying one of those.”. Maybe it was to make the owner of the store feel better about the fact that he chooses to sell such things.
Either way I had to decide that the photo was NOT Jesus hung on the wall being made to stare at abuncha naked women and deviant men all day and rather just a painting of some random long-haired brunette male with a beard and kind face.
Long story short….. I dislike those pictures too.
I miss Gojira.
Me too, Craver, I pray for Doug, I hope you will too...
Chris, the real Jesus does indeed have to look at a whole lot of depravity every day...
I know and never got a picture of how Jesus must view the world like that. It still really bothered me. Maybe it wasn't the picture as much of the location of content. I dunno.
I hear ya, Chris...
Yeshua HaMashiach is the perfect reflection of God the Father.
He is not only the sacrificial lamb that brought those willing back into the graces of our God and loving Father, but is the prototype of the next generation of God's children.
He is the first of many who will one day, far from the confounds of space and time, unit all peoples unto Himself, as one mind, all speaking with one voice like that of many rivers.
Our Lord will be glorified.
In this, we can trust.
Post a Comment