But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV).
Read more: The Formation of the Church: The Word and the Holy Spirit – Part 1fIntroduction:
From Foundation to Formation – The Church is conceptually and structurally grounded in two primary layers: a theological foundation and a spiritual formation. Foundation denotes the enduring basis on which the Christian community is established, whereas formation refers to the ongoing process through which believers are shaped in accordance with that foundation.
In our previous posts, we discussed “The Word of God Holds the Church Together,” we established that the Church is founded upon Christ and grounded in the truth of God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:15).
But establishing the foundation is not the end of God’s purpose. He intends to build a people whose lives reflect the character and nature of His Son – Christ. The Bible says, “Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Read Hebrews 1:3. In other words, the Church is not merely an assembly of believers, it is a people called to holiness, unity, obedience, and spiritual maturity.
Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 3:18, that believers are being transformed into the image of Christ by the Spirit of the Lord. This transformation is core and central to the purpose of the Church. The question is not simply whether we belong to the Church, but whether our lives are being shaped by the Word of God, and transformed by the Holy Spirit.
The Church Is Formed into the Image of Christ: God’s purpose for His people is transformation. The Bible says, “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Read Romans 8:29. Therefore, Christian maturity is not measured by Church attendance, though critically important, because the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching,” but by the extent to which our lives reflect Christ. The Book of Colossians Chapter 3, verse 17 further cements this truth by saying, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” The Bible then goes on to say, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Read Ephesians 4:13. The Book of Romans 12:2, compliments this by instructing believers, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Church should seek not only to gather people around Christ but also to cultivate Christ-like character within its members.
God’s purpose for His Church is to shape us into Christ’s image. Spiritual maturity is shown not by attendance alone, but by lives that reflect His character through faith, unity, holiness, and obedience to God’s Word.
The Word of God Forms a Holy People: Central to the calling of God’s people is holiness. The Bible says, “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” Read 1 Peter 1:15. Our Lord, Christ connects holiness with the truth of God’s Word, hence the Bible says, “Sanctify them through thy truth: Thy Word is truth.” Read John 17:17. God’s Word reveals His standards, corrects our conduct and directs us towards righteous living. The Holy Spirit works within believers to produce the character that pleases God. The Bible says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Read 2 Timothy 3:16. The Scripture further posit, “…That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word…” Read Ephesians 5:25–27. The Scripture makes the point further that, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” Read Galatians 4:19. The call to holiness applies to every area of life. It affects our speech, our conduct, our relationships, our decisions, our attitudes and our private lives. Holiness, therefore, is not perfection that is achieved through human strength. It is the continuing work of God in the life of a believer, who is surrendered to Him.
God’s Word calls us to holiness through surrender to Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape Christlike character and conduct in every area of life.
May we not merely assemble as the Church but continually yield ourselves to the sanctifying work of God, submitting to the authority of His Word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. May Christ be formed in us and may our lives bear faithful witness to the gospel through holiness, unity, love, and obedience, for the glory of God. Amen.
We write. You read. Be encouraged.
The Formation of the Church: The Word and the Holy Spirit – Part 1f
