We know that Adam was created in the image of God, and each of us who have been physically born since have also been born after His likeness. There is also a spiritual birth. Jesus speaks of this in John 3:6 with these words, “that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” In the previous verse, Jesus had described this birth as being ‘born of water and the Spirit’ (John 3:5). A corresponding passage - “ … according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). As we through faith obey the Lord in baptism, we are raised a new creature to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Upon our physical birth, each one of us was given a human spirit, and upon our spiritual birth, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; I Corinthians 6:19). A new Christian is then formed in the spiritual image of God for the first time in his / her life.

This spiritual birth begins our spiritual life, giving us the privilege to be led by the Spirit of God and called children of God (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:4-7). A new-born infant is fully human, yet growth over the years will bring many changes before resulting in the maturity of adulthood. Similarly, a new babe in Christ is fully Christian, yet many changes are in order to produce a Christ-like character. This is a life-long endeavor - to be conformed and transformed into the image of God. Paul speaks of being ‘conformed to the image of His Son’ in Romans 8:29. “…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” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Lord has equipped us for this spiritual growth and transformation. The Holy Spirit guided the apostles into all truth (John 16:13) and continues to do this for us today through the Word of God. The Holy Spirit has also been given to us as Christians as a gift to dwell within us (Romans 8:9-11; I Corinthians 3:16). As we are led by the Spirit, we will be filled with and show forth the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:18; 5:22-23).

To be transformed in the image of God is to walk a life patterned after Him. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:24; ‘put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness, and holiness.’ What is the character of this new man of righteousness and holiness? He is one who shows mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with others, and forgiving others (Colossians 3:12-13). Above all, he caps it with love - ‘the bond of perfection’ (Colossians 3:14). The fruit of the Spirit is evident in his life - ‘love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control’ (Galatians 5:22-23). As we read through these qualities, we are reminded of our own strengths and shortcomings in these areas. How important is it that we allow God to fully work in our lives through His Spirit to accomplish these things? It is not our nature to have the qualities of this ‘new man.’ We are given the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us in being transformed into this image of God. Since none of us have reached the perfection of God, all of us continue in this transformation process. It is present tense - ‘we are being transformed’ into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

One major spiritual tool we use in order to accomplish this transformation is prayer. In James 4:8 the inspired writer tells us ‘to draw near unto God and He will draw near unto you.’ Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts. To pray regularly, continually, and fervently draws us close to the Lord and He to us. The characteristics of His image become those of our own. While we may not know exactly what to say, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us in our prayers (Romans 8:26- 27). We are ‘strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man’ (Ephesians 3:16). Prayer plays a significant role in our strength as a Christian. Our spiritual strength is directly tied to our growth in prayer. There is a sweet simplicity in prayer, while also a tremendous depth. From the youngest to the most mature and aged of Christians, prayer is always available to us. May each of us more fully appreciate the value and power of prayer, and commit ourselves to sincerely praying often throughout each day. As we pursue this effort, we will be transformed into the image of God.

In these last three articles, we have devoted our thoughts to the image of God. We have been reminded of three related biblical teachings. All humans are created in the image of God. Christ is the express image of God. Christians are being transformed into His image. James 1:22-25 speaks of a man observing his natural face in a mirror. As we look into the perfect law of liberty, we spiritually see the ‘face of God,’ as well as our own spiritual reflection. May we ever continue in the good work He has created us to do, in anticipation of the final blessing from the One who is the author and finisher of our faith.