The character of Christ serves as the ultimate model for believers, who are called to be conformed to His image. This transformation is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the spiritual and moral development of Christians as they grow in their faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates the concept of conformity to Christ in Romans 8:29 : "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This passage underscores the divine purpose for believers to reflect the character and virtues of Jesus.

In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul further explains this transformative process: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Here, the role of the Holy Spirit is highlighted as the agent of transformation, guiding believers into deeper likeness to Christ.

Attributes of Christ's Character

1. Holiness: Christ's sinless nature is a foundational aspect of His character. Believers are called to pursue holiness, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

2. Love: The love of Christ is sacrificial and unconditional. Ephesians 5:2 exhorts believers to "walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God."

3. Humility: Philippians 2:5-8 describes Christ's humility: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

4. Obedience: Christ's obedience to the Father is a model for believers. Hebrews 5:8 states, "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered."

5. Compassion: Jesus' compassion is evident throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 9:36 , it is written, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

The Process of Conformity

The process of being conformed to the character of Christ involves both divine initiative and human response. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this dynamic: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."

Believers are encouraged to actively pursue spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other Christians to facilitate this transformation. The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 , serves as evidence of this ongoing work: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

The Role of Suffering

Suffering is often a means through which believers are conformed to Christ's character. Romans 5:3-4 states, "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Through trials, believers learn to rely on God's strength and develop Christ-like endurance and character.

The Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal of being conformed to the character of Christ is to glorify God and to be prepared for eternal life with Him. As believers grow in likeness to Christ, they become effective witnesses to the world, reflecting His love and truth in their lives.Romans 8:29
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 brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Receive a Dowry?
... to Christ, or not so properly as to the saints; but that the ... In this way alone has
the Church the character of spouse: and in this way Christ is not a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting that 8.htm

How to Become Like Christ.
... One or two men in a century may become great saints; given a certain ... that this living
Person is with him, and remembers the character of Christ as it is ...
/.../dods/how to become like christ/how to become like christ.htm

Whether the Time of Our Resurrection Should be Delayed Till the ...
... Head, they do not attain to the character of headship ... and not as due on account of
conformity to Christ. ... doubtful of this resurrection of the saints with Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the time of our.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the ...
... Truly, the word of Christ, which is the character of all our ... general to all that
come indeed to Jesus Christ, and are not restricted unto saints of such ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi and if christ.htm

After Christ: with Christ
... To be with Christ' is 'very ... so place, to-day at all events for the departed saints,
and in ... must be but a symbol of state, of condition, of spiritual character. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/after christ with christ.htm

Divine and Worldly Conformity
... Conformity to Christ means conformity in character. ... If we are meek and modest in
character, our dress ... Such things are very unbecoming to saints, and of course ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk nineteen divine and worldly.htm

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
... study him in the evangelists, studiously examine his character. ... you are of Christ,
and shall be with Christ. ... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs peopleimitators of him.htm

Death and Life in Christ
... on earth we must live to comfort the saints, to set ... And now that Christ has ascended
he lives unto God ... He lives, my brethren, to manifest the divine character. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/death and life in christ.htm

Suffering with Christ, a Condition of Glory with Christ
... us meet for the inheritance of the saints in light ... it be a momentary act"when a man
turns to Christ. ... lowest and most abandoned form of human character, and in ...
/.../suffering with christ a condition.htm

Language of the New Testament. 1 in the Character of the Original ...
... meaning, whereby they assumed a technical character wholly unknown ... 4:4), faith, to
believe in Christ, or to ... the called, the chosen, the saints (for Christians ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiv language of the.htm

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Christ consciousness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean "to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21)? | GotQuestions.org

Christ: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus