“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 Cor. 3:18
Salvation is a glorious gift that puts an end to our fear of condemnation, our search for satisfaction, and our concerns about our eternal destiny. To know that your sins are forgiven and that you have a home in heaven is wonderful beyond compare. But our desire shouldn’t end there. While salvation is the end of one thing it is the beginning of another. Having been delivered from condemnation and the bondage of sin we should desire to be conformed to the image of Christ as much possible.
For us, it is a blessed thing to experience the difference that Christ makes in our life. To others it is a beautiful sight to see it expressed. The transformation is thrilling, but it isn’t automatic. While the spiritual birth is a one time experience, spiritual growth is an ongoing process, and it should never stop until the day we die. As long as we are on earth there will be room for improvement. We never attain unto the full likeness of Christ until we are with Christ. That’s why it is crucial that we understand how we grow. There is a lot of confusion in this area.
We hear a lot of testimonies about people making changes after they have been saved, and more than enough boasting. However, the changes that matter most are not made by us, but to us. We change, not because we changed, but because we are changed. It’s clear from our text that the Holy Spirit is the change agent. So, what do we do? What is our role in bring about spiritual growth? Paul gives us the answer – “beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord”. It is only as we are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” ( Heb. 12:2) that we “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord“. As we “Consider Him” ( Heb. 12:3) we are changed by Him and conformed to Him. Let us then take great care that our attention is not diverted away from Christ. It is only as we abide in Him ( John 15:4-5) that we bear the fruit of the Spirit. Rather than get distracted by the world we need to do as the old song says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”. As we behold Him we become like Him. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
