FROM CREATION TO TRANSFORMATION: THE DIVINE PLAN OF REDEMPTION
From the dawn of creation to the unfolding drama of redemption, the human story is a testament to divine intention, earthly corruption, and ultimately, heavenly restoration. 'God formed us, the world defamed us, but Christ came to transform us' – this succinct phrase encapsulates the profound arc of our existence, a narrative woven with threads of divine artistry, the stain of sin, and the radiant hope of Christ's transformative power. It speaks to the inherent dignity of our creation, the devastating consequences of our fall, and the boundless grace offered through salvation. This statement is not merely a theological concept, but a lived reality, a journey from divine design to human brokenness, and finally, to the liberating embrace of Christ's renewing love.
1. God Formed Us:
• Divine Creation:
Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." This verse establishes the foundational truth that we are not accidents of chance, but deliberate creations of a loving God. We are crafted in His image, reflecting His glory and bearing His likeness. As Psalm 139:14 stated, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." This speaks to the intricate and intentional design of our being. God's creative work is not merely functional, but beautiful and purposeful. God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7), signifying a direct and personal connection between the Creator and His creation. This act signifies that we are not merely physical beings, but possess a spiritual dimension.
• Purpose and Potential: We were created for fellowship with God, to walk in communion with Him. This inherent desire for connection with the divine is woven into the fabric of our being. We were given dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28), signifying our role as stewards of God's handiwork. This highlights the inherent responsibility and potential entrusted to humanity.
2. The World Defamed Us:
• The Fall and Sin:
Genesis 3 recounts the story of the fall, where sin entered the world through disobedience. This act of rebellion defaced the image of God within us, corrupting our nature and separating us from our Creator. In Romans 3:23, the Bible explained: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Sin's pervasive nature has defamed all of humanity. Therefore, sin brought about brokenness, pain, and alienation, both from God and from one another. This "defaming" is not merely a verbal assault, but a deep corruption of our being.
• The World's Influence:
The book of 1 John 2:15-16 is teaching us that we should: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the Father." The world, influenced by sin, constantly seeks to shape us according to its own distorted values, further defaming our God given nature. Hence, the world's systems, values, and allurements often lead us astray, fostering pride, selfishness, and a pursuit of fleeting pleasures. This leads to a further defacement of the original image of God.
3. Christ Came to Transform Us:
• Redemption and Restoration: John 3:16 revealed to us that, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of redemption, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who believe. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through Christ, we are born again, becoming new creations. This transformation is not merely superficial, but a deep and radical change.
• Sanctification and Growth:
The book of Romans 12:2 states, "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." Transformation is an ongoing process of sanctification, where the Holy Spirit works to conform us to the image of Christ. Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." This passage emphasizes the indwelling presence of Christ and the power of His Spirit to transform our lives from the inside out.
4. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a divine empowerment given to believers for spiritual growth, boldness, and effective ministry. It was first fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples.
• Jesus’ Promise: Before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5).
• The Pentecost Event: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). This signified the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.
• Power for Witnessing: Jesus said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). The baptism of the Holy Spirit equips believers to testify of Christ with boldness and divine authority.
Ongoing Experience: This baptism is not limited to the early Church but is available to all believers who seek it by faith. As seen in Acts 10:44-46 and Acts 19:6, it continued to be a transformative experience for new believers. In essence, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s divine empowerment for spiritual renewal, holy living, and effective Christian service.
5. The Promise of Glory:
Romans 8:29 is saying, "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." Our ultimate destiny is to be fully conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting His glory in all its fullness. In essence, this statement encapsulates the journey from creation to redemption. God, in His infinite love, created us in His image. Sin, through the influence of the world, defaced that image. But Christ, through His sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit, offers us the opportunity for transformation, restoring us to our original purpose and destiny.
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