Christlikeness: Becoming like Christ in His death

One of the distinguishing features between Christianity and other religions is the fact that we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus’ sacrificial death atoned for our sins and brought us into a new relationship with God. The fallen state of mankind gained in Eden was restored by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When anyone comes to Christ, that person is a new creation and the old has passed away and the new has come (paraphrased 2 Cor. 5:17). This new creation is dead to the old self. Our baptism is symbolic of this new life. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (Philippians 3:10) “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Rom. 6:4). Therefore, the Christian is dead to the old sinful nature and alive to the new man which is being transformed daily into the image of Christ. Christlikeness involves knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection and participating in His suffering and becoming like Him in His death. The resurrection is our hope, knowing that this earthly body which will one day be overcome by death does not end our existence but is a transition into our eternal home. With this in mind, we daily strive to reflect Christ even in our sufferings. The persecution, the hate, the ridicule, the pain of being rejected for our faith should not separate us from the love of God and from attaining the goal. Christ was glorified after His death. We might not be hanged on the cross because of our faith (thanks be to God for the liberty to worship in most parts of the West), but we should have the mindset that nothing should separate us from this relationship we have with Christ. Paul reiterates this in Romans 8:35 that nothing should separate us from the love of Christ. Each day as we strive to be like Christ, we should also know that following our Lord comes at a cost and this may be difficult to bear. However, Jesus has already won the battle for us and we need to confidently face the devil as victors. We should know our stand that we have already been crucified with Christ. We no longer live but Christ lives in us and this is our hope.

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