Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).
Christ is our Lord and Savior, and He is also God’s pattern for us. He is the Pattern Son!
I Corinthians 15:47 says, “The first man [Adam] was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man [Jesus] is the Lord from heaven.” Paul uses the term “the first man” and “the second Man” denoting a significant difference. The first man is earthly, made of dust, the second Man is not of the earth, but from heaven. He is superior to the first man because of His nature and origin. He is God’s only Son!
The Father’s purpose in bringing the Son is revealed in the next verse, “As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:48). Paul shows us in this passage that those who have not accepted Jesus have Adam as their only hope. Adam failed! Therefore, no matter what “success” one achieves in this life, it has failure built into it because it is based on one who failed to meet God’s standard! Jesus, on the other hand, greatly succeeded and has become both Lord and Christ. He is the Head of the new creation. A creation that enjoys His Life and His victory! Therefore, as He is so are we in this world.
In 1 Corinthians 15:49, the apostle says, “and as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” Paul speaks in a manner that gives us absolute assurance that Christ Jesus has changed us eternally by His death, resurrection, and ascension! He says with the same certainty that as we have borne Adam’s likeness, we shall also bear the likeness of the heavenly Man. By Christ’s sacrifice, we have received His nature. I John 3:2 says, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
Come walk in the pattern set before us, Christ Jesus, for in Him we shall bear His likeness.