The Ultimate Lifelong Goal for Christians: Embodying Jesus Christ
What is the ultimate lifelong goal of the Christian? This question has been debated and pondered by countless believers and theologians over the centuries. As a Google SEO expert, let's explore this deeply rooted inquiry, highlighting the key objectives and spiritual expectations that guide the Christian journey.
Understanding the Ultimate Goal in Christian Perspective
The ultimate goal for the human person is described in overwhelming terms as the life of the Age to come, which implies a spiritual and eternal existence. This lifelong pursuit is not just a distant dream or a future promise but a present reality that can be experienced in this life through genuine encounters with Jesus Christ.
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, underscores the importance of knowing Christ Jesus as a core component of this ultimate goal. He brilliantly encapsulates this idea in Philippians 3:10:
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For whose sake I have lost all things, and I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
According to Christian theology, this transformation involves developing an agape love, a deep and sacrificial love for God and others, as well as understanding the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This relationship should source all one's earthly activities, pushing the notion of striving and earning salvation to one side. It is about inheriting salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human effort.
The Journey to Become More Christ-Like
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God's commands, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 12:13–14: “Let us hear the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Furthermore, the Christian journey entails growing into the likeness of God. This process is described in 2 Peter 1:4, which recounts that God has granted precious and very great promises, allowing believers to partake of the divine nature and escape from the corruption of the world. The ultimate transformation is to reflect the image of Christ, as mentioned in Romans 8:29,29–30:
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son... Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
1 John 3:2 further expounds on this transformation, promising that when Christ appears, believers shall be like Him. Galatians 4:19 emphasizes the continuous process of this formation: “Now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is.”
As believers, we are called to be more like Christ, reflecting His nature and love in our daily lives. This does not come from our own will power alone but is enabled through the Holy Spirit.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Having the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is essential to living a life guided by Christ’s teachings. Romans 8:13–14 summarizes this process:
“If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of living according to the Spirit and not just the flesh. It underscores that when we are led by the Spirit, we are fulfilling God's purpose for our lives, and we can be conformed to the image of Christ.
Eternal Fellowship and the Fulfillment of Purpose
The ultimate goal for Christians is to experience eternal fellowship with God and others who love Him. This means not only embodying Christ's love and teachings but also sharing this relationship with others. Just as the early Christians shared their faith, modern believers are encouraged to do the same, spreading the good news and drawing more people into the rich relationship with God.
Conclusion
The ultimate lifelong goal for Christians is a holistic transformation that involves living according to God’s divine purpose and living as images of Christ. This journey is fueled by the presence of the Holy Spirit and is marked by a continuous pursuit of Christ-like living. The goal is to not just know Christ but to embody Him, reflecting His love and righteousness in every aspect of life.