Paul wrote to the Corinthians that we Christians, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his image with increasing glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). We are transformed into his image; we become more and more like him. This is a change in our identity, a change in who we. We in our new nature and new identity are a reflection of who Jesus is. What does it mean to live as a reflection? How are we the reflection of Christ’s life and work?
First, remember that Christ became like us, fully participating with us in the human experience (Philippians 2:5-11). The gospel story is that of God in man’s image that man might be in God’s image. Jesus became human to such extent that he experienced death, then he showed his power and mastery over death in his resurrection. How do we participate in his death, resurrection, and ascension? How are our lives a reflection of Jesus?
We participate in his death through baptism (Romans 6:1-6). This involves death to the old man, death to sin–death to the old way of living. We become like him, imitating him. We also become participants in the new covenant, and Christ becomes the first fruits of our hope. In the Lord’s Supper, we remember Christ’s death and anticipate his return.
We participate in his burial and resurrection in baptism (Romans 6:1-6). In our baptism we mirror his burial, confident that the previous life is no more. From our baptism, we participate in Christ’s resurrection in new life. In our new way of life, we reflect Christ’s resurrection, confident that we shall also participate in the heavenly resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). Because Christ has returned to heaven, we also have that hope. His resurrection is the first fruits through which we confidently wait.
We participate in Christ’s exaltation. We become like him, sharing the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4). We shall reign with him.
Christ sacrificed his physical body, so that we might in the church be his spiritual body. Christians, being part of the church, are Christ’s body, that which he saves (Eph. 5:23). Therefore, because there is no salvation outside of Christ (Acts 4:13), there is no salvation outside the body, the church. We participate in the work of Christ as we live sacrificial lives so that others might know him and be saved.