Partakers

by Mark Imoukhuede, Surulere, Nigeria | Category: General | Oct 1995

God's purpose in the creation of man is that men and women should be conformed to the image of His Son. In Genesis 1:26-27 we see the mind of God revealed, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness'. What is the likeness of God? John 1:18 tells us that no one has seen God at any time. We see God in Christ Jesus, He has declared Him.

Man's fall in Adam could not change this plan of God. 'For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son' (Rom. 8:29). The plan of God in predestination is a mystery. It is a plan of grace. What was God's Son like? In the days of His flesh His life was an example of suffering, holiness and glory. God wants us to be partakers with Him and so be transformed progressively into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).

His Sufferings:

Why did Jesus suffer? We find out that He suffered when He stood against sin. He humbled Himself (Phil. 2:5-8) in a world that is full of human pride. He stood for truth and justice where there was corruption and injustice. When we are prepared to stand against sin in our world, we are bound to suffer. But what a gracious privilege to suffer for and with Christ. 'For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake' (Phil. 1:29). When you suffer, thank God for counting you worthy to be a partaker of His suffering. I say it is a wonderful privilege. 'And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation' (2 Cor. 1:7).

His Holiness:

The holiness of Jesus Christ in a world of sin is an evidence of His divine nature. He could not be spoiled by sin. He is God. Job asked, 'What is man, that he could be pure?' (Job 15:14). Humanly speaking it is unthinkable. Yet this is the will of God, that we be transformed into the image of His Son in every respect. Experience shows that it is an uphill task in the path of pain and suffering. 'For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness' (Heb. 12:10). If it is to our profit, then let us accept it from our heavenly Father's hand. 'Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God' (2 Cor. 7:1). Surely this is a necessary pursuit.

His Glory:

The apostle Peter had this to say to the elders in his first epistle chapter 5 and verse 1, 'I ... am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed'. Which glory? It is a future glory in association with the Father (1 John 3:1-3). One day sin will no more have power over us. Amen.

What glory we shall enter into then! At crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ removed the sting and pain in death, making it desirable for believers to be absent from the body (at death) and present with the Lord, which is far better. At His resurrection, our Lord showed the evidence that one day believers will be raised to an endless life.

It is noteworthy that all the chastening experiences that God allows us to pass through with the attendant sufferings and pains, have one objective, which is, to make us holy. This is so that we can be fitted to partake of the glory which is to be revealed:

The Spirit Himself bears witness with-our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together ... the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:16-18).

This is an eternal glory. It is an enduring prospect. Seek it!

Scripture references are from the NKJV

Mark Imoukhuede, Surulere, Nigeria | Oct 1995
General