The Full Restoration
The restoration of man back into the image of God

There is no greater news than learning we can be restored into the image of God. Wherever we go, the presence of God is with us because we are living temples with the Spirit of God dwelling in us. We learn to live without fear, worry and guilt because we are forgiven and Jehovah is our God. We can know we will live forever in a glorified body transformed to be like the body of the Son of God, the Creator and Upholder of the universe Himself. This is the completion of God's purpose to make man in His image. There is no greater news than this. 

The great news that we can be restored back into the image of God is the mystery revealed in the New Testament and is the purpose of the church (Col.1:27). True Christianity is striving to grow more into the image of Christ even while realizing we will continue to fail in this life. Our faith is in God who alone can complete our transformation when we become like Him at the revealing of the sons of God (1Jo 3:2, Rom. 8:19).   

We are commanded to examine and test ourselves to see if Christ is in us (2Co. 13:5). Are we obedient to the commands to love one another with the love of God and to rejoice always? Do we give thanks in all things? Do we live without fear or anxiety because we are walking in trusting faith? Is our hope resting fully on God's grace? Do we have the peace of God in us? Are we patient and longsuffering towards all? Are we as merciful and forgiving towards others as we want God to be merciful and forgiving with us? Are we seeking ways to do good towards all? Are we zealous for good works? Do we seek God's will and glory in all that we do? Can the world know the Father truly has sent His Son when they see our love for each other? 

Christians being restored back into the image of God will radiate God in their lives as they grow into His image. We renew our minds daily with help from the Holy Spirit (2Co. 4:16, Rom. 12:2, Eph. 4:23, Titus 3:5). We are to continue grow more into the image of God until the day comes when we shall be like Him (1Jo. 3:2-3, Prov. 4:18). Is this what is seen in local congregations? If it is, wonderful! Keep it up and do more! (Php. 1:9, 1Th. 4:1, 10). If this is not what we see, then we need to repent and change our lives. 

Forgiveness is just the beginning of our walk with God (Mic. 6:8). We are all damaged by sin and need to be healed. After we are cleansed of our sins, then the Holy Spirt begins to dwell in us (Act. 2:38, Rom. 8:9, 1Co. 6:19). Once we are born again (regenerated), we begin the life-long process of spiritual healing through the renewing of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:5, Ti. 3:5). 

We are called by the good news "for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Th. 2:14). If we want to obtain the glory of Jesus in the future we must be teaching the "doctrine that accords with godliness" now (1Ti. 6:3). This is the doctrine that edifies the church to grow into the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19) and motivates us to purify ourselves as He is pure (1Jn 3:3). The gospel is the good news of the glory of Christ (2Co. 4:4). What news could be better than hearing we can receive the glory of Christ when we are made to "shine forth like the sun" (Mat. 13:43)?

We all need to pray for God to enlighten our eyes so we can begin to comprehend the greatness of the hope of our calling (Eph. 1:18). Are we rejoicing in hope of the glory of God? (Rom. 5:2). How can we not be rejoicing if the glory of God is our hope? 

With all that the world has to offer available to them, the Rolling Stones still sang "I can't get no satisfaction." Compare that to the living hope of all children of God as expressed by David in Psalm 17:15:

     "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
     I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness."

Would you be satisfied if you woke up in the likeness of God? 

Do we believe we will someday bear the image of the heavenly man? (1Co. 15:49) Do we believe we will shine like the sun? (Mat. 13:43) Are we seeking eternal life in glory and power? (1Co. 15:43)  Do we want to be more like Jesus every day? (2Co 3:18) Are we confident and well pleased at the thought of dying and being with the Lord? (2Co. 5:8), Do we want to be like Jesus? (1Jo. 3:2) If so, we will spend the rest of our lives trying to be pure, just as He is pure (1Jo. 3:3).

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