Forming the Character of Christ

30-Day Devotional (or the required amount of time) to Be Transformed

By: Dr. Michael A. Patterson, Dr. Natanael Valenzuela

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In the eternity of the past, God the Father determined a sublime plan: that His only begotten Son would not only redeem fallen mankind but would be "the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29). This divine plan reveals the ultimate purpose of our salvation: to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Transformation of character is not simply an optional aspect of the Christian life; it is its very essence. When we accept Christ as Savior, a profound process begins where the Holy Spirit works daily to replace our fleshly attitudes with the attributes of Jesus' character. This process is what the Bible calls sanctification: "being transformed into His image, from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Why is it so crucial to develop Christ's character?
It is God's eternal purpose for us. "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). Before the foundation of the world, God had already determined that we would be transformed into the image of Christ.
It is the visible evidence of our salvation. "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:16). Transformed character is tangible proof that Christ lives in us. It is not an external religiosity, but an internal transformation that manifests itself in attitudes and actions.
It is our most powerful testimony. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). A Christlike character impacts more deeply than a thousand words.
It is the preparation for eternity. Heaven is not primarily a destination; it is a person. To be with Christ eternally requires us to be like Him. "We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).
It is the secret to a full and fruitful life. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it abundantly" (John 10:10). True fulfillment is only found when we reflect the character for which we were originally designed.