Beholding Christ
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
One of the beautiful realities revealed in Scripture is that God desires every believer to become increasingly like Christ. His intention is that the character, wisdom, love, and nature of Christ will find expression in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul explains that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into the same image from glory to glory. This shows us that spiritual transformation is connected to what we behold.
To behold Christ means to give attention to Him as He is revealed through the Scriptures. As you study His words, observe His character, understand His sacrifice, and learn what He has accomplished through His death and resurrection, your understanding of Him becomes clearer. And as that understanding grows, your life begins to reflect what you have seen. For example, the more you understand the love Christ has demonstrated towards you, the more you learn to extend that love towards others. The more you understand His humility, the more you recognize the need to deal with pride in your own life.
This is why the content of the teachings you expose yourself to matters greatly. If you continually feed your heart with teachings that leave you afraid of God, uncertain of His love, and ignorant of what Christ has accomplished, those teachings will influence how you relate to Him. But as Christ is revealed accurately through His Word, your heart becomes established in the truth, and that truth produces transformation. Make it your desire to know Jesus more deeply. Your greatest pursuit as a believer should include growing into His likeness.
Prayer
Father, reveal Jesus to me more clearly through Your Word. Remove every misunderstanding that prevents me from seeing Him accurately, and let His character find greater expression in my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Confession
As I behold Christ through His Word, I am being transformed into His image. My life reflects His love, wisdom, holiness, and character more clearly every day.
Further reading: John 1:14–18, Hebrews 1:1–3, Romans 8:28–30.