We read in the Bible about maturing and growing in faith. Why is that necessary? Just believing in Jesus, isn't that enough? No. The devil also believes in Jesus, but he is wrong.
We are created in the image of God. In the first chapter of the Bible we read that God Said, “Let us make people who are our image, who look like us” (Gen. 1:26)
But what is the image of God. Is that still to be seen in people? No, because sin has come into the world and has made all people totally affected and sick. Everyone is dying because of this sin.
Yet God's purpose has not changed. To make people in His image. But to be healed from sin, we need a heart transplant or we will never become good people. God knows that. Who can give us a healthy heart? Then Jesus said to the Father, I am willing to give my heart. And then God sent his son Jesus to earth.
He is the perfect image of God (Col. 1:15). Jesus is equal to God. God wants to give His character, the character of Jesus, to us. So growing in faith means becoming like Jesus. What is the character of Jesus like?
- Jesus is gentle
- Jesus is merciful.
- Jesus is a peacemaker
- Jesus is tolerant
- Jesus is forgiving
- Jesus is righteous
- Jesus does the works of God.
God wants to change the world and save all the people in the world. God is not here to make all our dreams come true and give us a comfortable life. We are on earth to serve Him and help Him in His plan.
But God can only use you if you have the character of Jesus. And He will soon allow into heaven only people who have the character of Jesus. The Bible clearly says: without a holy life no one will see God (Heb.12:14)
