Life # 29 - The Ministry of the Spirit of Life



013/2011-07-30

’Ĕlôhîym made a people in their image (Genesis 1:26). After ’âdâm marred the image, God’s intention did not change. Thus, the Son became the plan of redemption and the Holy Spirit its guaranty (2 Corinthians 5:5). The glory that mĕtamŏrphŏō, transformed Jesus (2 Peter 1:17), is the same glory that mĕtamŏrphŏō believers today:

“…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, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The ministry of the Spirit mĕtamŏrphŏō us into an incorruptible image, thereby surpassing the ministry of death (2 Corinthians 3:7). Although Christians often quote Hebrews 9:27—we are all "appointed" once to die—the psalmist prophesied that for “a people yet to be created” the Lord would “release those appointed to death” (Psalm 102:18, 19). Christians are new creations in Christ Jesus. And he kept our appointment with death.

The result is “what remains is much more glorious” than what is passing away (2 Corinthians 3: 6-11). We, who “are alive and remain” (1 Thessalonians 4:17), have participated with the glory by works of faith. Otherwise, our faith is dead (James 2:17, 20-22, 24) and the present ministry of the Spirit profits us nothing.

Jesus said, “…He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25, 26 NIV).

Where are his believers now?

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Scripture quotations from New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted; see Blog 17- (2 Corinthians 3: 6-11); excerpts from our book to be released next year.