The concept of being conformed to the image of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology and spiritual practice. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek transformation and alignment with the character and will of God through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit. This entry explores the biblical basis for this aspiration and the role of prayer in the process of spiritual conformity.

Biblical Foundation

The call to be conformed to the image of Christ is rooted in the New Testament. Romans 8:29 states, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This verse highlights God's sovereign purpose for believers to reflect the character of Jesus, emphasizing the transformative journey of sanctification.

In Philippians 3:10-11 , the Apostle Paul expresses his desire for conformity to Christ: "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." Here, Paul illustrates the depth of commitment required to be conformed to Christ, involving both the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

Role of Prayer

Prayer is a vital means by which believers seek to be conformed to the image of Christ. Through prayer, Christians invite the Holy Spirit to work within them, transforming their hearts and minds. In Ephesians 3:16-19 , Paul prays for the believers, "that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." This prayer underscores the necessity of divine strength and presence for spiritual transformation.

Furthermore, in Colossians 1:9-10 , Paul prays for the Colossians, "asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way." This prayer reflects the desire for believers to grow in understanding and live lives that reflect Christ's character.

Practical Implications

The pursuit of conformity to Christ involves a continuous process of spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are encouraged to engage in regular prayer, seeking God's guidance and empowerment to overcome sin and develop Christ-like virtues. In Galatians 5:22-23 , the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are qualities that believers pray to cultivate as evidence of their transformation.

Additionally, Romans 12:2 exhorts believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation is facilitated through prayerful meditation on Scripture, allowing God's Word to shape thoughts and actions.

Conclusion

The Scriptures present a compelling vision for believers to be conformed to the image of Christ, a process that is deeply rooted in prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, Christians seek the strength and wisdom necessary to reflect the character of Jesus in their daily lives, fulfilling God's purpose for them as His children.Psalm 119:133
Order my steps in your word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... desiring thee (if thou be a christian) to pray for him ... book thou hast also laid down
from the scriptures, how Jesus Christ is without the saints as Man ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
... May Thy Scriptures be my chaste delight; may I never be deceived in them nor deceive
others out of them. ... Hence it is idle for the Saints to pray for us. ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxiii of prayer.htm

Walking with God
... cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute ... The scriptures are called the
lively oracles of God ... all manner of supplication.' Watch and pray', says our ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

Prayer and Trouble
... stand much that is recorded in the Scriptures, and can ... of comfort in the Gospel for
the praying saints of the ... the trouble comes nor knows how to pray about it. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/v prayer and trouble.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... be sure, you may, by reading a prayer, learn how and what to pray, and have ... But the
strong argument is here urged that the saints of the Scriptures not only ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

His Future Work
... We quote a few Scriptures which relate to the Christ ... glory, He will be glorified
in His Saints and admired ... of Israel in great distress will then pray and look ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm

Perseverance Proved.
... specimens of the manner in which the scriptures speak upon ... That he makes intercession
for the saints according to ... excites them to pray, and to pray aright, for ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlix perseverance proved.htm

Hidden Manna
... The saints were taken to the stake, but the fires which ... I pray you get such a hold
of the gospel, that you ... How can the Scriptures be a joy and rejoicing to you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

The Extent and Reasonableness of Self-Denial
... And if we would live as we pray, we must ... an objection argues an ignorance of the
scriptures, so it ... commemorate the deaths and sufferings of the saints, but in ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the extent and reasonableness of.htm

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... your harrowing; between your reading in the Scriptures, and your ... I pray you, Christians,
consider this for it is ... in truth." The worship then of saints must be ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

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