Changed Into His Likeness

As the fabric yields to the light, it is slowly changed. So too are we, as we behold Christ and trust the Spirit within.

📚 Devotional Credit:
Excerpt from In Christ by E. Stanley Jones

📸 Photo Credit:
Photo by Unsplash

Today’s reading from In Christ draws us beyond the positional truth of being “in Christ” and into the transformational reality of becoming “like Christ.” It anchors this transition in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where we behold Christ’s glory and are changed—from the inside out—into His likeness, by the Spirit of the Lord. This isn’t a goal we achieve through spiritual ambition or religious effort. It’s the natural outcome of abiding in Christ and allowing the Spirit to do what He has been sent to do—conform us into the image of the Son.

E. Stanley Jones reminds us that being “in Christ” isn’t simply about going to heaven, avoiding hell, or finding peace for today’s problems. Those are byproducts. The ultimate purpose is nothing less than to be made like Christ Himself. That’s not poetic exaggeration—it’s the glorious intention of God’s redemptive plan. Any lesser goal shrinks the scope of what grace has purchased for us.

And what grace it is. This isn’t the distant deity who keeps His uniqueness to Himself. This is the God who stoops low, not just to rescue, but to remake. Christ not only redeems us but offers to share His very likeness with us. That’s divine humility. It’s love that lifts, not just out of sin, but into glory.

The message today leaves me stunned. The Lord hasn’t merely saved me to serve or survive, but to shine with His own life. We behold—and are being changed. That’s the trajectory of the Christian life. That’s what it means to be truly alive.

📓 Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

Beloved, look to Me and keep looking. I have removed the veil that once covered your eyes, and now you see Me—not in shadow or symbol, but in the face of My Son. And as you behold Him, I am doing My quiet work within you. You do not change yourself. I do the changing. You do the beholding.

You were never called to imitate Me by effort, but to yield to Me in trust. For My Spirit within you is not passive—He is active, shaping your heart into the very likeness of Christ. As you abide in Him, His life radiates through you, changing your desires, your responses, your priorities, your joy. You are not being improved. You are being conformed—to Him. This is your destiny, your design, your delight.

I do not keep you at a distance. I draw you near, not only to dwell with Me, but to be made like Me. You share in My nature, My righteousness, My love. You were not just saved from death—you were raised into glory. Let your eyes remain fixed on Jesus. Let your heart stay open to My working. Every glimpse of Christ becomes an act of transformation.

This is no burden. It is rest. It is joy. As you behold, I change. As you rest, I shape. As you yield, I shine. And what I begin, I complete.

Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; John 15:4-5; 1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:10; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:2; Ephesians 4:24; Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:3-4; Romans 12:2

🪞 Real-Life Analogy

Think of a piece of fabric left in the sunlight over time. Though it begins as one shade, the light slowly transforms its tone. The fabric doesn’t strive. It simply stays where the light can reach it.

That’s how transformation works in your life too. You don’t achieve Christlikeness through grit or guilt. You become like Him by staying in the light of His presence. As you walk through your day, pause not to perform, but to behold. While driving, cleaning, speaking, deciding—these are your moments in the light. The Spirit within you is ready, willing, and already at work. Simply trust Him. Yield your responses, your attitudes, your habits—and say, “Lord, live Your life through me now.” Whether in a tense meeting or a joyful moment, He is there, forming Christ in you as you rest in Him.

🙏 Prayer of Confidence

Father, what grace You’ve given—to not only rescue me, but to re-form me. Thank You that this work is not mine to perform but Yours to fulfill. I rest today in Your purpose: to make me like Your Son. I rejoice that the Spirit is already at work, transforming me moment by moment as I behold Your glory in Christ. Today I yield, not to effort, but to Your indwelling life. You are faithful, and You will do it.