We Shall Be Like Him

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, we are God's children now and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

To be like Jesus is the hope we can look forward to. The apostle Paul wrote that we have been predestined by God to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. Likeness to Christ, is God's ultimate purpose for us and the hope we look forward to.

Here are a few words of Paul and John:

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body"

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 - Listen, I tell you a mystery; We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the winkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory' "

Revelation 21:3-4 - And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away' "

Revelation 22:3-5 - No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Before we experience that glorious reality, we still must live in this life. While here, we must not just wait for our hope of heaven, but should be actively and vigorously engaged in becoming more like Christ.