What Does It Mean to Be Like Jesus? Understanding Our  Destiny

Many Christians wonder about their eternal future and what it truly means to be transformed into Christ's likeness. The answer reveals one of the most profound truths in Scripture: believers are destined not just for heaven, but to become like Jesus himself in ways that go far beyond what most people imagine.

Are We Really Children of God?

The Bible declares that believers are children of God, but this isn't just a nice metaphor. According to Hebrews 1 and 2, we have a specific role in God's divine council that sets us apart from angels. While angels serve as "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14), believers inherit something far greater.

Jesus "having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs" (Hebrews 1:4). This superiority isn't just about Jesus - it extends to us as his brothers and sisters.

What Makes Jesus Superior to Angels?

The distinction between Jesus and angels is crucial for understanding our own destiny. Hebrews 1:5 asks, "For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son, today I have begotten you'?" The word "begotten" here doesn't imply creation or inferiority, but rather reveals Jesus as uniquely revealed - "the only one revealed to you in this way, unique among all creation."

Jesus inherits rulership and dominion while angels do not. This inheritance becomes ours through our union with Christ.

Will We Really Judge Angels?

Scripture makes a startling claim: "Do you not know that we are to judge angels?" (1 Corinthians 6:3). This isn't about becoming angels ourselves - it's about being elevated above them in authority and status.

The earth "was not to angels that God subjected the world to come" (Hebrews 2:5). Instead, the world to come will be ruled by the triune God and his people. We're not destined to float on clouds playing harps, but to exercise real authority in God's kingdom.

How Were We Made Lower Than God?

Hebrews 2:7 contains a crucial translation issue. While many versions say humans were made "a little lower than the angels," the original word is "Elohim" - meaning we were made "a little lower than God." This makes sense because "if you're going to rule angels, you can't be lower than them."

This positioning reveals God's original plan: humanity was created to participate in divine rule, not to be subordinate to angelic beings.

What Does It Mean That Jesus Became Our Brother?

One of the most remarkable truths in Hebrews is that Jesus became human so we could become his siblings in the divine family. Hebrews 2:11 states, "For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers."

Jesus will one day present us to the divine council, saying, "Behold, I and the children God has given me" (Hebrews 2:13). Far from being embarrassed about our humanity, Jesus celebrates it and includes us in his family.

What Is Theosis and Why Does It Matter?

The biblical concept of becoming like Jesus is called "theosis" - participating in the divine nature. While some Christians are uncomfortable with this idea, it has strong biblical foundations.

Consider these powerful passages:

"For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29). The focus isn't just on predestination, but on being conformed to Christ's image.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we reflect God's glory, we're changed to become like Jesus.

Will We Actually Become Like Jesus?

First John 3:2 provides a clear answer: "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."

This transformation includes sharing in the divine nature: "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).

What About Our Resurrected Bodies?

Our future transformation goes beyond spiritual change to physical resurrection. First Corinthians 15 explains that we'll receive spiritual bodies: "Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven" (1 Corinthians 15:49).

This isn't just about getting our bodies back - it's about being fundamentally changed. "For the perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:53).

How Does This Change Everything?

Understanding our divine destiny should transform how we view death, suffering, and our current circumstances. If we truly believed we're going to be like Jesus, "we wouldn't fear death." This knowledge should move us beyond petty concerns to focus on eternal realities.

God's original plan wasn't destroyed by human rebellion. Instead, he became human "so that we may become like him." This represents the ultimate reversal of the fall and the fulfillment of God's original intention for humanity.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to live in light of your divine destiny. Instead of being consumed with temporary concerns, focus on the reality that you're being transformed into Christ's likeness and will one day rule with him in the new creation.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How would my daily decisions change if I truly believed I'm destined to become like Jesus?
• Am I living as someone who will judge angels, or am I still thinking too small about my identity in Christ?
• What fears or anxieties am I holding onto that contradict the truth of my divine destiny?
• How can I better reflect God's glory today, knowing that this reflection is transforming me into Christ's image?

Remember, you're not just saved from something - you're saved to become like Jesus himself, elevated above angels, and destined to rule in God's kingdom. This isn't pride; it's the incredible grace of God that should humble us and inspire us to live worthy of such an amazing calling.