The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren—A Synopsis (continued). Chapter 22—Created to Become Like Christ (pages 171-178) Summary From the beginning of time God intended man to be in the image of God, but due to man’s sin of disobedience this image was severely damaged resulting in both temporal and eternal ramifications—all detrimental to man. But God’s plan remains to make every person like (in the image of) His Son, Jesus Christ—and this is everyone’s third purpose in life, also known as sanctification. To this end God gave His Son to pay the penalty-price for everyone’s sins on Calvary’s cross, making the gift of eternal life (union with Christ) possible for all who will apprehend it by faith in Jesus Christ. Saved or unsaved, man is unique in all creation. He is a spiritual, intellectual, rational, and morally conscious being. Because of this man is accountable to God. God would have every person become godly in character, similar to Christ who is the express image of God. God does not wish to change a person’s personality, but He does expect each person, after the “new birth,” to develop a character like that of Christ. Since man’s disruption of God’s plan and the order and nature of the planet earth by sinning in the Garden of Eden, the earth and all it has to offer is not intended to be easy for man or to be his final destination. Man’s time on earth is supposed to be difficult, which is for the purpose of building and strengthening his character. And when his time on earth is over he will be transported to his final destination of heaven. A Christian cannot of himself, by his own efforts and capabilities, become Christlike in character. Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can produce this change in a believer. By the Spirit, Christ may live through a Christian who (1) chooses to do the right thing (in line with Bible doctrine) and who (2) trusts the indwelling Holy Spirit to provide the power (all other spiritual qualities) to do that which is right. It is important to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in order to become Christlike. To do this a believer must have the courage to step out in faith in spite of his fears and feelings. By doing so, a Christians grows spiritually incrementally (a step at a time). Paul records three responsibilities that a Christian should exercise in order to become like Christ, which are: 1. Leave one’s old ways of acting. 2. Change one’s way of thinking. 3. Develop new, godly habits. Each step requires the Christian’s to make a choice and his faith in God’s power via the indwelt Holy Spirit. God uses Bible doctrine, fellow believers and circumstances to mold a Christian into the image of Christ. All three are important. God’s Word (Bible doctrine) is spiritual food, God’s people offer spiritual support, and God’s circumstances provide the spiritual environment—all of which are necessary for spiritual growth. Often it is thought that isolation can produce spirituality, but this is totally wrong. To be like Christ requires “loving God and loving others,” which cannot be done in and through isolation. A person’s transformation into the image of Christ (sanctification) is a slow process that will never be completed in this life. But when Christ returns, the process will be finished by Christ in every person instantaneously. One must understand that all else in life (jobs, careers, scholastic education, marriage, etc.) is secondary to character-building for man as far as God is concerned. Man will take his character into eternity, all else will be left behind. Quotes “From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to make you like His Son, Jesus. This is your destiny and the third purpose of your life.” (pg. 171) “God doesn’t want you to become a god; He wants you to become godly—taking on His values, attitudes, and character.” (pg. 172) “God’s ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development.” (pg. 173) “Christlikeness is all about transforming your character, not your personality.” (pg. 173) “Life is supposed to be difficult! It’s what enables us to grow.” (pg. 173) “Never forget that life is not about you! You exist for God’s purpose, not vice versa. Would God provide heaven on earth when He’s planned the real thing for you in eternity? God gives us our time on earth to build and strengthen our character for heaven.” (pg. 173) “Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in our lives.” (pg. 174) “Christlikeness is not produced by imitation, but by inhabitation.” (pg. 174) “God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow, God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness.” (pg. 176) “Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.” (pg. 176) “God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.” (pg. 177) “Sadly, a quick review of many popular Christian books reveals that many believers have abandoned living for God’s great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not discipleship. Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like Himself before He takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.” (pgs. 177, 178) Scriptures Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15; Genesis 1:26; 6:9; Psalm 139:13-16; James 3:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 4:24; Genesis 3:5; Ephesians 4:22; Matthew 5:1-12; Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Peter 1:5-8; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18b; Philippians 2:13; 1 Kings 19:12; Colossians 1:27; Joshua 3:13-17; Luke 13:24; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; 12:14; 2 Peter 1:5; 3:14; Ephesians 4:22, 23; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:24, 13; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 16:14; Colossians 3:17, 23; Romans 12:2. Conclusion/Comments The only way to fulfill God’s overall purpose for one’s life is to become like Jesus Christ, which is only possible by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit working in and through the believer. From a practical standpoint, this lifelong process called sanctification includes consumption of Bible doctrine, support from other believers and facing life’s circumstances daily. The process is not easy, but then Christianity in this world was never meant to be easy for its adherents. Yet, as it develops one’s character, it is the most rewarding action in a Christian’s life, with far-reaching, eternal results.