Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

The Center and Circumference: Christianity Is Jesus Christ (continued)

• Peter says in his second epistle in 2 Peter 3.18 (ESV) that we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” • His is the only name under heaven given to us in order that we must be saved, Acts 4.12 (ESV) - And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. • John the Apostle says in his first epistle 1 John 3.1-3 (ESV) - See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [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 will be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. D. According to God’s will, we have been baptized (placed into and surrounded by) Christ himself, who is our hope of glory, we are now said to be “in Christ.” We who believe have been identified with Christ Jesus, and made a part of the Church of God, which is the “Mystery” revealed: the open secret of God • Romans 16.25-27, the “revelation of the mystery” • Ephesians 3.7-10, God’s wisdom displayed through the Church • Colossians 1.25-27, Christ in us, the hope of glory E. Jesus is God’s ruler, God’s pattern, God’s principle of intimacy and identification for the redeemed. God’s intention is to conform each of us who believe to the very life and perfection of Christ himself. Listen to what the NT teaches about our connection to our Lord.

• We are “made one in Christ,” 1 Cor. 6.15-17. • We were baptized into him, 1 Cor. 12.13. • We died with him, Rom. 6.3-4.