Reflections
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
According to Greek scholars, this verse could be paraphrased, “It has never yet been made manifest what we shall be, but we know that when what we are is manifested, that it will be out of His likeness, and that this will enable us to see Him as He is.”
This is based on the original Greek (Vincent), and affirmation from other passages. It is an awesome thought. This is saying that when we meet Christ face to face that we will be is a person in whom Christ can be fully manifested without the limitations of the natural man. In other words, we will be able to fully realize and experience Christ, and because of that, fully manifest His glory.
This is already happening in this age if we are in the purpose of God — even though it is greatly limited. God is not acting upon us to make us LOOK LIKE JESUS. No. All that we are is from OUT OF HIM. Christ wants to be manifested through us. Christ is in us, and God is working a purpose where Christ is to be manifested in us and through us — i.e., all that is of God in us is out from HIS LIKENESS.
Humanity is the source of NOTHING. But we are recipients of all that He is, and earthen vessels through whom the Treasure wants to be seen.
This is the same Truth as found in I Cor. 13:12: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” And in I Cor. 2:9, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
This is not about religion. It is about God making Himself one with humanity through Christ in us — and the eternal purpose of inheritance and sonship. All that we are is from OUT OF HIM: Christ in us; Christ through us.