What does the Bible say about being like christ?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that believers are called and enabled by God’s grace to become increasingly like Christ in faith, love, obedience, humility, and service. United to Christ and clothed with him, Christians put off their old sinful ways and put on the new self, renewed after God’s image (Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:22-24). Jesus himself is our pattern, especially in humble service and suffering (John 13:13-17; 1 Peter 2:21). Yet imitation is not self-powered moral effort: God has predestined his people to be conformed to his Son and works this transformation through the gospel and the Spirit (Romans 8:29; Titus 3:1-8). Love for Christ is shown in keeping his commands (John 14:15).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 John 2:6

    he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps,

  • 1 Corinthians 11:1

    Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

  • Ephesians 5:1-2

    [1] Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. [2] Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

  • Ephesians 4:22-24

    [22] that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; [23] and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, [24] and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

  • John 13:13-17

    [13] You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am. [14] If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. [16] Most assuredly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

  • John 14:15

    If you love me, keep my commandments.

  • Romans 8:29

    For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

  • Titus 3:1-8

    [1] Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, [2] to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. [3] For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, [5] not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, [6] which he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; [7] that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [8] This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

  • Galatians 3:27

    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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