A Sort of a Blog -
 A Family Resemblance

by Mary E. Stephens
Dec. 3, 2005; edited 2021

In family Bible reading this week we read 1 John 2:29, If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

The thing that struck me is that doing righteousness is a "family trait" of those that are in God's family. We know that ...we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6 But, in Christ Jesus and through Him, we can do the righteousness of God. In this there should be a family resemblance.

We expect to see similarities between parents and their offspring in looks, actions, and attitudes. As spiritual children of God, joint-heirs with Christ, we should be showing a resemblance to Him. But, it is not possible unless we are born of Him for it is a family trait, a resemblance that is passed on only through blood relationship. Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

It is also our calling.

1 Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

We should ask ourselves these questions regularly: Do I resemble Jesus Christ? Would others know from my life that I am related to Him?

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All his wonderful passion and purity,
O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

- Albert Orsborn, Salvation Army Song Book

graphics & background by Mary E. Stephens
updated 2021