The Life of Christ

The phrase, "the life of Christ," might refer to His life when He lived on Earth. We can get a pretty good picture of that life in the Gospels. But it could also refer to the life He gives to His followers. What do we mean when we use it in the latter sense?

What does the Bible tell us about the life that Christ gives His followers?

1. A Life of Transformation
Following Christ means leaving behind the old self and embracing a new way of living shaped by His Spirit. This isn’t superficial improvement—it’s a deep, inner renewal. Believers are called to deny themselves and follow Him (Matt 16:24). Paul describes counting all things as loss compared to knowing Christ, showing that this new life reorders our values and desires (Php 3:7-10). This transformed life is marked by a growing resemblance to Christ’s character (Rom 8:28-29).

2. A Life of Obedience and Devotion
The life Christ gives is not passive—it’s a daily walk of obedience, shaped by His teachings and empowered by His Spirit. True discipleship involves walking as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6). It includes a daily “death to self,” echoing Jesus’ call to take up the cross (Luke 9:23). This life is centered on God’s glory, not our own ambitions (1 Cor 10:31).

3. A Life of Service and Love
Christ’s life in His followers expresses itself outwardly through humble service. Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom comes through serving others (Matt 20:26). Believers are called to use their gifts to serve others as stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10). Service isn’t optional—it’s a defining mark of Christ’s life in us.

4. A Life of Commitment and Faithfulness
Following Christ means wholehearted commitment, even when it’s costly. Jesus calls His followers to put Him above all earthly relationships and loyalties (Matt 10:34-39). Commitment to Christ involves embracing His mission and setting aside our own desires. This life is marked by perseverance and devotion.

5. A Life Rooted in Christ Himself
Ultimately, the life Christ gives is His own life shared with believers. Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Through faith, believers gain a righteousness not from themselves but from Christ (Php 3:9). This is not merely moral improvement—it is participation in the life of Christ.

The Bible describes the life Christ gives His followers as:

•Transformed by His Spirit
•Obedient to His teachings
•Devoted to God’s glory
•Expressed through humble service
•Rooted in Christ’s own life

It’s a life that begins now and continues into eternity, shaped by His presence and empowered by His grace.