In reflecting on 1 John 4:17, the phrase "because as He is, so are we in this world" stands out, emphasizing our identity in Christ. This scripture points to Jesus, who is perfect and sinless. He is not plagued by sickness or disease, and this perfection is available to us as well in Jesus.

God's Truth and Our Image

God's Word is truth, and He is not a liar. Genesis tells us we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This Old Testament truth is reaffirmed in the New Testament, where we are reminded of our identity in Christ. Establishing a matter with two or three witnesses is a biblical principle (Deuteronomy 19:15), and here we have two witnesses: Genesis and 1 John.

Meditation and Manifestation

We are called to meditate on these truths and believe in them, as God's Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Meditation on scripture, as seen in Genesis 1:2-3, where the Holy Spirit hovers over the water before God speaks light into existence, is a pattern for us. This can be linked to our prayer language, as we build our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). This musing is further explained in other posts in this blog.

Faith Comes by Hearing

Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. By speaking and meditating on the Word, we develop faith. When we use our prayer language and listen to the Word, we can declare and decree God's promises over our lives. This process of meditation and declaration aligns us with God's will and brings about the manifestation of His promises.

Boldly Approach the Throne

Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with boldness, where we can confidently claim healing, wisdom, and provision because these are rightfully ours through Jesus' sacrifice. When facing struggles, we can remind ourselves and the enemy of God's declarations. The Bible says, "As He is, so are we in this world," reinforcing that we are healed, provided for, and blessed.

Seated in Heavenly Places

Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, and we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Visualizing this truth helps us understand our authority and inheritance in Christ. We are made in God's image, and by imagining and declaring His promises, we can bring them into reality. Jesus became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13) so that we could live free from the curse of the law and reclaim our righteous stand and inheritance.

Living in the Kingdom of God

Understanding that we are made in God's image and as Jesus is, so are we, allows us to live in the fullness of His Kingdom. We can receive and manifest His promises in our lives by aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His truth. From this heavenly perspective, all is well because we are made in His image, His Word is true, and through Jesus we are in right standing before God.

Complete Scriptures Used

1. 1 John 4:17 - "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
2. Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
3. Deuteronomy 19:15 - "One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."
4. Isaiah 55:11 - "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
5. Genesis 1:2-3 - "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
6. Jude 1:20 - "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."
7. Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
8. Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
9. Ephesians 2:6 - "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
10. Galatians 3:13 - "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."