Imitating Christ VS Reproducing Christ

 

Imitating Christ VS Reproducing Christ

Romans 8:29: "For whom He foreknew, He also predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son..."

2 Corinthians 3:18: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image..."

 

Aspect	Imitating Christ	Reproducing Christ
Nature of Example	External model for imitation	Internal life pattern (like a copybook template)
Process	• Imitation through self-effort • External behavior mimicking • Like a monkey imitating human walking	• Internal life transformation • Life reproduction like tracing a copybook • Completed through the riches of divine life
Means	• Human willpower • External effort • Self-discipline	• Indwelling Christ • Divine life • Work of the Triune God
Key Differences	• Temporary change • Superficial imitation • Cannot last  (like a monkey returning to four legs)	• Permanent life change • Transformation from inside out • Genuine life expression
Practical Application	• Focus on external behavioral change • Emphasis on personal effort • Prone to frustration	• Focus on enjoying Christ's riches • Letting Christ live within • Natural expression of Christ's life
Key Scripture References	• 1 Peter 2:21-23: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps... who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth..." • Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden... Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me..."	• John 3:15: "That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." • Ephesians 3:8: "To me... this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." • Ephesians 4:20-21: "But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him..."
Scripture's Essential Message	• Christ left a perfect example • Called to learn from Him • Emphasis on external following	• Predestined to be conformed to Christ's image • Experience of life transformation • Enjoying Christ's riches • Transformed by the Spirit of the Lord

 

This table clearly demonstrates the fundamental difference between "imitating Christ" and "reproducing Christ." The Christian life is not about externally imitating Christ, but about letting Christ's life be expressed through us, making us His genuine reproduction. This transformation is a life change from within, not merely behavioral mimicry.

The key lies in how we view and experience Christ: He is not only an external example but also the life dwelling within us. When we enjoy Him as our life and let Him make His home in us, we naturally live out His likeness, becoming His genuine reproduction.

This table helps us understand more deeply:

1.      The scriptures about imitating Christ emphasize His role as an example and teacher

2.      The scriptures about reproducing Christ focus on life transformation and the work of divine life

3.      Both sets of scriptures point to one complete truth: Christ is not only our external example but must become our internal life

These scriptures complement each other, showing us God's complete intention: He wants us not only to imitate Christ externally but to experience Christ in our life, enabling us to genuinely live out Christ.

*Please refer to the 2024 International Thanksgiving Conference  'Living the Christian Life and Church Life under God's Government for God's Economy'  Chapter 4 Becoming a Replica of Christ and Experiencing Christ as the Shepherd of Our Soul