"Formation" in Galatians 4:19 versus "Image" in 2 Corinthians 3:18

"Formation" in Galatians 4:19 versus "Image" in 2 Corinthians 3:18 

Galatians 4:19 - "My little children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you."

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 from one degree of glory to another, just as by the Lord, who is the Spirit." 

Aspect	"Formation" in Galatians 4:19	"Image" in 2 Corinthians 3:18
Original Term	μορφόω (morphoō) - to form, to shape	εἰκών (eikōn) - image, likeness
Meaning	Refers to the organic process of Christ being constituted within believers, giving them His substance and nature	Refers to the outward expression of Christ's likeness in believers, the result of transformation, making Christ visible
Process Characteristics	Emphasizes the internal constitution and development of life, like an embryo forming in the womb	Emphasizes the outward transformation, like a mirror reflecting glory
Active Agent	Christ actively working within believers	Believers being passively transformed by the Holy Spirit
Example	The process of a mother's pregnancy and childbirth - Paul experiences birth pains for the Galatian believers until Christ is formed in them	Moses' face shining after seeing God - as we behold the Lord's glory, we are transformed into His image
Application	Focus on the inner cultivation of life, spiritual disciplines, and the growth of Christ's life	Focus on expressing Christ in daily life, living out Christ's image and testimony
Relationship	Internal life process - Christ being formed in us is the foundation	External expression result - having Christ's image is the goal
Result	Believers possess Christ's nature and life	Believers manifest Christ's glory
Related Scriptures	Romans 8:29 - "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Ephesians 3:16-17 - "May he grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."	Colossians 3:10 - "Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator." Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God's will, what is good and acceptable and perfect." 1 Corinthians 15:49 - "Just as we have been imaged as the earthly, we shall also be imaged as the heavenly."

 

Further explanation of the relationship:

‘Forming’ and ‘image’ are two sides of the same coin: 

1. ‘Forming’ is the process of inner life formation, ‘image’ is the result of external manifestation

2. Christ is formed in us so that we can have His image to be manifested outwardly

3. Transformation into the image of Christ is the external manifestation of Christ formed in us

4. When we are renewed and transformed by the Holy Spirit, Christ is formed in us

5. The ultimate goal is to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, a process that begins with the formation of Christ and ends with the full manifestation of Christ

 

*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim Training in California, USA Experience, Enjoy and Manifest Christ (II) Week 19 The One Formed in the Believer