— John Newton
Have you ever paused to consider the profound exchange that took place in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? John Newton, the former slave trader turned hymn writer and pastor, captures this mystery beautifully: “Christ has taken our nature into Heaven to represent us; and has left us on earth, with His nature, to represent Him.”
This isn’t just poetic theology—it’s the heartbeat of Christian identity and mission.
Heaven’s Representative
When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He didn’t shed His humanity like an old garment. He took it with Him. The same body that bore our sins on the cross now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). He is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), forever representing us before God—not in theory, but in flesh and blood.
Jesus didn't just understand our struggles—He entered them. And now, fully divine and fully human, He stands as our advocate, reminding the Father that we are His, bought with blood.
Earth’s Witness
But there’s another side to this glorious exchange. Jesus didn’t leave us alone. He left us with something priceless: His Spirit and His nature.
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”
— Galatians 4:6
We are now the visible expression of an invisible God. We carry His compassion, truth, humility, and power into a hurting world. Our purpose isn't just to "get through life" but to represent Jesus to the people around us—to be a walking, talking, loving reflection of Heaven's heart.
Practical Application: Wearing Christ’s Nature Daily
So what does it mean to represent Christ here and now? It means:
- Loving sacrificially, even when it costs us.
- Forgiving freely, just as we've been forgiven.
- Serving humbly, just like Jesus washed feet.
- Speaking truth boldly, with grace and gentleness.
The apostle Paul put it this way:
“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
— Ephesians 4:24
We don’t do this through sheer willpower. We live it out by daily surrender to the Spirit, letting His nature shape ours.
Closing Encouragement
Jesus didn’t just go to Heaven and leave us behind—He left us here on purpose. As He represents us before the throne, we represent Him in the world.
So today, ask yourself: Whose nature am I displaying? Mine—or Christ’s?
Let His love shine through your words, actions, and attitude. Because in you, the world catches a glimpse of Him.
You are not just going through life—you are representing Heaven.
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