How and Why to Study the Character of Christ

To look at the life of Christ, you should set aside a thoughtful hour each day to review His earthly journey from the manger to Calvary, allowing your imagination to vividly grasp each scene4T 374.1. Studying His character is the essential work of every Christian because by beholding His perfection, your own defective character is transformed into His glorious imagePaM 20.3+2.

How to Study the Life and Character of Christ 📖

• Meditate on Specific Scenes: You should spend time daily reviewing the closing scenes of the Redeemer's life, taking it point by point to let the heart be strengthened by His infinite sacrifice4T 374.1.

• Study the Word: Beholding Christ means studying His life as it is given in His Word, digging for truth as if searching for hidden treasure12LtMs, Ms 148, 1897, par. 22+1.

• Analyze Feature by Feature: You are encouraged to study His character "feature by feature" to ensure you are copying the true Pattern rather than a spurious version12MR 190.1+2.

• Look to the Pattern in Nature: Even in childhood, one can contemplate God’s character by observing the works of His hands in natureYI July 13, 1893, par. 5.

• Pray for Divine Enlightenment: Close converse should be held with Him through the prayer of living faith, asking for the Holy Spirit to reveal the excellence of His character7MR 151.5+2.

• Read Inspired Works: Reading accounts of His life, such as those found in The Desire of Ages, provides light upon the Word and softens the heartMR728 43.1+1.

Why You Should Study His Character ✨

• Transformation of Character: It is a law of the mind that by beholding we become changed; thus, the more you contemplate Christ, the more you will be conformed to His image 2 Corinthians 3:18GW92 451.5+1.

• To Reflect Him to the World: As Christ represented the Father, you are called to be a living human agency representing Christ’s character to the world6MR 339.2+2.

• To Gain Personal Salvation: Knowing God and Jesus Christ is the very definition of eternal life John 17:3FE 381.2+1.

• To Discern Your Own Defects: As you study the perfect Model, you will discover your own defects of character and realize your need for a very great changeST June 10, 1886, par. 2+1.

• To Understand God's Law: Christ was the law personified; to know the depth and holiness of the law of God, you must study the life of Him who was its living embodimentPTUK September 27, 1888, page 292.7+2.

• To Overcome Temptation: By becoming acquainted with His life, you are armed with spiritual power and arguments to resist the enemy, just as Christ didYI July 13, 1893, par. 5+1.

• Preparation for Heaven: Studying Christ's life fits you for the "higher school" in heaven, where studies regarding the mystery of godliness will continue through ceaseless agesCOL 133.4+2.

Relevant Encouragement 🌟

You need not travel to Nazareth or Capernaum to walk in His steps; you will find His footprints wherever there are human hearts in need of consolationChS 186.1. As you associate with the Master through contemplation, your spirit will burn within you as you speak of His goodness, and you will eventually reflect His beauty in your own life practiceCOL 133.4+2. "Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus" Hebrews 3:1.