He didn’t just stand in for us — He brought us into Himself.

Reflections

April 9, 2025

By Leah Ramirez

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” — A.W. Tozer

This quote has been ringing in my spirit all week. What we believe about God shapes everything—how we pray, how we live, and how we see ourselves. That’s why, as we build the foundations of The Gathering, we are choosing to focus not first on strategy or structure, but on the Gospel of union and the God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Jesus didn’t just save us from something—He restored us to Someone.

Reintroducing the Foundations

In our Sunday services, we’ve begun walking through our Statement of Beliefs. Last time I taught, we looked at the Trinity. This week, we turned our gaze toward Jesus.

What do we believe?

We believe Jesus is the full revelation of God and humanity’s true image. His life, death, resurrection, and ascension unite us with the Father.

Jesus is not merely a moral example or a sacrificial substitute. He is the visible image of the invisible God. When we see Jesus, we don’t just learn about God—we encounter Him. In Christ, we discover that God is not distant, angry, or withholding. He is near. He is kind. He is joy. He is love made visible.

So let me ask you:

When you picture God, do you see Jesus?

Do you see a Savior who walks with you, suffers with you, and brings you into glory with Him?

Let’s take a look at three powerful truths from Hebrews 9 that my friend Chris Berglund shared the week prior. These aren’t just theological statements—they are the map of our transformation.

The Three Appearings of Christ (Hebrews 9:24–28)

1. Christ Appeared in the Presence of God on Our Behalf

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ has entered… into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.

This is union.

Jesus didn’t go into heaven alone. He brought us with Him. This first appearing is not something we’re waiting on—it’s the foundation we live from. He appeared as us, not just for us. We are already seated with Him in heavenly places.

2. Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin

Hebrews 9:26 He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

This is liberation.

He didn’t just cover sin—He put it away. We are not sin-managers. We are new creations. The cross did more than forgive you. It freed you.

Romans 6:6 We know that our old self was crucified with Him…

3. Christ Will Appear to Bring Salvation

Hebrews 9:28 …will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.

This is transformation.

This isn’t about escape. This is about Christ being revealed in us. It’s not external spectacle—it’s inward unveiling. Christ in you is the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27 Christ in you, the hope of glory.

We live from union. We are free from sin. We are being transformed into His likeness.

This is the Gospel of union.

Jesus Is the Face of God

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God…

Jesus doesn’t just reflect God—He is God. Scripture overflows with this truth:

  • Matthew 16:16 — Peter calls Him the Son of the Living God
  • John 1:1 — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God
  • John 20:28 — Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!”
  • Colossians 1:16 — All things were made through Him and for Him

He is the Word made flesh. He is the One Moses met face to face. He is Yahweh revealed.

Even Eusebius, a 4th-century Church historian, wrote that the God worshiped in the Old Testament was Jesus Christ before He took on flesh.

Jesus is Yahweh in the flesh. He is Yahweh-Rapha (Healer). He is Yahweh-Tsidkenu (Righteousness). He is Yahweh-Rohi (Shepherd). He is Yahweh-Jireh (Provider). He is Yahweh-Nissi (Banner). He is Yahweh-Shalom (Peace).

He is not just like God. He is God.

Jesus Is True Humanity

Philippians 2:6-7 …though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself…

Jesus showed us what divinity looks like: not grasping, but giving.

He became like us, so we could be in Him. He descended to rescue, and rose to redeem.

John 14:20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

We are included in His life.

  • Co-crucified (Galatians 2:20)
  • Co-raised (Colossians 3:1)
  • Co-seated (Ephesians 2:6)
  • Co-glorified (Romans 8:17)

We are not on the outside looking in. We are caught up into Christ.

You Are Already Home

Romans 6:6 Our old self was crucified with Him…

Ephesians 4:24 …put on the new self, created after the likeness of God…

Ephesians 2:13 You who once were far off have been brought near…

You are not distant. You are not striving. You are not earning. You are included.

So breathe. Let the veil lift. Let the truth of union settle into your bones.

You are in Christ. Christ is in you. And the Father is closer than your next breath.

Let Him say it over you again:

You belong. You are Mine.

Reflection Questions:

  • When you think of God, do you see Jesus?
  • Are you living from union or striving for it?
  • What does it mean that you’re already seated with Christ?
  • Where are you still carrying shame that Jesus already put away?

Stay Connected:

With joy,

Leah Ramirez
The Gathering

The Face of God, Revealed in Christ

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