What makes the development of Christlike characcter possible for the Christian?

Answer 1

The Holy Spirit living within.

Answer 2

First we must define "Christlike" -I assume you are speaking of the Messiah, who lived and taught a sinless life. Now we move on to his character, his values, taught to him by his parents from a very young age. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it"- Proverbs 22:6

His parents followed this advise, teaching the child from the scriptures from day one. By the age of twelve this child was able to both ask and answer questions of the temple priests, amazing those present with his level of understanding -Luke 2:42-47.

-Remember that in this age the bible consisted only of what we now know as the "old" Testament, The "New" Testament not written until years after his death.

What he was taught, what he lived, and in turn what he himself taught; was the Law (the 613 laws as delivered by Mosheh [Moses, in the Greek], the writings, and the Prophets in Sepher Yahweh, The Holy Scriptures.

To obtain that same perfect character (and yes, it is possible), we must study and live by that same perfect moral code. And if our teachers are not teaching the same, it is because there is no light in them -Isayah 8:20

Answer 3

Getting out of the way and letting Him do the work.
Some may think that we change ourselves, and through our own efforts become more like Jesus. Sorry, wrong! True change must come from the inside, by way of new birth. Without it there is no Christlike character in us that can flow from us. If we allow our own personal desires to direct us toward Christlikeness we will never get there. We must get out of the way and let Christ rule. You may not like that, but it's not about you, it's about Him.

PS. There is only one Christian - Jesus. He referred to those that follow Him as disciples and believers. He never called those that follow Him Christians. The believers were first called Christians at Antioch and it was meant as a derrogatory term. True Christianity is a life, His life. He lived it as a example. We try to live it, but fail to do so everyday, so how can we call ourselves Christians, when He never did and we cannot even fulfill the true meaning of the word?

I believe in the Christian.

Answer 4

That we are forgiven and justified.
We are adopted by God.
We are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.
God gives us the strength to resist temptation.
We have new standards.
New orientation, new direction, new growth.
That what makes a Christian more Christ-like.

Answer 5

It is the work of the Holy Spirit, inside of the believer that helps him to develop the fruit of the Spirit..and to be more like our Lord.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

Answer 6

Considering how unrealistic Christ-like expectations are, I'd have to say, the ability to be a complete hypocrite.

Answer 7

Even non-christians believe that Christ was a good man. Therefore, what makes us Christian, is that we are annointed with the Holy Spirit at Baptism and Confirmation, just as Christ was. Therefore, we are "little Christs". God bless!

Answer 8

Lose your life so that you may gain your LIFE! This means surrender the personality and ego into the Christ Self.

Answer 9

The power comes from God's Spirit.

The will and acting on that will come from a person seeking to be more Christlike.

The way to do this is in the Bible which tells us what to "put away" and what to "put on" in order to be changed.

Eph 4:22-5:1
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

(from New International Version)


Rom 13:12-14
12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
(from New International Version)


Eph 6:11-18
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
(from New International Version)


Col 3:12-14

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
(from New International Version)

Answer 10

The fruits of the Spirit.