Impression
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. II Corinthians 3:17-18 (KJV)
Impression is defined by Merriam-Webster as: the effect produced by impressing such as an especially marked and often favorable influence or effect on feeling, sense, or mind- or- a stamp, form, or figure resulting from physical contact. The definition also includes a telling image impressed on the senses or the mind, a characteristic, trait, or feature resulting from some influence.
The Spirit of the Lord impresses God’s Word on our hearts as we look into the Bible. Through study of the Word, we are changed by the glory of God’s Sprit and His Word that leaves an impression on us. God writes His Word on our hearts. We carry the image of God. We are marked by Him. The more we spend time with God in His Word and presence, His Spirit changes us, influences us. We take on the character traits of God, which are listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit of the Holy Spirit, or the character of the Holy Spirit, is reproduced in us as we spend intimate time with God. God literally stamps, or impresses, Himself in us and breathes life in us, just as He did when he stretched Himself across Adam’s lifeless body and breathed life into him. Adam took on the form, likeness and image of God.
We, too, take on the very character and likeness of God. He impresses Himself on us, and we think, talk, and act like God. We become godly. Godliness refers to being God-like. We do things the way God does. God rules by His Word and Sprit, and we also begin to rule this way. Since both the Word and Spirit of God are in us, giving us power, wisdom, ability, and knowledge, we can rule like He does. God literally lives in us and through us. He impresses Himself in our spirits and we become living epistles, the living Word made flesh. That’s why we are called Christians, or “little Christs.” People can read God’s Word through us when we make an impression on them to desire and want God.
So, let God impress, influence, and begin to develop His character traits in you. You’ll become more and more like God, living godly like He does.
