Blessed are those who, instead of trying to attain Christ-likeness by the imitation of Christ have come to realize that they have already been planted in His likeness. Outward imitation of Christ has little place in spiritual growth because it is an impossibility. Outward imitation does not accomplish inward transformation. Instead, inward transformation because of the gift of union with Christ reveals itself in outward manifestation. Paul’s earnest expectation and hope were that Christ would always be manifested in his body, whether in life or in death. (Philippians 1:20)
Those who’ve had their robes washed in the blood of Christ are blessed because they have the right to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14). Jesus is the tree of life, and we have been planted or grafted into Him, and being planted into Him, our part is to simply abide in His life, participating in all the nourishment resident in His life.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.… He will be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and whatever he does, he prospers.” (Jeremiah 17:7; Psalm 1:3)
Let me say it again, The manifestation of Christ-likeness is not the result of strenuous imitation; it is instead the result of restful and joyful participation in the very life you have been planted into.