Transformation: A Reality

Webster says metamorphosis is the next change in the life history of a living organism. We can easily see it in the life of a caterpillar as he becomes a butterfly. But Webster continues this explanation and tells us that it includes the character and circumstances of the life form. The Bible tells us that a Christian is being transformed into a higher life form. (The Greek work for transformed is metamorphosis. See Strong’s number 3339.) The Christian metamorphosis begins with a cocoon “of character changes” caused by the Spirit. This enables the subject to enter a life that contains entirely different circumstances than that of a normal life. Of course, we will not receive our new “butterfly” body until Jesus returns for us someday. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven… … First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thess 4:16-17 (NLT) First we change into virtuous and later we become eternal.

Character changes are rare in this world. Usually people have their character formed as children and are never able to change their ways. As the twig is bent, etc. The exception is a Christian because their character always changes for the better. If it does not then they were never born again. Paul talked about our metamorphosis in this famous passage; Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT) Many people do not see two little words “but let” standing in front of our transformation. We must yield our desires to God and accept His transforming ways into our everyday life. Christians cannot be changed until they want to have this unique life that is being dedicated to the Almighty. The Bible tells us we can share in God’s glory. The metamorphosis we are talking about is to make us into a virtuous person.

Power is necessary for this great change in people. In this world we believe our eyes when we see the power of a nuclear bomb being exploded. For some reason we don’t see the power involved when a person’s life is being changed. The Scriptures tell us about a time when three men saw the transformation and were very impressed. Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.  Matt 17:1-4 (NLT) The word here in Greek is also metamorphosis. We do not yet shine like Jesus or can we talk with the old prophets but we will someday. In that day people will see the power that is transforming us and will be very impressed.

This power can only change our lives when we invite the Spirit to live in us and lead us in the ways of our God. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Cor 3:17-18 (NLT) This verse tells us that we can observe the glory of God when the Spirit removes the religious veil from our eyes. Whatever our spiritual ideas are before the yielding of our life to the power of the Spirit, these religious ideas are the veil that must be destroyed. Then we will begin to reflect the power of God as our transformation into the image of Jesus continues. 

Many Christians keep their spiritually inside of themselves and are not able to be the example to other people that Jesus wants them to be. Representing Jesus to the world will help us grow into a maturity that will be rewarded in Heaven someday. Christians must continually ask the Spirit to bring the needed power into their life. If we keep our spirituality within us it becomes a very selfish thing. Every example given in the Bible shows a person whose spirituality is lived out toward others with love. The goal of our metamorphosis is to be like Jesus who spent every part of His life in service to others. The same power that filled the life of Jesus and took him into eternal glory can live inside of us if we will ask for it. Our change will be visual, virtuous and eternal.

 

Looking at God's Splendor

If some form of transportation could carry us to visit God and we beheld His majesty, upon our return we would become an extremely zealous Christian. The Almighty God and His world are so splendid and brilliant that we would never be the same in this life. When Paul saw heaven he said there were; things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. 2 Cor 12:4 (NLT) Even earlier, when Paul saw the brilliance of Christ on the Damascus road he went blind. And many years ago when Moses saw the brilliance of the burning bush, we read: Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look. Acts 7:32 There was also the time when three disciples went to pray with Jesus and: As he was praying, the appearance of his face was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Luke 9:29 The fact is, that part of the unchanging essence of God is His dazzling majesty and the radiant glory that surrounds everything He does. Apparently, this condition is the result of God’s holiness and infinite perfection. In other words, it is a result of His fantastic value.

Looking up in faith should be every human’s response to God. Unfortunately, most people are busy looking down at this fallen world. The job of a Christian is to encourage people to look up and behold God. On the day that Jesus was transformed and Peter was attempting to honor Him the Bible says: But even as he (Peter) spoke, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” Matt 17:5 (NLT) A great brilliance accompanies the voice of God when He speaks. Unlike God, fallen humans do not have any natural splendor. The Bible says: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 (KJV) We see here that our sin robs us of glory. However, when Jesus became human He had the brightness of a righteous character. His righteousness made many people uncomfortable and they eventually killed Him. We cannot physically gaze upon God but we can perceive Him in our soul after salvation. In fact, there are some people who have served God until at times their face will shine.

The Son of God was gazed upon by His disciples for three years but they still had some trouble believing who He was. One day they asked to see the Father and Jesus said; Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! John 14:9 (NLT) The only way any human can ever see God is to know His son intimately. Truly gazing at God and His Son will certainly change our lives. The day after John baptized Jesus he told his disciples who Jesus was: As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” John 1:36 (NLT) Understanding the splendor of God always begins by looking at the things His Son has done and is doing for us. When we look up at God’s glory we will begin to walk a whole different life. Having a clear view of God will cause us to keep our heart pure. Of course, this is only possible through the cleansing of Christ blood and our repeated repentance. Some people ask what faith is. It is the continual redirecting of our downward gaze, upward to Him.

The purpose of gazing is to perceive and to contemplate something. We are in an eternal life or death struggle that people must consider while gazing at the Savior hanging on the cross. Here is an example the Lord gave us about looking up to Him. When Israel was dying from deadly snake bites in the desert all they had to do was look up to be saved: And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who (looks upon) believes in him will have eternal life. John 3:14-15 (NLT) Everyone must gaze up at the cross and make the right decision about what happened there 2000 years ago. This is the only hope of ever seeing the full splendor of God. After becoming “a person of faith” we are able to see many other different attributes of God. The Psalmist says: All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory (splendor) of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. Psalms 145:10-11 (NLT) Israel’s salvation was not about an evil snake; it was about looking up to God in obedience.

The saving relationship is about our obedience to the plan God has prepared for us. Some people struggle to understand faith. It has been said that it is far better to simply “have” a saving faith, than to understand it. It is the greatest feeling in the world to apprehend and know that we are a part of the splendor of God. Meditating on God’s Word every day is the best way of seeing God’s splendor.  Of course, the Psalms are full of wonderful expressions about the splendor of the Almighty. This one declares that God is the King of Splendor: Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies— he is the King of glory. Psalms 24:9-10 (NLT)  These are the last days of this age and we will soon see Heaven’s Armies and will be overwhelmed by the Glory of our coming King. Here is another great thing about our faith in the splendor of God. It is free and available anywhere in the world. There is no place on the earth where God is unavailable to us and at any time we can be overwhelmed by His Glory.

We can behold His greatness anywhere and at any time.  This will certainly be obvious when our last day on earth comes: But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. 1 Cor 15:51-52 (NLT) The splendor of this special day will probably be talked about for eternity. In the mean time, while we wait for Jesus, it is for our daily strength that we look to the splendor of our Savior. One Bible writer said: The Son radiates God’s own glory (splendor) and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. Heb 1:3 (NLT) How can a Christian ever have the blues? Our God is the most exciting thing that His creation will ever encounter. May God be praised forever!