S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In the Bible transformation means "change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God" (Romans 12:2). This is accomplished by the renewing of our...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Lawrence wong Supporter Disciple of iEsou ("Yeh-sou") christou

Michael has quoted key scriptures on the act of Transformation. I would like to share a few thoughts on how this involves each one of Christ’s disciples by looking at Romans 12:1-2 in light of 2 Corinthians 3:18.

First, we have to present ourselves to ABBA as a living sacrifice as an act of worship (Ro 12:1) The most important Old Covenant example is that of Abraham going up the mountain of Moriah (Jerusalem) to worship ALHYM by offering His son Issac as a sacrifice. Despite the lack of precedent, Abraham knew, by faith in ALHYM, that Issac would be resurrected to fulfil the Covenant ALHYM had made with him (He 11:8-19, esp v.19; Gen 22). We note that Abraham offered his favourite, most cherished son to ALHYM YHVH with whom he had an intimate relationship with, and Issac was toally obedient to his father (like father like son). About 2,000 years later ALHYM, as the Father of all fathers (Ep, ABBA to iEsou christou (Mt 1:1) offered His Son, Christ, as a sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world (Jo 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7) The key words are worship, obedience, faith, the best.

Secondly, Issac was totally obedient to Abraham, that is completely submissive. So was Christ to Abba. It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that we learn a secret, that when iEsou talked to His father privately He used the name ABBA which means “Daddy” (MK 14:16). The proper noun ABBA appears only 3 times in the Holy Bible. The other 2 times are in Ro 8:15 and Gal 4:6 where disciples of Christ who have been “adopted” by the Father into His household (Ep 2:9; He 3:6) will naturally call “The Father”, ABBA as his children, just like Christ. The children of ABBA are the disciples who fulfill the words worship, obedience, faith in Christ, and best.

Thirdly, if we fulfill the requirements listed above, only then will ABBA do His work on and in us to transform us into his likeness, His glory. There is another secret and it is found in the Greek words.of 2 Cor 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face (fully exposed) beholding as in a mirror the glory (doxa) of ALHYM are being transformed into the same image from glory (doxa) to glory (doxa), just as by the Spirit of ALHYM. “ The key Greek word is “metamorphoumetha” which is in the present passive tense. This means that when we present ourselves passively to ALHYM then He, through the power of the Holy Spirit will do the transforming in and on each one – to change our “form” or image. It’s like being prepared to an operation and the patient is anesthetised, so that the surgeon can then do his work. 

This “present-passive” combination is found in the words “Born Again” which more accurately translated is “being-born again.” (Jo 3).
This is a process which is known as “justification” or “sanctification” (the same Greek word) or the phrase “being made righteous.” The end of the road is to be made holy as ABBA is holy (1 Pe 1:15-16). 

Fourthly. So what is the operation table, the altar we have to present ourselves to? Is it not the cross? “that the genuineness of your faith (in Christ), being much more precious than gold which perishes, though it is tested by fire may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of iEsou Christ.” (1 Pe 1:7). Persecution for righteousness’ sake. It is so easy to distance ourselves from the “testing” - the simple decisions which make us choose between acceptance or rejection of people, of standing for the truth, or to even make a decision to stand on Christ’s side, His words. 

Fifthly. We must separate ourselves from the world “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of ALHYM” (Ro 12:2). We are at a “cross-road.” We have to choose of who we want to serve- Joshua challenged Israel (Josh 24:15), as did Elijah (1 Kg 18: 18-19), Paul (2 Cor 6:17), and John (1 Jo 2:15-17). 

Lawrence NZ

March 01 2017 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bruce Lyon Supporter Elder: Restoration Fellowship Assembly

What does the Bible say about transformation?

The word "transformation" occurs twice in Scripture with reference to Christians (Romans 12:2, and 2 Corinthians 3:18). Every believer tries to be reformed, but very few apprehend the great moral difference between reformation and transformation.

As a rule believers rejoice that they are saved, and aim to be up to the language of Micah 6:8, "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God- Yehovah."

There are increasing numbers who have accepted the truth that by the grace of God they have been transferred from Adam to the Messiah, and that they are clear of the old man in God's- Yehovah's sight; yet they have no true understanding of what it is to be "transformed."

Reformation is improvement, and refers to what already exists; but transformation means a change of being. This, it is feared, is little known.

In Romans 12:2, we are exhorted not to be "conformed to this world," but to be "transformed by the renewing of your mind." This means a new mind, something altogether new; so that you are not to walk before men according to this world, but according to the mind of the Messiah, your life. Hence, at the end of this exhortation, the Apostle says, "put you on the lord Jesus the Messiah, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14).

It is not a question as to whether the order of this world is good or not, but you are not to be conformed to it any more: you are to be "transformed" according to a new mind, and thus be able to "prove what that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God is."

Everyone who knows anything of his own heart must know that he has tastes and desires connected with this earthly scene, and the more they are gratified, the stronger they become. But as he walks in the Spirit he finds that what he likes most in the natural order of things is the very thing he must avoid: "No man... having drunk old wine straightway desires new; for he says, The old is better." Very slowly do we learn to be altogether non-conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our mind.

As to the transforming of 2 Corinthians 3:18, the blessedness of it is that it is by beholding the lord Jesus' glory with unveiled face that we are transformed into the same image; that is, we are brought into moral correspondence with himself.

It is not merely a new course outside and apart from the world as in Romans, but here we are in conscious union with the risen lord Jesus the Messiah in glory.

It is true that every convert does not enjoy the light of his glory, because many are dwelling more upon the work than upon the person who did the work. The fact is, the nearer you are to him in glory, the more assured you are of being in the righteousness of God, and that you are there without a cloud; and it is as you behold the lord Jesus there, you are gradually transformed into moral correspondence to himself.

Many have been misled by thinking that by reading the Bible you become like the Messiah; transformed; but you will find diligent students of the Scriptures, who may never say anything incorrect in doctrine, yet who never seem to grow in grace and walk in spiritual reality.

When we learn that we are united to him who is in glory, we can come forth as a new man to manifest his beauty and grace here on earth. This transformation is of the highest order. The lord leads our hearts to apprehend the great contrast between the old man, however reformed by law, and the new man growing by grace into the likeness of the lord Jesus the Messiah.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report