Transformation

There are three aspects to the transformation God desires for our lives – past, present and future – but the greatest aspect of the transformation lies ahead of us. Paul says, ‘We eagerly await a Saviour . . . the Lord Jesus Christ, who . . . will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body’ (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV). One day, the Bible teaches, we will finally be completely transformed. Three important points need a brief mention.

First, although the word ‘transform’ is an accurate one, it could be misleading. God’s transformation is more of a restoration. He is working to restore us to what we would have been if we hadn’t rebelled against him. We are being changed not into something that is less human, but into something that is more human. After all, if Jesus was the perfect human, to become more like him is to become more like what we ought to be.

Second, although the task of transforming us may seem an impossible one, we need to remember that this is God’s work and he has all the power that is needed. Paul says, ‘I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power . . . the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead’ (Ephesians 1:19-20). Here, Jesus’ resurrection is simultaneously an example of God’s transforming power and proof that our own transformation will ultimately happen. Furthermore, as with God’s other actions towards us, the Holy Spirit is involved. Paul wrote, ‘The Spirit of God . . . lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you’ (Romans 8:11). God never commands without, at the same time, giving the grace to obey.

Third, our transformation is not automatic. Yes, God takes the initiative in rescuing, forgiving and adopting us and, through his Spirit, gives us the power to change, but we must co-operate with him in our transformation. Paul says, ‘You must be . . . careful to put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him’ (Philippians 2:12-13). Here there is the perfect balance: God has saved us and given us the power to do what pleases him, but we must obey him in order that our transformation is put ‘into action’.

The process by which we are transformed may be hard work. Think of someone who is completely unfit turning themselves into an Olympic-class athlete; it is going to be a painful process of transformation. The change to being like Christ is just as radical, just as demanding, but ultimately will be infinitely more rewarding.