Metamorphosis: The Vision, the Mirror, and You
The term “metamorphosis” is derived from the Greek word metamorphoo, meaning to change into another form, to transform, or to transfigure. This concept is central to the Christian experience, representing a profound transformation in the believer’s life.
The word metamorphoo is used in three key instances in the New Testament:
The Transfiguration of Jesus:
This transformation occurred when Jesus prayed on the mountain, and His appearance was dramatically altered.
Matthew 17:1-2 recounts,“After six days, Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.”
Transformation through the Renewal of the Mind:
This refers to the transformation expected in believers whose minds are renewed by God’s word.
Romans 12:1-2 exhorts,
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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 God.”
Transformation by the Spirit:
This transformation is described as occurring when a believer gazes into the mirror of the revelation of Christ without doubt or unbelief in his heart.
2 Corinthians 3:18 states,
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
These are the three instances where the word metamorphoo is used in the New Testament. First, it is used to describe the transfiguration of Jesus during prayer when His facial countenance and raiment glowed brighter than sunlight. Second, it is used to describe how the renewing of the believer’s mind transforms them to know and walk in the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Third, it is used to describe how the believer who looks into the mirror of God’s word is transformed into the glory of Christ’s image as revealed in the preaching of Christ.
The change awaiting the believer is not merely a change in behavior or lifestyle, although that is an important aspect of our faith. We must lay aside former conduct that does not align with our faith. However, the true transformation is a change brought about by the Holy Spirit, moving us from the glory of the law to the glory of Christ.
The Mirror of Transformation
The mirror is the word of God we preach, which must reveal Jesus. Any other teaching, even if done in His name, that does not center on Jesus alone, presents an obscure reflection. Such teachings will keep believers in spiritual infancy.
As 2 Corinthians 3:18 emphasizes, when we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, we are transformed into the same image from glory to glory.
The sign that a believer has not yet seen themselves face to face with Jesus is evident in their immature understanding, speech, and thoughts.
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:11-12:
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
However, when a believer looks into the teachings of Christ and embraces the truth in Him, they will see Christ clearly. In doing so, they will understand that they are who Christ is, possess what Christ possesses, and can do what Christ can do.
Vision and Mission: Walking in Liberty
The vision of walking in liberty is realized as we see ourselves in the revelation of Christ. The teachings of Christ guide our lives, ministries, and decisions.
Phil.1.27
Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, (MSB).
Maturity in our community is not defined by age or how long one has been in the faith, but by the degree of transformation evident in the revelation of Christ. The change in a believer will be evident to the community as they witness it firsthand. The criteria for promoting believers into leadership roles are based on their public testimony.
Acts.6.3 – Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;
1Tim.3.10 And let them also be tried and investigated and proved first; then, if they turn out to be above reproach, let them serve [as deacons]. (AMP)
The believer grows through change. The vision of walking in liberty is not about living licentiously but living legitimately. This vision reveals Christ in us as we delve into His teachings, enabling us to stand steadfast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free.
The Vision: Revealing Christ to All
The Vision is to place the revelation of Christ before every person, everywhere, so that all may see and know their liberty in Christ and walk in that freedom.
Our responsibility is to place the mirror of Christ’s revelation before every person. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 speaks of us as spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere we go.
2Cor.2.14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
2Cor.2.15
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
Evangelism is the mirror of eternal life in Christ that the unsaved must behold to receive the life of Christ. As we change to see Jesus and know Him as He has known us.
Continuing Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis will continue as new members are transformed to do what the old members are doing, and old members are changed to lead in the growth of new members. This ongoing metamorphosis is the hallmark of a thriving spiritual community. Spiritual growth and engaging in spiritual activities will be the measure of true metamorphosis.
I call you blessed.