For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 (NLT)
In addition to exalting his Son as Lord of Lords, Father God’s purpose for us is to transform us into Christ’s image. Christ is the exact representation of the Father; so, Father is committed to the process of gradually making us more and more like himself while we live here on planet earth. When Jesus returns, the transformation will be instantaneous and complete when we receive our new resurrection bodies.
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 (ESV)
Every day we are challenged to interact with God’s Spirit, the Scriptures, and other believers as he works from the inside out to make us more like Jesus.
Each day presents us with choices and opportunities to avail ourselves of the grace that is available to us in Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-8)
Each of us has what the Bible calls the “old man” or the “flesh,” which is the residue from the corrupt sin nature inherited from Adam. When we are born again, our spirits are transformed and joined to God’s Spirit, giving us the internal desire to love and serve God; however, the residual “flesh,” which is connected to the sin cursed pre-resurrection body, retains its antipathy towards God and his will, setting up within us a spiritual struggle that will continue until the resurrection. (Galatians 5:17 – I have written extensively about this elsewhere. If you wish to read more, click here.)
None of us is able to transform ourselves. Misguided attempts to do so always result in the frustration of legalism. However, we do have a responsibility in the matter to cooperate with the Spirit and be open to correction from the Word of God and our brothers and sisters. This presupposes membership in a local church where we allow ourselves to be known by others and not just hide out in meetings where we can remain anonymous. (You can read more about our responsibility in spiritual transformation by clicking here.)
Ministers also are responsible before God to participate in this process. Paul told Timothy, his disciple:
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)
Those who are wise will listen and respond.
God is also fully involved through a process called discipline. Like a good parent, he is committed to taking steps to insure that his children develop into responsible mature adults. God’s discipline can be minor or major. That is up to him. We should never presume that he will not play “hardball” with us. (Hebrews 12:5-13)
Spiritual transformation is designed to maximize God’s glory and our happiness.
God is glorified when his people reflect his character. Our joy is made complete as we become more and more like our Creator – Sustainer – Redeemer.
The missional church is committed to teaching, encouraging, and participating in this process with an attitude of love, patience, and mercy combined with a firm commitment to truth, while avoiding even a hint of legalism. (Ephesians 4:14-16)
