Transformation

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.––2 Corinthians 3:17–18

It is amazing news that Jesus Christ died to pay for our sins and rose again to conquer death. It is amazing news that because of that reality, our sins are cast as far as the east is from the west, and we will dwell in that new, glorious city one day forever––where his presence saturates everything with light and life. 

Also amazing is that right now, by the blood of Jesus, we have access to gaze upon his glory and actually become like him. If we stop in the Christian life with the above amazing truth of salvation, sins forgiven, and future glory, and forget the access we have now by the Spirit to transformational power––we are selling ourselves short in what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. 

The gospel is not simply a transactional, get-out-of-hell-free card that saves us and leaves us how we are. Rather, that salvation gets worked out with fear and trembling by the power of the Spirit, so that it is not merely transactional but transformational. It is not merely redemptive, but restorative of our whole being slowly but surely being changed into the same image of Jesus. 

Paul says that happens as we gaze on the Lord by the power of the Spirit. And so this is what we are pleading with the Lord to do in all of our classrooms, community groups, fellowship meals, worship services, and other activities this coming year––to change us. Lord, please show us your glory in your word, in singing, in communion, in prayer, and in doing these things in community with our blood-bought family––and change us. Transform us. Mold us and make us into your image. Help us be disciples that learn to abide and stay near to Jesus––to love what he loves, hate what he hates, desire what he desires, and do what he does. 

That’s what we want. Not a transaction that we just remember for the rest of our lives, but a salvation that transforms us for the rest of our lives. So, what areas in your life right now do you wish were more conformed to the image of Christ? Or perhaps what areas should you feel need more transformation but instead you are numb or apathetic? Would you take some time this week and ask the Lord to show you his glory this year and transform you from one degree of glory to the next into the same image by the power of the Spirit? 

To let go of sin, to run from idols, to die to sin and live to Christ is freedom. I’m praying for transformation that leads to more true freedom in Christ this year for South Cities Church.