Transformation

Transformation is an inward renewal and reshaping of the mind. Through this process God changes the inner person of a Christian into the likeness of Christ.

The apostle Paul told the Roman believers, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). As Christians grow in faith, their thoughts should gradually become more like the thoughts of Christ. This change does not happen immediately. Regeneration, which is the new life God gives a person, happens at once. Transformation into Christ’s likeness takes place over time.

Christians become more like Christ as they spend time with him in close fellowship. As they look to him, their lives gradually begin to reflect his character. Paul explains that believers “reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

This change does not come only from trying to copy Jesus through human effort. It comes through spiritual fellowship with the Lord. The final result will be greater than believers can now understand. The apostle John teaches that believers do not yet know fully what they will become. However, when Christ appears, they will be like him because they will see him as he truly is (1 John 3:2).