This chapter will present the transformation of new Christians. The chapter will also discuss how the transformation begins and how new Christians are influenced by it. In addition, the persons most responsible for the transformation will be analyzed, along with what role pastors and churches should play in transforming new believers. The influence of established Christians, churches, and pastors on newly converted Christians will be
significant.
Transformation methods that work
A definition of the word transformation is needed. There are many terms with a similar meaning such as: convert, make different, vary, alter, become different, evolve, adjust, and change. However, transformation is the most appropriate word for this experience
because the change mentioned is not about a change in the flesh but rather refers to a spiritual alteration, which is an inner change. Of course, transformation may be involved with a change in shape or form. However, the transformation in Christ is the complete alteration from old to new, referring to the inner heart or spiritual change in a person. The term transformation includes the whole process of change. Transformation is not referring to the change in shape or form, but rather the progressive change to a new image.
First, the definition of transformation in the dictionary will be viewed.
In the dictionary, transformation is defined as the act or process of transforming, the state of being transformed, and change in form, appearance, nature, or character. From the World English Dictionary, it is a change or alteration, a radical one and the act of transforming or
the state of being transformed.61 That is, transformation means a dramatic change in form or appearance in life, which may either be radical in nature or not.
The meaning of transformation in the Bible Dictionary is seen as:
Transformed: used of the change of the moral character for the better (Rom. 12:2), through the renewal of the thinking power. “The apostle considers it as a peculiar operation of the Christian faith, that believers are seriously concerned to prove in everything what is the will of God (Eph. 5:10); whereas man, in his natural state, looks more to the point of how he may please men” (Tholuck, Com). The apostle (2 Cor. 3:18) speaks of the of the Christian being “changed into the same image from glory to glory,” etc. in this passage the Gospel is spoken of as a mirror in which the glory of Christ gives itself to be seen; the Christian, studying the Gospel, becomes so transformed that the same image which he sees in the “mirror”-the image of the glory of Christ- presents itself on him, i.e., he is so transformed that he becomes like the glorified Christ.62
In the Old Testament, transform is “hapak” in Hebrew. It is a term for turning. On some occasions it can mean transform, for God has the power to transform things from one reality to another. For example, He turns the night into day and the day into night (Amos 5:8), a rock into a spring of water (Ps. 114:8), the sea into dry land (Ps. 66:6), and rivers into blood (Ps. 78:44).
In the New Testament, it is translated from “metamorphoo.” It means to transfigure, or transform. Paul uses this verb in Rom. 12:2, at the beginning of that section of Romans that outlines the practical life of the Christian. We must not conform our lives to the standards of the sinful world around us, as tempting as that may be (since “everyone is doing it”), but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. That is, Christ has come to give us a new way of thinking--not to legalistically follow a fixed set of rules and regulations, but to desire to serve Jesus with all our heart and mind. In 2 Cor. 3:18, after Paul has contrasted the
61 It can also access on internet web site; Internet accessed at July. 12. 2014. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/transformation.
41
Christian’s superior life of the Spirit to the old covenant’s life of the letter of the law, he sums it up in this way: “And we … are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” The goal of new believers being transformed is to be like Jesus.63
Also, the term change has the same meaning as transform or transformation. Thus, it is able to be mentioned together.
The word change means “to turn, return” in Greek. And change one’s mind, naham in Hebrew, bears two distinct but related meanings in the OT: “to comfort, console” and “to relent, repent, change one’s mind, be grieved.” Naham denotes repentance or a change of mind. Of these occurrences, the most theologically significant relate to a shifting of the divine countenance. God relents from destroying Israel after the golden calf (Exod. 32:12, 14). He is grieved that he made Saul king (1 Sam. 15:11). And in accordance with grace when people repent of their sins and turn back to him (Jer. 18:7-10; cf. 8:6; 31:19). God’s changing of his mind takes place in the temporal sphere of creation and is related to his providence. As such, it is a real changing of the mind. At the same time, however, God’s eternal decrees and immutable will never come into conflict with his providential interaction with creation. The full reality of both aspects of God’s being and action need be affirmed.64
In Greek, metamorphoo is translated as transformed in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The KJV Dictionary also defines transform or transformation in the following way: transform
TRANSFORM', v.t. L. trans and forma.
1. To change the form of; to change the shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as a caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
2. To change one substance into another; to transmute. The alchemists sought to transform lead into gold.
63 William D. Mounce, Complete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (Zondervan: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2006), 739.
3. In theology, to change the natural disposition and temper of man from a state of enmity to God and his law, into the image of God, or into a disposition and temper conformed to the will of God.
Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. 12.
4. To change the elements, bread and wine, into the flesh and blood of Christ. 5. Among the mystics, to change the contemplative soul into a divine substance, by which it is lost or swallowed up in the divine nature.
6. In algebra, to change an equation into another of a different form, but of equal value.
TRANSFORM', v. i. To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed. transformation
TRANSFORMA'TION, n. The act or operation of changing the form or external appearance.
1. Metamorphosis; change of form in insects; as from a caterpillar to a butterfly. 2. Transmutation; the change of one metal into another, as of copper or tin into gold.
3. The change of the soul into a divine substance, as among the mystics. 4. Transubstantiation.
5. In theology, a change of heart in man, by which his disposition and temper are conformed to the divine image; a change from enmity to holiness and love. 6. In algebra, the change of an equation into one of a different form, but of equal value.
transformed
TRANSFORM'ED, pp. Changed in form or external appearance; metamorphosed; transmuted; renewed.
transforming
TRANSFORM'ING, ppr. Changing the form or external appearance; metamorphosing; transmuting; renewing.
1. a. Effecting or able to effect a change of form or state; as the transforming power of true religion.65
Transformation is found in the Bible with the similar meaning as shown in the dictionary. When this term is used in the Bible, one should also look at the interpretation provided by biblical scholars. When searching for the meaning of transformation in the Bible, Romans 12:1-2 is one of the best places to look.
The comments of the scholars in regards to these verses were examined. The Bible
65 It can also access on internet web site; Internet accessed at July. 12. 2014. http://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/transform.html.
43
says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The word transform implies a change of the heart, by no longer following the patterns of this world but have a change of heart. The mind must be distanced from worldly thoughts and must be shown the different views of the world in order to be able to differentiate worldly values.
John Calvin explains that Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 also interpreted worship and salvation. Together with the interpretation of salvation, he describes that those who believe that man’s salvation is only in the hand of God have pious hearts, and that pious heart and willingness to serve God is not formed due to Biblical teachings or commands, but rather from the reflection of God’s goodness. That is, they already trust God in their hearts and have reflected upon His goodness. What this means is that God has already given people’s mind the ability to think about God’s faithfulness and goodness. Looking at the verse connected with this interpretation, he said to spiritually worship God with a good heart. When Christians have a good mind towards God, they are for the first time able to worship God with their whole being. This is not a deceitful worship. To be able to worship faithfully and not
deceitfully, Christians need to be newly transformed so they do not follow the earth’s pattern. If these verses are interpreted in another way, when one does not conform to the pattern of the world but is transformed, he or she can offer his or her whole self to worship God. This is spiritual worship.66
The Interpreter’s Bible also interprets the second verse the following way:
We are not to conform ourselves to this age but are to be transformed, so as to be true members of the coming age. The contrast between this age and the age to come is obviously in Paul’s mind when he uses these contrasting verbs. Here is the same point as that made in ch. 6; and reference to Paul’s discussion there of the
66 John Calvin, The Calvin Commentary: Romans tr, John Calvin Commentary Publishing, (Sungsuone: Seoul, 2001), 382-386.
ethical life of the Christian is necessary for the interpretation of the present passage. One must not live appropriately to the present age, but must live as through the new age had already come. To do this involves a complete reorientation, which only the Spirit who represents that new age can bring about. He does this by renewing our mind by giving a new life and power to our mind. Paul has said in 7:25, and its context, that he serves the law of God with his mind or “inmost self,” but that this mind is too weak to resist the tendencies to sin in his flesh. But he reminds us here, our minds can be renewed. Paul makes little use of the word repentance in his discussion of the Christian life, but he comes close to using that term here, for repentance means change of mind; and as Lietzmann points out, the verb transform, associated as it is here with mind, and suggests the idea. But the emphasis as always is not upon the human act, but upon the Spirit’s gift.67
Here, transformation is used together with the word repentance. To be able to get a change of heart, one must first repent. This repentance basically defines the gift of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit’s help, neither repentance nor transformation can be achieved. The Word Bible Commentary interprets these words of Paul, “not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” in the following way:
“ἀλλὰ μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός” in Greek means to “be
transformed by the renewal of the mind.” The idea of metamorphosis is common to many religious strands of the ancient world, including the classic myths about the gods changing into earthly form, and accounts of individuals being transformed through mystery ritual or gnostic release. But that should not be taken to imply that Paul here is using “mystery-conceptions.” For the language could be used in the sense of a moral transformation, a stronger form of μετανοειτε (Lietzmann). Moreover, the idea is equally found in Jewish apocalyptic, initially with regard to the resurrection, but also as something consequential upon one being taken up to heaven while still alive, particularly Enoch. The eschatological context of Paul’s thought already indicated by his talk of “this age” indicates that the Jewish apocalyptic usage is the more likely source of his language.68
The transformation deals with an inward change. The process where an inner aspect is changed to another form or state from an initial form or state is unable to be witnessed. In
67 George A. Buttrick, The Interpreter’s Bible Volume 9: Acts and Romans (Abingdon Press: New York, 1954), 582.
68 James D.G. Dunn, Word Bible Commentary: Volume 38b Romans 9-16 (Word Book: TX, 1988), 713.
45
addition, the change is not brought by the will of man, but rather by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the transformation is not possible by the will of man, but is brought upon by God’s help.
Another way to think of transformation is to express it through assimilation. Another method of explaining transformation is by assimilating or absorbing people who are not familiar with the Christian culture into the Christian culture. Especially, one has to enter into a healthy Christian culture and then he can experience the true transformation. Even though one receives Jesus Christ as his or her savior, if he enters into a group consisting of people who have not been able to discard old habits, then he or she may be unable to undergo true change.
Like the interpreters of the Bible, the Bible also mentions and explains
transformation. In the Bible, the transformation, of course, means to change or renewal from a life of the old man. It no longer conforms to the ways of the world that does not please God (Romans 12:2). This is, also, accomplished by the renewing of believer’s mind from an inward spiritual transformation that will manifest to outward actions. The Bible mentions the transformed life in Christ. It is “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Therefore, transformation involves that in Christ Jesus believers who once were far away have been brought near the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
Moreover, evidence of transformation within believers is seen in the way which one increasingly reflects the likeness and glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). The apostle Paul said, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). To be considered as children of God, believers must be led by the Spirit of God. And it is through the power of God’s Spirit that Christ lives within them. The
transformed life reflects the thought of the apostle Paul in Galatians: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
This power of transformation comes from that Paul said, “For the message of the cross [the gospel] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). The apostle Peter who empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly declared the truth when he spoke of Jesus: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Transformed lives have to begin with the gospel message of Christ, for it is the power of God. It is the gospel that brings believers salvation: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:16-17).
Through the Bible, Christians are taught “to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:13-14).
THE CONDITION FOR TRANSFORMATION
47
the heart. The requirement is the exposure to the Gospel. There is a basic requirement in order for the transformation of the heart to occur which is achieved by the Holy Spirit only after the person has heard the word of God from others. Of course, humans can know of God’s existence by observing the changes occurring in nature. The knowledge of God’s existence is capable of bringing about a change in a person’s spirit.69 However, in order to surely lead the spirit to God, the word must first be proclaimed and spread.
When the word is heard and scattered, change will appear in the heart. The transformation will be rooted into the heart through faith. In Romans 10:17, Paul said that, “Consequently faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” That is, faith has to be heard. If the word is not heard, the faith towards God will not continue to grow. Therefore, the Gospel must always be told to new believers. In order for the Gospel to be transmitted to the new believers, the old men who already believe in God must take responsibility and make sure that the Gospel is heard by new believers. The word of God has to be propagated like it says in verse 14, “How, then, can they call on the one they not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”70
69 Of course, God himself can move a man’s heart. However, if God does not use any evidence or any other thing, but makes a man believe in Him by stirring his mind and