The transformative process of a believer
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) 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.”
This verse highlights the transformative process that believers undergo to reflect God’s nature and character more fully. Let us break down this verse into segments in order to comprehend what Paul was trying to teach us as believers of Christ.
1. Unveiled Face: Access to God’s Presence
- Moses’ Veil vs. Believers’ Unveiled Faces:
2 Corinthians 3:13-16 (NKJV): “Unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
In the Old Testament, Moses wore a veil to hide the fading glory after he encountered God. However, in Christ, believers have an unveiled face, meaning they have direct, unobstructed access to God’s presence and His glory. If you are in Christ, you have the same right to God’s presence like any Pastor or Bishop who truly seeks Him.
2. Beholding the Glory of the Lord
- Beholding as in a Mirror:
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NKJV): “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.”
To behold the glory of the Lord “as in a mirror” suggests that believers reflect God’s glory, although imperfectly in this life. As they grow in their relationship with Christ, they understand and reflect His nature more clearly.
- Transformation Through meditation:
Philippians 3:10 (NKJV): “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”
Knowing Christ and meditating on His glory through His word by the empowerment of the Holy-Spirit leads to transformation. Whoever and whatever you focus on you become. Therefore as believers, when we give all our focus on Jesus, we become more like Him.
3. Transformation into His Image
- From Glory to Glory:
Romans 8:29 (NKJV): “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
The transformation process is ongoing. Believers are being progressively changed into the likeness of Christ, moving from one degree of glory to another. Consider the “Metamorphosis of a Butterfly;” Just as a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly, believers experience a gradual transformation. The caterpillar’s journey involves stages of growth, shedding old skin, and ultimately emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Similarly, believers grow spiritually, shedding old habits and becoming more Christlike over time. Remember, this process is ongoing and requires surrender to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. As we yield ourselves to God through the Holy-Spirit, He progressively shapes us into His likeness
- Renewal of the Mind:
Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “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.”
Our mind is the door to our spirit-man and also dictates our physical actions. The Holy-Spirit wants to control your mind as a believer but the devil has not given up its assault on your mind. It is only the word of God that can save your soul (where your mind resides) according to James 1:21b (“and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”). Therefore true transformation involves the renewal of the mind through God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, leading believers to live out God’s will.
4. Role of the Holy Spirit
- By the Spirit of the Lord:
John 16:13-14 (NKJV): “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”
The Holy Spirit is central to the transformation process. He guides believers into all truth, reveals Christ’s glory to them, and empowers them to reflect Christ’s character. We cannot be transformed without the Holy-Spirit. Imagine a skilled craftsman or artist working on a masterpiece. The Holy Spirit is like the master craftsman who shapes and moulds our lives. Just as the craftsman carefully chisels away imperfections, the Spirit works within us, transforming our hearts, thoughts, and desires. He convicts us of sin, leading us to repentance and renewal. Through this ongoing process, we become more like Christ—our lives reflecting His beauty and character.
5. Practical Application: Living Out Christ’s Character
- Exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
As believers are transformed, we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives.
- Walking in Love:
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV): “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
Imitating God and walking in love are practical outcomes of being transformed by the Holy Spirit. Believers express God’s nature through acts of love and self-sacrifice.
In conclusion; 2 Corinthians 3:18 emphasises the ongoing transformation of believers into the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation involves a deepening understanding of God’s glory, a renewal of the mind, and the manifestation of Christ-like character. By constantly meditating on the Lord’s glory through His word and relying on the Holy Spirit, believers are progressively changed from one degree of glory to another, reflecting God’s nature and character more fully in their lives.
God bless you.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Holy-Spirit; help me to become more like Christ on a daily basis, in my thoughts, speech and actions, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
