“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 3:18
In our travels as a family, I know that I often said that I wish there was a way for my family and I to be transported to our destination in an instant. You know, Star Trek version, “Beam me up, Scotty.” Traveling a long distance with 9 people and 2 pets is no easy task. But, unfortunately there is no instant way to travel. A flight may have shortened the trip, but the cost and hassle of getting us through an airport really does not make things that much better. And the, of course, there is the pets. It reminds me a very important gospel lesson. There is no shortcut for spiritual growth in the Christian life. Oh, we might hope for a magic button that we can push or a special prayer we could say, but the truth is that spiritual growth or gospel transformation is a process.
Once I think of gospel transformation, I am immediately reminded of 2 Corinthians 3:18 (see above). God has used that verse on many of occasions during my spiritual journey. One crucial point which comes to mind was when my wife, Sara, shared this verse with me at a time in my life when I was dealing with shame and guilt from my past. God had radically transformed my life through the power of the gospel, yet I was still struggling with my past. Frankly, I didn’t see how God could use someone who messed up so bad. Oh, I knew God used messed up people in the Bible, but I just did not think He could use me. She reminded me that this verse describes the gradual transforming effect of the gospel. She also reminded me that God called me to salvation and ministry knowing fully what my life’s story would be with the intention of using my past, present, and future for His glory. God does not use perfect people because there is no such thing. Coming to faith and repentance happens in an instant, but spiritual growth is a life-long experience. The call of the gospel is not instantaneous perfection, but progressive sanctification. This verse reminds us that it is through an ongoing personal relationship with Jesus Christ that we are transformed into the person God wants us to be for His glory.
What does this gospel transformation look like? When we are in regular fellowship with Christ, then we will begin to…
- Live our lives in such a way that our life increasing reflects God, the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. We are being transformed into His LIKENESS.
- Live our lives in such a way that God’s Word increasingly governs our thoughts and actions. We are being transformed into His HOLINESS.
- Live our lives in such a way that we lead other people into the Kingdom of God. We are transformed to be His WITNESS.
How is God transforming your life through the power of the gospel? Consider asking yourself the following diagnostic questions: Am I more like Jesus today than I was three years ago? Is my life marked by increasing holiness evidenced by obedience to God’s Word? Do I share the gospel regularly with the people God puts in my path?
Pastor Andy
