Transformation is a word that may be used to describe the process of a divinely powered spiritual renovation so that human beings come to more and more resemble Yah'shua the Messiah (Jesus Christ). We begin by, first, choosing to declare to ourselves that henceforth (at the point of conversion and spiritual rebirth, or subsequently if we have not at first understood this truth) that we will henceforth identify with Yah'shua (Jesus) by making Him our mental focus, the conduit through which we will focus all our thoughts (by making them 'captive for Christ'), building Christ-centered friendships with other believers, bathing in the Davar Elohim (Word of God or Scripture) and by constantly reminding ourselves of the truths that arise out of the Besorah (Gospel).
The Letter of the Colossians is arguably the book about spiritual transformation though obviously others also cover the subject. The premise of transformation is stated by the apostle Paul thus:
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of Elohim (God). Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in Elohim (God). When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Col.3:1-4, NKJV).
The apostle then goes on to describe in some detail what the authentic Christian/Messianic spirituality that leads to this inward transformation looks like, consists of, and is driven by:
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of Elohim (God) is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the [pagan] life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Yehudi (Judahite, 'Jew'), circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as Elohim's (God's) chosen people, qadosh (holy, set-apart) and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Master forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to Elohim (God). And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Master Yah'shua (Lord Jesus), giving thanks to Elohim (God) the Father through Him.
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Master. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Master. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves (servants), obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Master. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Master, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Master as a reward. It is the Master[, - ISRV] Messiah (Lord Christ 'Yahweh the Messiah' - HRV; 'Master Yahweh, the Messiah' - AENT) you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favouritism.
"Masters, provide your slaves (servants) with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that Elohim (God) may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Col.3:5-4:6, NIV).
The resultant change will be seen not only in outward behaviour but, most importantly, in character too. Forced behaviour does not change character because it does not result in transformation. This is seen in deep (and therefore sincere) ethical change, not just in outward behaviour but in our very nature. We become these changes '[super]naturally' because they are effected by the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit), and that because of the commitments we have made or vows we have taken either at water baptism (ideally) or separately. Thus we must be more than superficially or merely 'nice' to fellow believers but actually come to genuinely, deeply and sacrificially love them the way Yah'shua (Jesus) loves us. This is Ahavah, Chesed or Agapé Love - it is the love that manifests within us as the result of genuine conversion, spiritual rebirth and transformation. We go about this in our daily life by becoming Christ-like servants at home and at work, and wisely and graciously sharing Christ's love in word and deed with those who don't yet believe in Him.
The key to Christian/Messianic spiritual transformation, the result of Yahweh's power being released to us to gradually change us to becomre more and more like the Saviour, is to focus on the Person of Messiah before all else - before others and certainly before self. This means:
- 1. Not trying to make ritual observance the means of transformation;
- 2. Not trying to deliberately precipitate a dramatic spiritual experience (like a 'vision' or a 'revelation') to make that a means of transformation of group or an individual); and
- 3. Not trying to exert moral will power for the express purpose of causing transformation.
The reason we are not to try to do these is because none of them authentically transforms. They're secondary (though necessary) expressions of, or responses to, salvation, sanctification and transformation. In any case these three only have the power to temporarily contain the flesh or briefly shunt it to one side and can never be substitutes for the soul's design to be focussed totally on, and be absorbed by, Christ. Paul says that, used wrongly, these three may create a spiritual appearance that impress others and fool yourself, but they don't in and of themselves result in real spiritual renovation or transformation.
The key to transformation is, as Paul says, setting your heart and mind on the things above (Col.3:2) which are beyond self, which is dead, or other selves (people). Only when fully absorbed in Messiah can we minister to other people. The transformation of self is taken care of unconsciously and does not require our preoccupation.
The 'Good News', 'Gospel', or 'Besorah' is your new Identity in Christ which is received supernaturally through ongoing trusting. It is that new supernaturally-imparted identity, given to the born-again believer, which will lead you to Scripturally-mandated Torah-obedience, the lifestyle of the qodeshim (saints, set-apart ones), which will have been supernaturtally written onto the transformed mind and heart and so come naturally without opposition from the resultant crucified flesh-nature or self (Jer.31:31-34). Without the new identity, however, the lifestyle in itself will not transform you but simply create a cheap imitation of the real thing - a nominal believer going through the motions of religion.
For more materials on Transformation, see the registers below.
CBS031 (Section D)
(3 August 2021)
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