The word transformed brings along very powerful connotations; we experience the feeling or assurance that something has happened internally, as well as the literal meaning of change that will be externally evident at some time. The Greek word metamorphosis “to transform” is best seen in the change from an immature caterpillar to an adult stage of a butterfly. To be transformed, according to Scripture, is to experience a change in form internally that is worked out in our external appearance; to be transfigured.
According to Jesus, salvation is connected to spiritual transformation which is connected to renewal and physical transfiguration that comes from being born again with a heavenly birth. We are being changed internally as our minds are renewed and one day when Jesus comes for us, in the twinkling of an eye, we will grow beyond the limitations of these natural bodies. Transformation is about overcoming! No more sin, sickness, or weakness! Jesus makes it all happen in the Spirit! YES!!!
Yesterday, in Jen’s devotion, she lead us to remember Jesus is the first fruit of the resurrection or the transformation that God has in mind for his children. Because Jesus was fully human as well as fully divine—a life-giving Spirit—he had the resurrection of his physical body. The Life of Christ is in believers which makes us fully human with the Spirit of the divine presence. We will be the fruit of the resurrection that will one day follow Christ into being completely transformed in his likeness, so we can inherit the Kingdom!
In our passage today, we continue with the Apostle Paul’s message to the church at Corinth. He desperately wants the people to understand the power of the resurrection and the process they will be experiencing in the transformation. Through our fruit production of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—acts of love for God and others—we are being transformed on the inside and appearing more and more like Jesus (Gal 5:22-23). According to Scripture, even having the right attitude and the actions of how we treat people is all part of the transformation process that takes us from an immature likeness of Christ to get us ready for a mature likeness. We need this supernatural work to be ready for Jesus’ return.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 NLT
50 What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory. (Isaiah 25:8)
55
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting? (Hosea 13:14)”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise that one day when the final trumpet is blown, believers will follow you in the resurrection and receive glorified bodies. In the meantime, Holy Spirit, please help us to look at each day with a heavenly perspective, so we will be bearing righteous fruit that makes us mature in Jesus’ name. Amen.