Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of transformation is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the profound change that occurs in individuals and communities through the power of God. The term "transform" and its derivatives are used to describe both spiritual and moral changes that align believers with the will and character of God.
Biblical References:1.
Romans 12:2 · "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse highlights the transformative process that begins with the renewal of the mind. It emphasizes a departure from worldly patterns and an alignment with God's will, suggesting that transformation is both an inward and outward process.
2.
2 Corinthians 3:18 · "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Here, transformation is depicted as a gradual process of becoming more like Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is described as moving from one degree of glory to another, indicating continuous spiritual growth.
3.
Philippians 3:21 · "He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself." This passage speaks of the ultimate transformation that believers will experience at the resurrection, where their physical bodies will be changed to be like Christ's glorified body. It underscores the hope of future transformation that is both physical and spiritual.
Theological Implications:Transformation in the biblical sense is not merely a superficial change but a profound reorientation of one's entire being. It involves a shift in identity, values, and behavior, aligning them with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. This transformation is initiated and sustained by the Holy Spirit, who works within believers to produce the fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23).
Practical Application:Believers are called to actively participate in their transformation by engaging in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. These practices help to renew the mind and foster a deeper relationship with God, facilitating ongoing transformation. Additionally, believers are encouraged to resist conformity to worldly values and instead pursue holiness and righteousness.
Historical Context:In the early Christian community, transformation was a powerful testimony to the reality of the Gospel. Converts from paganism or Judaism often experienced radical changes in lifestyle and values, which served as a witness to the transformative power of Christ. This theme of transformation continues to be a central aspect of Christian teaching and discipleship.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of transformation is a dynamic and ongoing process that encompasses both present spiritual growth and future glorification. It is a testament to the power of God to change lives and a call for believers to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To change the form of; to change in shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as, a caterpillar is ultimately transformed into a butterfly.
2. (v. t.) To change into another substance; to transmute; as, the alchemists sought to transform lead into gold.
3. (v. t.) To change in nature, disposition, heart, character, or the like; to convert.
4. (v. t.) To change, as an algebraic expression or geometrical figure, into another from without altering its value.
5. (v. i.) To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TRANSFORMtrans-form' (Romans 12:2; the Revised Version (British and American)2 Corinthians 3:18 for metamorphoomai, and the King James Version2 Corinthians 11:13, 14, 15 for metaschematizo, the Revised Version (British and American) "fashion"): The commentaries often explain the former word as connoting a change of nature, while the latter refers only to the appearance, but this distinction is probably fanciful.
Greek
3339. metamorphoo -- totransform... to
transform. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: metamorphoo Phonetic Spelling:
(met-am-or-fo'-o) Short Definition: I change the form,
transform Definition
...3345. metaschematizo -- to change in fashion or appearance
... to something) Definition to change in fashion or appearance NASB Word Usage disguise
(1), disguises (1), disguising (1), figuratively applied (1),transform (1...
3337. metallasso -- to change, exchange
... to change, exchange. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: metallasso Phonetic Spelling:
(met-al-las'-so) Short Definition: I change,transform, alter Definition...
236. allasso -- to change
... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: allasso Phonetic Spelling: (al-las'-so) Short
Definition: I change, alter Definition: I change, alter, exchange,transform...
Library
Conclusion.
... Yes, and will yettransform it! Yes, thank God, so the answer comes; and will yet
transform it until the kingdom comes!... Yes, and will yettransform the world!"....
October 16. "Whereas Thou Hast Been Forsaken and Hated, I Will...
... He loves to take the things in our own lives that have been the worst, the hardest
and the most hostile to God, and totransform them so that we shall be the...
Whether Corporeal Matter Obeys the Mere Will of an Angel?
... Now the power of an angel is superior to corporeal power. But a body by its power
is able totransform corporeal matter; as appears when fire begets fire....
No Alterations of Christ's Plan.
... expected that the kingdom of God, once seated firmly in this way, would, by the
might of its prevailing spirit of Divine life, by degreestransform all other...
The Joy-Bringer
... a solemn joy. It would be but a small thing totransform the conditions;
it is far better and higher totransform us. We all need...
The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine
... But Christ came to bring gladness, and totransform its earthly sources into heavenly
fountains; and so to change all the less sweet, satisfying, and potent...
Preface
... The effect of the introduction of Law among the scattered Phenomena of Nature has
simply been to make Science, totransform knowledge into eternal truth....
Purifying the Soul
... It is intended to come into life, and into character, and into the inmost spirit
of a man, and grip them, and mould them, andtransform them, and animate them...
The Right to Feel Superior
... What they need is a LIFE that willtransform them, and enable them to live a life
of victory over sin and the Devil within their environment....
The Christian State
... its evils. He saw plainly the folly of trying totransform the character
of the state solely by the coercive power of law. "Satan...
Thesaurus
Transform (3 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To change into another substance; to transmute; as, the alchemists sought
to
transform lead into gold.
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
TRANSFORM.
...Transfigured (2 Occurrences)
Turn (963 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To change the form, quality, aspect, or effect of; to alter; to metamorphose;
to convert; totransform; -- often with to or into before the word...
Transformed (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofTransform. Multi-Version Concordance
Transformed (5 Occurrences). Romans 12:2 Don't be conformed...
Translate (3 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To change into another form; totransform. 7. (vt) To cause to remove from
one part of the body to another; as, to translate a disease....
Resembles (3 Occurrences)
... Philippians 3:21 who, in the exercise of the power which He has even to subject
all things to Himself, willtransform this body of our humiliation until it...
Exertion (2 Occurrences)
... Philippians 3:21 who, in the exercise of the power which He has even to subject
all things to Himself, willtransform this body of our humiliation until it...
Do (21637 Occurrences)
... to remove; to do on, to put on; to don; to do off, to take off, as dress; to doff;
to do into, to put into the form of; to translate ortransform into, as a...
Mill (9 Occurrences)
... 13. (n.) To shape, finish, ortransform by passing through a machine; specifically,
to shape or dress, as metal, by means of a rotary cutter. 14....
Ministrants (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:15 no great thing, then, if also his ministrants dotransform
themselves as ministrants of righteousness -- whose end shall be according to...
Resources
What is the spiritual formation movement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is alchemy? Does the Bible mention alchemy? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible to marry the wrong person? | GotQuestions.orgTransform: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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