I loved the Transformers when I was a kid. These robots would disguise themselves as different types of vehicles. Then the Decepticons would show up and the Transformers, led by Optimus Prime, would spring into their robot forms and fight off the Decepticons. No matter what type of vehicle they changed into, inside they were still robots. So maybe they should have been called Conformers.
In the beginning, we were formed in the image of God. The word that is translated as "formed" in Genesis 2:7 means to create, to give life to, and to give purpose. This was our Optimus Prime moment. His name means "the best and first". We were not only alive, but we had purpose. The imagery that is used throughout the Bible is one of a potter working with clay. So if we run with that imagery, the clay had set. We were complete and ready to fulfill our purpose. However, the pottery broke when we sinned. Just like with real pottery, there is no reforming us back into the image of God. In fact, the only way the word "reform" is used in the Bible, is in talking about changing your actions and behavior.
As broken human beings on our own, we were left with one choice. The form had broken. We could not reform ourselves or be reformed. We did the only thing we could do. We conformed. In Romans 12:2, we are instructed to "not conform to the pattern of this world". Now we need to dive into the words here or something important will be missed. The word that is used here is Suschematizo. According to Strong's Concordance, it means to conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according to). What is implied here is that it is an act of our own will. We are trying to form ourselves and the pattern we are using is the world. It is like a ripped piece of denim saying, "I am going to sew myself into a pair of jeans. However, the pattern I am going to use is that of a dress." It just does not come how we hoped.
Romans 8:29 reminds us of God's original plan for us. "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son . . ." The conformed that is used there is a different word than we see in Romans 12:2. It is more similar to the Hebrew word used in Genesis 2:9. The word is Summorphos which means "having the same form as another, similar, conformed to". Having the same form of Jesus was his plan from all eternity past. It is just not something we can get back to on our own.
We can not be reformed. We can not conform ourselves. That leaves only one option. We have to be transformed. One last word study; the word transform is the greek word metamorphoo and it means "to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure". You might already recognize this is where we get the word metamorphous. This is like the process of a caterpillar going into a cacoon and coming out a butterfly. It is a complete and permanent change. Unlike our robots in disguise, the butterfly can never return to the larvae stage. The cellular makeup of the insect has changed. The cells of the larvae have to die to make way for the cells of the butterfly.
Well, Romans 12:2 tells us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." In order to get a butterfly the larvae has to die. In order for us to be transformed the old self has to die. The good news is that Paul tells us that one died for all. Jesus took our place. Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Our part in it is to allow the Spirit of God to come in and renew; "perform a complete change for the better" our minds. Sorry, I had to slip one more word study in there. I am not going to dive into this, but when you see "mind" don't think brain; think your inner being, your heart, or your gut. It is a complete and permanent change. It is an inside-out transition that goes deeper than the cellular level.
It says that when we experience this change we "will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Do you remember what His will for us has been from the very beginning? His will for us is that we are formed, conformed, and transformed into the image of Jesus. This is not accomplished through praying a prayer, following spiritual rituals, or any number of good things we can do. It is a work that only God can do through the Holy Spirit. Like the changing of the caterpillar to a butterfly it is a process that takes time. The end product will be worth the wait.
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All Greek and Hebrew word meanings come from Strongs Concordance on www.biblestudytools.com. Scripture references are all in the New International Version unless otherwise indicated.
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