2 Cor. 3:12-18, Morphing Biblically

Without exception, Christians are changed people.

metamorfoō: transform, change in form

·       Mt 17:2; Mk 9:2: Christ "transfigured" before 3 disciples

·       Rom 12:2: be transformed by renewing of mind

·       2Cor 3:18: as we look at glory of Lord we're transformed into same image, from glory to glory

In the Gospels we get an illustration of transformation.  Jesus had a completely different appearance.  In the Epistles we get instruction as to how this happens in our lives.  The “renewing of the mind” by the Word and the Spirit is essential.  Can’t happen without the Bible.  But also understand, the renewal of the mind is not the end result.  It is rather that we gaze upon Christ.  The transformation comes by constant looking upon the One into whose image we are being transformed.

morfé: form, outward appearance, shape

·       Mk 16:12: Christ appeared in another form to the two on the road to Emmaus. 

·       Phil 2:6-7: Jesus in form of God, took on form of servant

Paul gives us significant understanding of this term.  The theologians concluded that Jesus was in substance God, which is fine, except that it still leaves us in the dark.  God is a spirit and has no physical form; substance usually involves physical form.  The point is that Jesus was what God is, and then came to earth and was what a servant is.  However you want to talk about it you cannot deny this.

morfoō: to form, shape

·       Gal 4:19: Paul pains for them until Christ formed in them

We are born with a form.  When we are born again, there is the seed of a new form that must grow to maturity.  What a grand and deep thought.  (Heb. 5:12-14; 1 John 2:12-14; 3:9; 1 Pt. 1:22-2:3 and other places.)

morfōsis: embodiment, outward form, appearance

·       Rom 2:20: Jews who have form of knowledge but don't obey it

·       2 Ti 3:5: in last days men have form of godliness but deny power

If we are hypocrites, all we can ever achieve is a visible form that looks something like what we want to convince people is our reality.  Without the new birth Christ can never be formed IN us, so that which is OUTSIDE will not by Christ.  May the Spirit led, Bible fed transformation be continuous in each of us!