In the Book of Romans, Paul establishes that every man needs salvation by the grace of God which comes through the gospel. “it is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe” (Romans 1:16).

He also reveals that our salvation by God’s grace comes with the expectation that we will transform our conduct from mimicking the way of the world to emulating the character of Christ. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

“Transformation” is translated from the Greek metamorfoo. It is where we get the English word “metamorphosis”, and is the word we use to describe profound transformation of caterpillar into a butterfly. Though the creature is the same being, its appearance and abilities are so altered that it becomes something different entirely.

When we come to God in Christ, His grace and power renew our spirits so that we become “new creatures” (2 Cor. 5:17) and are made to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). Through Christ, God takes us while we are dead and makes us alive again in Him! (Eph. 2:1-4)

That is the true power of God’s grace, doing for us what is impossible for us to do for ourselves. By His power we are made clean. That new birth is not something that we can see. Instead, we see the effects of it in our lives.

God’s grace does not cease to work in us when we are freed from sin. His grace continues to strengthen us and teach us how to walk in the new life God provides. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12) 

That learning process wherein we put off ungodliness and put on righteousness is the transformation or metamorphosis Paul describes in Romans 12:2. In that passage, he also reveals HOW that transformation takes place: “by the renewing of your minds.” Our profound metamorphosis begins in our minds or hearts.

As the wise man wrote in Proverbs 4:23, all the issues of life flow from our hearts. Though we are born again in Christ, we will not be transformed until we renew our thoughts, intents, and motivations according to God’s holy word. 

Through God’s word we behold the glory and majesty of His will righteousness. The more we fill our minds with His word to do His will, the more we are transformed by it into His image. This is the essence of our metamorphosis.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

God planned in eternity that we would be conformed to His son’s image (Romans 8:29). When we renew our minds and allow God’s holy word to direct us in all areas of life, we put off the old man and put on the new, reflecting the glorious image of the One who created us.

“and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (Colossians 3:10)

God can achieve in us a metamorphosis much greater than that of the caterpillar! Through His divine power, we can become partakers of the divine nature: “…you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Pet. 1:4).

This transformative process is not a short one. It is life-long. It becomes at our new birth and ends when we enter our rest when this life is over?

The question we which to impress upon the reader is this: Are you being transformed by the renewing of your mind?

Many Christians conform themselves to the world without knowing it. God’s word reveals our hearts if we to seek Him earnestly and honestly.

Let us strive to life such a transforming life that when this life is over, we will have been found working. And so that we will hear, "well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matthew 25:21-23).