The change in one's life towards more Christ-likeness.
1. The Biblical Definition of Transformation
The New Testament word most closely associated with “transformation” is the Greek verb metamorphoō (μεταμορφόω), from which we get the English word metamorphosis. It means:
to change into another form
to be transfigured, transformed in nature and appearance
Key uses:
“Be transformed (metamorphoō) by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Jesus “was transfigured (metamorphoō) before them” (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2).
“We… are being transformed (metamorphoō) into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Biblically, transformation is not mere self-improvement or moral polishing. It is an inner, Spirit-produced change that conforms us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). It is from the inside out, not from the outside in.
Another important word is “image” (Greek: eikōn – εἰκών), meaning likeness, representation, or manifestation. God’s purpose is that we be conformed to the image (eikōn) of His Son (Romans 8:29). Transformation is the process by which the Holy Spirit restores the marred image of God in us into the likeness of Christ.
In Hebrew, the concept appears in words like:
Lev (לֵב) – “heart”: the inner person, mind, will, emotions.
Ruach (רוּחַ) – “spirit, breath, wind”: often used of the Spirit of God who changes people.
Chadash (חָדָשׁ) – “new”: as in “a new heart” (Ezekiel 36:26).
So biblically, transformation is:
The supernatural work of God by His Spirit in the inner person, renewing the heart and mind, so that the believer increasingly reflects the character, nature, and power of Jesus Christ.
It is not optional or peripheral. It is central to God’s eternal purpose:
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29).
2. Old Testament Foundation
Though the word “transformation” is more explicit in the New Testament, the pattern and promise of transformation run throughout the Old Testament.
a) Created in God’s Image – Marred but Not Erased
Humanity begins with a high calling:
“Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26).
The fall (Genesis 3) distorted but did not annihilate that image. From that point on, Scripture shows God working to restore His likeness in His people.
b) A New Heart and a New Spirit
The Law exposed sin but could not change the heart (Romans 3:20). Yet God promised a future inner transformation:
Deuteronomy 30:6 – “And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart… to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”
Ezekiel 11:19 – “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36:26–27 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.”
This is transformation language: the heart (inner person) is changed, and the Spirit of God is the agent.
c) Transformation by Encountering God’s Glory
Whenever people encountered God’s presence, change followed.
Moses’ shining face (Exodus 34:29–35): After speaking with the LORD, “the skin of his face shone.” His appearance was altered by exposure to God’s glory.
Isaiah’s cleansing and commissioning (Isaiah 6:1–8): He sees the Lord, is convicted (“Woe is me!”), cleansed by a coal from the altar, and then sent. Encounter leads to inner change and outward mission.
These are Old Testament pictures of what Paul later describes:
“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).
d) The Prophets’ Vision of a Transformed People
The prophets foresaw a day when God’s people would not merely have external conformity to the Law, but internal conformity to God’s heart:
Jeremiah 31:33–34 – “I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts… they all shall know Me.”
Joel 2:28–29 – “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.”
Thus, the Old Testament sets the stage: God promises a Spirit-wrought, heart-deep transformation of His people.
3. The Fulfillment in Christ
Jesus is both the pattern and the source of our transformation.
a) Jesus, the Perfect Image of God
Christ is the full revelation of what humanity was meant to be:
“He is the image (eikōn) of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15).
“Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person” (Hebrews 1:3).
To be transformed is to become like Him (1 John 3:2–3).
b) The Transfiguration – A Picture of Glory
On the mount of Transfiguration:
“He was transfigured (metamorphoō) before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).
This is the same word used for our transformation (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). The disciples saw, in advance, the glorified Christ, the destiny of all who are in Him. Our transformation is into His likeness.
c) The Cross and Resurrection – The Ground of Transformation
Transformation is not self-generated; it flows from Christ’s finished work:
On the cross, our old man was crucified with Him (Romans 6:6).
In His resurrection, we receive newness of life (Romans 6:4).
Through His blood, our conscience is cleansed (Hebrews 9:14).
Paul connects this directly to transformation:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
The old identity is put to death; a new creation emerges (2 Corinthians 5:17).
d) Jesus as the Model of Spirit-Filled Humanity
Jesus lived as a Spirit-anointed Man (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18). He demonstrated what a human life fully yielded to the Holy Spirit looks like. Our transformation is into that same pattern:
Obedience (Philippians 2:8)
Love (John 13:34–35)
Power and authority over demons and sickness (Luke 10:19; Mark 16:17–18)
Intimacy with the Father (John 5:19–20; 17:21–23)
He is not only our Savior but our standard.
4. The Power for Today: The Holy Spirit and Transformation
This is where the doctrine becomes intensely practical and supernatural. Transformation is impossible in human strength. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, actively at work in believers today.
a) The Spirit as the Agent of Transformation
2 Corinthians 3:18 is foundational:
“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.”
Notice:
The agent: “by the Spirit of the Lord.”
The process: “being transformed” – ongoing, progressive.
The direction: “from glory to glory” – ever-increasing likeness to Christ.
The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you (Romans 8:11). That resurrection power is present and active to change you at the deepest level.
b) New Birth: The Beginning of Transformation
Transformation begins with regeneration – being “born again” (John 3:3–8). This is a supernatural event:
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
At conversion, your spirit is made alive to God. You receive a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26; fulfilled in Christ). This is the foundation of all further transformation.
c) The Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Power for Holy Living and Ministry
Jesus told already-regenerated disciples to wait for power:
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me” (Acts 1:8).
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not merely for external ministry; it also empowers inner transformation:
Boldness replaces fear (Acts 4:31).
Love for God and people is intensified (Romans 5:5).
Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12) equip us to live as Christ’s body on earth.
A Spirit-baptized believer should expect:
Greater sensitivity to sin and holiness.
Increased hunger for the Word and prayer.
Supernatural gifts and fruit (Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11).
d) The Renewing of the Mind – By the Spirit and the Word
Romans 12:2 commands:
“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.”
The mind is renewed as:
The Word of God replaces lies with truth (John 8:31–32).
The Spirit of truth illuminates Scripture (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12–13).
We agree with God’s verdicts about Himself, ourselves, and our circumstances.
This is not mere positive thinking; it is Spirit-empowered agreement with God’s Word, which releases God’s power into our inner life.
e) The Fruit of the Spirit – The Character of Christ
Transformation is visible in character:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).
These are not human virtues we strive to imitate; they are the fruit of the Spirit’s life within us. As we abide in Christ (John 15:4–5), the Spirit reproduces Christ’s character in us.
f) The Authority of the Believer in Transformation
Transformation is not passive. The believer has authority to:
Resist the devil (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9).
Cast down arguments and mental strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).
Put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Romans 8:13).
Bind and loose in alignment with heaven (Matthew 18:18).
You are not a helpless victim of your past, your flesh, or demonic influence. In Christ, you are:
A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Given authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19).
Transformation involves using that authority to enforce Christ’s victory in your inner life.
g) Expecting God to Move – Faith for Ongoing Change
Transformation is received and walked out by faith:
“The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
“We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Faith says:
“God is at work in me both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
“He who began a good work in me will complete it” (Philippians 1:6).
“The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2).
You can expect the Holy Spirit to:
Convict you lovingly where change is needed.
Supply power to obey.
Manifest Christ’s life in you in increasing measure.
5. Practical Application: Walking in Transformation
Here are five concrete steps to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in transformation.
1) Surrender Daily to Christ’s Lordship
Transformation begins with yieldedness.
Present your body “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
Pray daily: “Lord Jesus, I belong to You. I surrender my will, my desires, my plans. Rule in me today.”
Yieldedness invites the Spirit’s power. Resistance quenches Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
2) Immerse Yourself in the Word and Agree with It
The Word is the primary tool the Spirit uses to renew your mind.
Set a daily time in Scripture.
Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate it (Psalm 119:18).
When you see a truth, confess it over your life (e.g., “I am a new creation in Christ” – 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Replace negative, sinful, or fearful thoughts with spoken Scripture (Matthew 4:4; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
3) Cultivate the Presence of God in Prayer and Worship
Transformation accelerates in God’s manifest presence.
Spend time in worship, not just petition.
Pray in the Spirit (tongues) regularly (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20).
Wait in silence, allowing the Spirit to search and speak to your heart (Psalm 139:23–24).
As you behold His glory, you are changed (2 Corinthians 3:18).
4) Walk in the Spirit, Not in the Flesh
Paul gives a clear command:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Practically:
Be quick to obey inner promptings of the Spirit.
When you sense temptation, turn immediately to the Lord, confess your dependence, and resist.
If you fall, repent quickly, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9), and rise again. Do not partner with condemnation (Romans 8:1).
Make decisions that favor your spirit over your flesh: what you watch, read, listen to, and who you associate with.
5) Use Your Authority in Christ Against Strongholds
Some patterns require active warfare:
Identify recurring sinful patterns or lies (e.g., “I will never change,” “God can’t use me”).
Renounce them verbally in Jesus’ name.
Declare God’s truth in their place (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13).
If necessary, seek deliverance ministry and godly counsel (James 5:16).
Remember: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
6. Key Scriptures on Transformation (with Brief Commentary)
Romans 12:1–2
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice… And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
This shows transformation as a command and a process. It involves surrender (v.1) and mind renewal (v.2), resulting in discernment of God’s will.
2 Corinthians 3:18
“We all… 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.”
The central text on transformation. The means: beholding His glory. The agent: the Spirit. The result: progressive Christ-likeness.
Romans 8:29–30
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…”
Transformation is not optional; it is God’s predestined purpose for every believer. Justification leads to glorification, with transformation in between.
Galatians 5:16, 22–23
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Shows the practical pathway (walk in the Spirit) and the visible evidence (fruit) of transformation in character.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Establishes the new identity that undergirds transformation. We don’t change to become new; we are new, therefore we change.
Ezekiel 36:26–27
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes…”
Old Testament promise of inner transformation and Spirit-empowered obedience, fulfilled in the New Covenant.
Philippians 2:12–13
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Balances human responsibility (“work out”) with divine enablement (“God who works in you”). Transformation is cooperation with God’s inner working.
Conclusion
Transformation is God’s ongoing miracle in the believer: the restoration of His image, the reproduction of Christ’s character, and the manifestation of His power in and through us. It is rooted in Christ’s finished work, applied by the Holy Spirit, and walked out by faith and obedience.
You are not stuck. You are not doomed to repeat the past. In Christ, by the Spirit, you are being transformed from glory to glory. Yield to Him, immerse in His Word, cultivate His presence, walk in the Spirit, and exercise your authority in Christ. The Holy Spirit is committed to finishing what He started in you.