11/12/2025 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:7) / Comment below – Lexicology and Etymology: “Transformed” or “Metamorphoo”? , Which strikes you as more powerful and at least closer?
“What understanding do you have of the salvation of your soul? The work of salvation means that in your real life things are dramatically changed. You no longer look at things in the same way. Your desires are new and the old things have lost their power to attract you. One of the tests for determining if the work of salvation in your life is genuine is — has God changed the things that really matter to you? If you still yearn for the old things, it is absurd to talk about being born from above — you are deceiving yourself. If you are born again, the Spirit of Ghod makes the change very evident in your real life and thought. And when a crisis comes, you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing change that is the very evidence that you are saved.
What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I squirm and evade the issue? True salvation, worked out in me by the Holy Spirit, frees me completely. As long as I ‘walk in the light as He is in the light’ (1 John 1:7), God sees nothing to rebuke because His life is working itself into every detailed part of my being, not on the conscious level, but even deeper than my consciousness.”
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Soli Deo Gloria!
Comment insert:
I searched duckduckgo on “metamorphoo instances in the Bible” and it returned this answer :
steventwell.net / casting my net.com
The term “metamorphoo” appears four times in the New Testament, specifically in the contexts of Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2, and in Paul’s letters in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, where it refers to the transformation of believers into the image of Christ. This word signifies a profound change that reflects an inward reality, often associated with spiritual renewal and glory.
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“Instances of “Metamorphoo” in the Bible
The Greek word “metamorphoo,” meaning to transform or transfigure, appears four times in the New Testament. Here are the specific instances:
1. Transfiguration of Jesus
- Matthew 17:2: Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming white as light.
- Mark 9:2: Similar account as in Matthew, where Jesus is transformed and his appearance becomes radiant.
2. Transformation of Believers
- Romans 12:2: Paul urges believers not to conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, indicating a spiritual metamorphosis in their lives.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18: Paul describes how believers are being transformed into the image of the Lord, reflecting his glory from one degree of glory to another.
Summary of Meaning”
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The term “metamorphoo” signifies a profound change that reflects an inner reality. In the context of Jesus, it highlights his divine nature revealed to the disciples. For believers, it emphasizes the ongoing transformation into Christ’s likeness through spiritual renewal.
I would still like to learn Greek and Hebrew, but that’s ok. As I noted yesterday, all words are weak, when trying to say explain the LORD’s essence, even for the messengers like Ezekiel, John and Paul who experienced the LORD up close and personal. My take: the word “metamorphoo” comes closer than “transformed”, as in caterpillar to butterfly. That caterpillar goes through a lot of pain to get to butterfly! Check out the four verse instances of metamorphoo!
In terms of Lexicology and Etymology, I am still fighting through a “kindergarten”experience. But even in little fights like this, you just continue to fight, disregarding any comparisons to others. haha. We are one body in Christ, created in His image, but we are unique creations as well. I submit there will never be another you from the LORD’s perspective! So, we should strive for synergy within the body, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. You know what? It’s messy in this world!
In a YouTube presentation, I remember Jordan Peterson asking his class: Is there anyone on the planet that you cannot learn something from?
Always connected through prayer and by His grace!
Love,
Jimmy