INTIMACY FOR TRANSFORMATION (1)

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image” – 2 Corinthians 3:18a

The Word of God highlights the significance of Divine INTIMACY for TRANSFORMATION: “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 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 Cor.3:17-18). Intimacy with God, through the Spirit, leads to transformation, as we, with unveiled faces, behold the Lord's glory and are changed from one degree of glory to another. God is the Transformer of our lives. The closer we behold His Glory, the more we are changed into His likeness from glory to glory!

Our hearts cannot be freed through our knowledge or will-power, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit – God living inside us. This isn't just a freedom from, but a freedom for, a freedom to live in God's Presence and fulfil His Purpose. But, to what extent are we allowing Him to move in us – as a flowing river or like a puddle of stagnant water? We need to give the Holy Spirit room in and through us to manifest the Dominion of Christ, leading to our Transformation into the likeness of the Lord with ever-increasing glory. The basic principle of growth in life is that we are transformed into what we see; we become what we behold.

We are called to "behold" the Glory of the Lord with unveiled faces; that is, looking on Him openly and honestly, without any veils of doubt, fear, or self-reliance. The more we see His Glory, we’re transformed to reflect the same. This transformation is not something we achieve on our own, but something that comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. It is a work of God, not of our own effort. The secret to a Christ-like life is to be close to the Lord, looking upon Him every day. How willing are we to welcome the Holy Spirit to work in us? He’ll draw us to the Lord’s Throne and shape our lives to be more like Jesus Christ. This transformation is a process, a journey of growing in Christ-likeness. 

In another sense, “from glory” refers to the Old Covenant – the Law of Moses, while “to glory” connotes the New Covenant – the Gospel of Christ. Both have amazing splendor, but the New far surpasses the Old, especially in its supernatural power to transform, which is God’s ultimate purpose and destiny for Believers – to be transformed into the image of His Beloved Son (v.18; Rom.8:28-30; Phil.3:20-21). The key to this Transformation is Intimacy with God, a close relationship built on a foundation of faith and trust. When we spend time with God, seeking His Presence and Guidance, we are drawn into His Glory and transformed into His likeness.