December 27, 2004

THE GREAT TRANSFORMER

"Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Philippians 3:21, NKJV).

In his focus on heaven, the apostle Paul reminds Christians that their citizenship is in heaven as a present reality. While living on earth in the here and now, Christians are in a special sense already enjoying heavenly citizenship (see Philippians 3:20). Those who eagerly await the blessed hope and Jesus' glorious appearing, experience a process of transformation until they become like Christ in character. "The work of transformation must be done now."--The Adventist Home, p. 16.

The ultimate transformation is to be effected at the glorious appearing of Christ. In a final radical act, Christ will "transform our lowly body [so] that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Philippians 3:21, NKJV). The present transformation of character into Christ's likeness is an ongoing spiritual process, while the transformation of the body will be a single instantaneous act (see 1 Corinthians 15:52). This change is the Redeemer's finishing touch in the work of redemption. In this final transformation, we shall be like Christ while preserving our original identity (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-50). Then the redeemed will enjoy a perfect humanity in a perfect world in the presence of a perfect God.

Eden lost will finally become Eden restored. "Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image; but Christ came to restore that which had been lost. He will change our vile bodies, and fashion them like unto His glorious body. The mortal, corruptible form, devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and immortal."--The Great Controversy, p. 645.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I await the ultimate transformation when my lowly body will become like Your glorious body. Amen.