Reformation or Transformation?  
 

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

Rather than a social, political, or moral reformer, Jesus came into the world to be a heart transformer. The heart is purified through obedience to the truth (1 Pt 1:22). He came to seek and save the lost. (Lk 19:10) Saving the lost involves transforming their lives. In other words, it is His will that we be “transformed” (Gr. metamorphoo, the word from which we get metamorphosis), rather than merely reformed (cf. Rom 12:2).

Reformation brings about cosmetic change, whereas transformation brings about change deeply from within. It is like fixing up a broken down old car. You can give it a new paint job, new tires and new upholstery and it will look much better and draw compliments from passersby, but unless you have fixed the old engine it is not going anywhere. To get it going you are going to have to do something about that engine first.

I fear that too much of our “gospel preaching” is spent in telling folks how to do great paint jobs and not enough on how to change engines. Transformed hearts will indeed reform lives, but so can other factors. It takes believing and obeying the gospel of Christ from the heart to bring about true transformation. It takes being born again (1 Pt 1:23). Then we need constant reminders as to how to stay transformed (Rom 12:2)

 

 Other Articles by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

Be Careful With the Blame Game
Is Unrestricted Loyalty a Virtue?
A New Dogma
How to Raise a Heartache
The Right Baptism
Standing Alone