“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2Corinthians 3:18
LIGHT FOR NOW: The divine nature is expressed by beholding Christ. The more you see Him through the Scriptures, the more His life is reflected through you.
One of the greatest secrets of spiritual transformation is found in one word “Beholding”. Many believers spend their lives trying to change themselves. They focus on their weaknesses. They struggle against their failures. They become occupied with what is wrong. Yet Paul presents an entirely different approach. He says: “But we all… beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord…” The word “glass” in the King James Version refers to a mirror.
In the days of Paul, mirrors were made of polished metal. They reflected an image, though not as clearly as modern mirrors. Paul is teaching that the Word of God functions as a spiritual mirror. When we read the Scriptures correctly, we are not merely gathering information. We are seeing Christ. And as we behold Him, we discover who we have become in Him. The phrase “with open face” means with an unveiled face. Earlier in the chapter, Paul compares Moses with believers under the New Covenant. Moses wore a veil over his face. But in Christ, the veil has been removed. The believer can now behold God’s glory without obstruction because Jesus has perfectly revealed the Father.
Paul then says: “Are changed into the same image…” The word “changed” is the Greek word metamorphoō, from which we derive the English word metamorphosis. It describes an inward transformation that gradually becomes visible outwardly. Just as a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis and emerges as a butterfly, the believer is continually transformed as he beholds Christ. Notice something remarkable. Paul does not say we are changed by merely trying harder. He does not say we are changed by self-effort. He says we are changed by beholding.
The object of our attention determines the direction of our transformation. If a believer constantly beholds fear, fear shapes him. If he continually beholds the world, worldly thinking shapes him. But when he continually beholds Christ, the life of Christ is increasingly manifested through him. This is why the Gospels are so precious. They reveal Christ. The Epistles explain Christ. The entire Bible ultimately points to Christ. The more you know Him, the more the divine nature finds expression in your daily life.
Paul also says we are changed: “From glory to glory”. This speaks of progressive transformation. The believer does not arrive at complete maturity in one day. Growth is continual. Each revelation of Christ produces another measure of transformation. Each encounter with His Word deepens our conformity to His image. Finally, Paul says this transformation happens: “Even as by the Spirit of the Lord”.
The Holy Spirit is the divine agent of transformation. He does not merely give us information. He illuminates Christ to our hearts. He takes the truths of Scripture and makes them living realities within us. This should encourage every believer. Your transformation does not depend solely upon your strength. It depends upon your willingness to behold Christ while yielding to the Holy Spirit. The divine nature within you longs to express itself. As you continue fixing your eyes upon Jesus, the Spirit faithfully works within you, making your outward life increasingly resemble the One who lives within you
INSTRUCTION: Make it your priority today to behold Christ in the Scriptures. Read the Word with the desire to know Him, trusting the Holy Spirit to transform you into His image.
CONFESSION: Father, thank You for revealing Your Son through the Scriptures. As I behold Christ, let Your Spirit continually transform me into His image. May the divine nature within me become increasingly visible in my thoughts, words, and actions, in Jesus’ name, Amen. Glory!
For More Light; get the message, “Now we are in Christ” by Dr. John Linus
QUOTE: The believer is transformed less by striving to imitate Christ and more by continually beholding Christ.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: 2CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 3; EVENING: HEBREWS CHAPTER 12:1-3
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 