That’s not a word we typically use. Perhaps after a really bad accident, we might say someone’s form and appearance were transfigured beyond recognition… and not in a good way. But other than that, it’s not a word we are all too familiar with. So, what does it mean? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to be transfigured means “to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance; to transform outwardly and usually for the better.” And in the bible, it is translated from the Greek word metamorphoo, meaning “to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure” (i.e., think of a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into butterfly). But even in the bible it is only used four times, twice referring to Jesus’ transfiguration, and two other times in letters to the churches by the Apostle Paul.

Christ’s Transfiguration

If you grew up in church, your likely familiar with Christ’s transfiguration. The gospels tell us, “Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them” (Mark 9:2-3). And that “He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). It was a magnificent moment. And the disciples were dumbfounded.

It’s hard to imagine exactly what happened. The Gospel writers were no doubt limited by vocabulary. And artistic depictions certainly fall short (i.e., the title image). In fact, even Dallas Jenkins, the director of the acclaimed series The Chosen, said, “I have no plan to do that… depictions of angels or other glowing beings in film often fall flat… It’s just hard for filmmakers to take such an alien experience and make it feel life-like.” He is right. This was an absolutely glorious moment. And some things just can’t be faked.

The Christian’s Transformation

Which brings us to a controversial issue. The Greek word for transfiguration is used only two other places in the New Testament. And in both instances, it speaks not of Christ’s transfiguration, but of the Christian’s transformation. In the first, Paul tells the Christians in Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). And in the second, he tells the church in Corinth, “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 Corinthians 3:18). The word transformed in each of these verses is the same word used for the transfiguration of Jesus. Imagine that. The Christian being transfigured…

Biblical Christianity is more than just a set of beliefs, or religious mores, or church participation. Biblical Christianity is a transformation, a transfiguration, of our lives.

Furthermore, Paul tells us in these verses that not only is transformation possible, but what to do and not to do in order to attain to it (see Romans 12:1-2); and where we are to look for the power to receive it (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

So, if you’re like most of us, and struggling to see such a transformation in your life, let us ask some poignant questions after reviewing these verses:

• What are we presenting our bodies to?
• How are we allowing ourselves to be conformed to this world?
• How can we go about renewing our mind?
• Where are our eyes? What are we looking at, honestly?

How we answer these questions is critical if we are to experience a transformation, a transfiguration, of our lives.

Gang, just like Christ’s transfiguration, our transformation cannot be faked. No amount of acting will be convincing. It will simply fall flat. But we have been given the keys to unlocking a true, genuine transformation in our life. May we follow the instructions given us to attain it. May we look unto Jesus for the power to receive it. And in so doing, may we genuinely reflect the glory of the Lord to the world around us.