In our last post, we considered Paul’s description of our sacrifice to God in Romans 12:1. Through Christ, the Great High Priest, all those He redeems become priests who no longer need an earthly mediator (1 Peter 2:5-9). All who are in Christ have access to the Father through the only true mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Through Christ, we now have confident access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). As priests, what kind of sacrifices are we able to bring? Our sacrifices are not for atonement. Christ is the once for all sacrifice for sin. We offer sacrifices of praise, generosity, and good works (Hebrews 13:15-16).
We are to be “living sacrifices.” This is essentially the sacrificing of ourselves in service of God’s will. A living sacrifice is one that is dead to sin and alive to God. We offer ourselves as a living sacrifice when we pursue godliness and holiness through the Holy Spirit who enables us. We offer ourselves as a living sacrifice when we work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, acknowledging that both the power and will to do so is God’s work within us (Philippians 2:12-13). In this post, we will begin considering Paul’s instruction as to how one presents himself as a living sacrifice.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Notice that Paul does not say, “Do not conform yourself to this world but transform yourself.” The Apostle uses passive voice verbs to describe how we are developed and shaped. We must be aware of the influences at work shaping and defining who we are.
The word “conformed” refers to the molding of one’s ideals and behavior according to a particular pattern or set of standards. The “world” refers to the spirit of the age under the influence of the Evil One as Paul describes in Ephesians 2:1-3. If we are to be living sacrifices to God, we must not allow ourselves to be squeezed into the mold of this rebellious and iniquitous world. The verb is in the present tense emphasizing the continual pressure the world applies in this attempt to conform us to their futile way of thinking and living. Though the enemy is relentless in his attempts to bring us under his influence, we must no longer walk as the gentiles walk in the futility of their minds, resulting from sin darkened understanding and hardened hearts (Ephesians 4:17-18).
If we are to be living sacrifices to God, we must not allow ourselves to be squeezed into the mold of this rebellious and iniquitous world.
Rather than allowing the world to squeeze us into its mold, we are to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Again, this transformation is passive. In other words, we do not transform ourselves. That is what the world of our day is attempting to do as men try to become women, women seek to become men and some claiming to be neither. They realize something is wrong with respect to their identity – their essential being. They know there is a sense in which they are not what they should be. They understand that they need to change. But the god of this world has blinded their eyes and darkened their minds. In pride and rebellion, they attempt to transform themselves. Sadly, they only end up perverting and degrading themselves. Yes, corrupt humanity needs a transformation. But only God can accomplish true transformation. That is why the verb is in the passive voice. We cannot transform ourselves.
Scripture often uses the words “conform” and “transform” synonymously as Scripture speaks of both transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18) and conformity (Romans 8:29) to Christ’s image. If there is a distinction in meaning, the word “conform” emphasizes the external shape or outward appearance consistent with a particular pattern. On the other hand, the word “transform” emphasizes a change from the inside out – a transformation of one’s nature. When we are truly transformed, conformity to the external pattern will follow. This is why salvation is not the mere adoption of certain rules and regulations. Salvation begins with a transforming change of heart which issues in conformity to Christ’s image.
Finally, the verb “be transformed” is also in the present tense, stressing the progressive nature of the change. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. This is why we often speak of “progressive sanctification.” Until we see Christ face to face (1 John 1:1-3) we must continue growing in the grace and knowledge of our Savior (2 Peter 3:18).
In our next and final post on the subject, we will consider how this transformation takes place.
