Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We quoted Romans 8 yesterday declaring that we are going to be conformed into the image of Christ. I also said that we need to begin that process by renewing our minds. Here it uses the word transform rather than conform. Is there a difference?

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The key words here are “transforming themselves”. That is not much different than the 12 step program AA where you recognize a change is required and you take steps to show everyone that you have changed. In this program they admit they have not changed and it is only by working the program that they can stay sober.

In Christ, being born again, you are already a new creature. The old man has passed away. The process of transforming the mind is one where the Word of God shows you who you are in this change. It is more of a process of discovery than it is in convincing yourself that a change is required. You already made that decision before you accepted Christ into your heart.

The real difference is that God does the transformation in conformance by the power of His Word.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Galatians 2:20a I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: 

Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Sanctification can only be attain thru the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. The question still remains as to why sanctification is necessary in the establishment of this new covenant which Christ established by His resurrection?

Allow me if you would to drag you all the way back to the beginning of all this and man’s original establishment of relationship with God.

Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Satan knew from experience that being in the presence of God makes you want to be like God. Adam and Eve walked with God every morning. We do not know how long they walked with God in that close personal, intimate relationship. Satan chose a time within that period that spoke something that was lingering in the heart and mind of Eve, to be like God.

In those moments before original sin, Adam and Eve had sanctification. They were separated unto God, holy, blameless and in deep personal contact with God. This is the meaning of sanctification, to be holy and separated unto God and God alone. They lost that by original sin and were cast out into the world.

Now, thru the work of the Cross of Christ, we can restore that relationship by faith. God is satisfied and relationship is restored. We are once again in the garden walking with God. Guess what? That same desire is restored in us that once hounded Eve, to be like God.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Now we have this promise to be conformed in the image of Jesus Christ. The method of conformation isn’t instant and we must understand that the transformation process has to begin in our minds.