Spiritual Transformation

To understand the Christian perspective of spiritual transformation, it is critical to understand that such transformation is what the Christian path is all about. From the earliest times of Christianity, the goal of Christian practice, as well as the expected effects of accepting the path, have been transformations of the spiritual life that extend to every aspect of the individual and the community.

However, this goes beyond normal notions of transformation as a process focused on, and effected by the individual. In Christian understanding, the agent of transformative power is outside of the self, with its own personality and directives. We refer to this being as the Holy Spirit and understand it as the essence and power of God.

As stated, we believe this being to be possessed of its own will and directive, which are one and the same as those of God, for this being is God. To understand its goals, we must understand the personality of God. Many things can be said about this. However, the words of Paul are sufficient to artfully capture the core of that personality from which all else flows. God is love, love that does not fail, and does not keep records of wrongs, and perfect love that casts out all fear.

As the spirit of God is the agent of communicating this reality to us, it reveals to us the divine personality. In conjunction, the transformation it accomplishes in us happens when we allow it to enter our existence. When the spirit is received, not only is this divine nature of love exposed to the individual, the Spirit begins to act on the individual to transform behavior and even personality. It is the objective of the Spirit to reshape and resurrect every aspect of the human person. Those who have accepted this gift know of such effects. Love, patience, kindness, peace, joy, power. All these things are gifts developed through the metamorphosis that is begun when we accept the divine power and allow it to work its spiritual transformation in us.