Already but not yet (Part 2)

2  Corinthians 3:18 " And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 

1. “Are being transformed” - Process in santification. Piper says that beholding this glory changes us and heals us. This verse gives me great comfort, because there is no timetable on this. I don't have to be made perfect in certain areas of my walk with Christ today, yet we are to “be holy as he is holy” (1 Peter 1:13-14). This is an interesting twist. I am being made into Christ's character in process, and he is patient with me. Yet, I am still to strive for holiness- which is perfection that I can not attain. So many times I find myself discouraged that I am not holy and never will be. This is the frustration and beauty of God's grace. Although I am to press toward the mark (Phil 3:14), when I fall, he is patient and does not let me go.

2. “Into the same image”- Transformed into the very nature of Christ. Not that we would be equal with God in ability or his divinity, but his nature and character in obedience to the Father. What a thought, that I am being transformed into the same image and character of God himself through the power of his Spirit! This is truly a gift of God, only by his grace.

3. “One degree of glory to another”...This will one day be perfected in heaven, when our glorified bodies will be shown...I'm not sure what this one means...but it shows that we won't become like the image we strive in an instant. It takes time.

   I love that this verse doesn't mean that I have to do much. We grow in community, naked and unashamed, beholding the glory of Christ and that changes us. My role is the behold the glory of Christ in a way where I am not ashamed, hidden, or fearful- for the Spirit gives freedom but the letter gives death. God takes care of the rest and changes us into his image. But we must realize these things to grow.